According to the social media addiction quiz, I'm identified as fairly reliant on social media, but there are far worse culprits! Still, it's good to be reminded that UK adults spend an average of 8 hrs 41 mins on screens every day, and 4 hours of that on smartphone apps alone (mainly social media). That's about a third of each day checking apps. Do you need to rethink your social media habits and the amount of time you spend scrolling?
One interesting result from Pew Research is that a sizable portion of adult readers obtain their news via social media. I find this number to be meaningful since it highlights how the landscape of information consumption is changing. Social media's ease of access to news has changed how we keep informed, highlighting the power these platforms have over public conversation.
Social media, I believe, has had a significant influence on society, both favorably and adversely. Positively, it connects people all over the world, builds communities, and gives different voices a platform. Social media's widespread use has not, however, come without drawbacks, including the potential for addictive behaviors, the propagation of false information, and the amplification of echo chambers. Utilizing social media with awareness necessitates finding a balance between the positives and negatives.
Completing this project reinforced the need for a critical examination of personal social media habits. It highlighted the fine line between staying connected and succumbing to potential addictive patterns. Additionally, the project emphasized the broader societal implications of social media, urging a thoughtful approach to its role in shaping information dissemination and interpersonal relationships.
Sources
Pew Research Center. (2023, November 15). Social Media and News Fact sheet. Pew Research Center’s Journalism Project. https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/social-media-and-news-fact-sheet/