Many of us use social media platforms to stay connected with our friends and family. However, when we consume too much of it, it can become an addiction. Ironically, more teens and young adults around the world are becoming disconnected from the human experience while using the same apps that once brought us together.
According to Pew Research Center, 40% of adults say they use Instagram, and about three-in-ten report using Pinterest or LinkedIn. One-quarter say they use Snapchat, and similar shares report being users of Twitter or WhatsApp. TikTok, an app for sharing short videos, is used by 21% of Americans, while 13% say they use the neighborhood-focused platform Nextdoor. Comparing this to a majority of 18- to 29-year-olds, 71% say they use Instagram, 65% use Snapchat, and roughly half say the same for TikTok. These findings come from a nationally representative survey of 1,502 U.S. adults conducted via telephone from January 25 to February 8, 2021.
While there are some great pros to using social media, the cons outweigh the pros severely. Social media actually promotes antisocial human behavior. People get distracted by all the social apps and news and messages they receive, leading to all sorts of problems like distracted driving or the lack of gaining someone’s full attention during a conversation. Browsing social media can also feed procrastination habits and become something people turn to in order to avoid certain tasks or responsibilities.
In addition to the social issues these platforms are causing, teens blame Instagram and other social networks for increases in the rate of anxiety and depression. This reaction was unprompted and consistent across all groups.
Among the most concerning findings was that among users who reported suicidal thoughts, 13% in the UK and 6% in the US traced them back to Instagram. Another transatlantic study found that more than 40% of Instagram users who reported feeling “unattractive” said the feeling began on the app. About a quarter of the teenagers who reported feeling “not good enough” said it started on Instagram.
A spokesperson from the 5Rights Foundation stated that “In pursuit of profit, these companies are stealing children’s time, self-esteem, and mental health, and sometimes tragically their lives… This is an entirely human-made world, largely privately owned, designed to optimize for commercial purposes – it does not have to be like this. It is time to optimize for the safety, rights, and well-being of kids first – and then, only then – profit.”
To combat these issues, certain states are fighting back against these platforms. Utah has officially become the first state to place a 10 PM curfew on social media platforms for anyone under the age of 18. Wisconsin is following in its footsteps, according to WPR.org, “Wisconsin’s teenagers could see their access to social media limited under legislation being considered at the state Capitol.” Rep. David Steffen, R-Green Bay, says he’ll sponsor a bill that would give parents full control over their kids’ social media accounts and impose a curfew for social media users under 18. He says it’s an effort to address mental health concerns stemming from overuse of popular platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok, and to keep children safe from bullying, harassment, and even trafficking.
Overall, social media has become a significant part of our daily lives, and its impact is both positive and negative. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the downsides, especially for our youth. As technology continues to evolve, it’s crucial to prioritize safety, rights, and well-being over profits.
