Influence of Social Media

Social media has become a vital part of everyday life in modern times, changing how we interact with one another, communicate, and exchange information. Social media has a clear impact, with billions of users on sites like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. But this influence is diverse, involving positive and negative consequences.

Positive social media influence can be seen in movements like #MeToo and #blacklivesmatter. The #BlackLivesMatter protest started out as a hashtag in response to police brutality against Black people, but it really took off in New York City, especially during protests in 2014 after Eric Garner's death. In order to plan protests, share personal narratives, and create a feeling of community, social media was essential. Since then, the movement has spread throughout the world, promoting police reform and racial equality. New York City saw a surge in the #MeToo movement after Harvey Weinstein's allegations. Social media gave survivors an opportunity to tell their stories, which sparked a larger conversation about sexual assault and harassment. Numerous programs that support survivors and encourage workplace accountability have been sparked by the movement.

Cyberbullying and mental health issues are two negatives of social media. Due in large part to social media, cyberbullying has become a serious problem among young people in New York. Major consequences have resulted for victims of harassment, shaming, and threats, which have negatively impacted their mental health and general wellbeing. Addressing the effects of cyberbullying has proven difficult for communities and schools. 47.8% of students knew someone who has experienced cyberbullying, and 94.2% of students recognized at least one type of cyberbullying when discussed.

Social media is an effective tool that influences modern society and social movements, resulting in significant changes such as the #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter movements. But it's impossible to ignore social media's negative aspects, especially the increase in cyberbullying and its negative impact on young users' mental health.

http://educationnewyork.com/files/Cyberbully%20Final%20Report-1.pdf