This project looks at how social media affects society and shapes the way people think, act, and see themselves. It covers both the good and the bad, while also sharing my personal experiences in the digital age.
After taking the “AM I ADDICTED TO SOCIAL MEDIA?” QUIZ, I realized I used social media way too much! The results stated,
You have a HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP with social media - well done! Congratulations! Psychologists estimate that as many as 5 to 10% of Americans meet the criteria for social media addiction today. But luckily, that's not you! Not checking social media every few minutes doesn't make you feel anxious, as you prefer to live 'in the moment' rather than through your apps. You use social media to your advantage, at work and to connect with friends and family, but you know when to put it away. Keep it up!
My survey results were not surprising. I mostly use LinkedIn for job searches and YouTube for visual podcasts, along with my guilty pleasure of watching police bodycam footage and court proceedings (blame growing up on Cops, Judge Judy, and The People’s Court).
The most interesting statistic to me is that about 64% of Americans say social media has a mostly negative effect on the way things are going in the country today. Given the current social media climate, I did not expect a majority to agree with my view that it is mostly negative. It shows how even widespread recognition of harm does not stop folks from staying glued to their screens!
Not to sound like an “80s throwback” complaining (yes, I still claim it even though I only lived in the 80s for one month and three days, its a great era!), but I think social media has created a kind of herd mentality. The “herd” follows in lockstep guided by the “cultural herd dogs” of social media, influencers, and trends that nudge them along. Individuality exists, but it’s often swept up in the momentum of the collective. It is especially striking when you look at Gen Z and Alpha! They spend hours scrolling and chasing trends, even when it is clearly stressful or harmful. It is like sitting in a pot that is slowly heating up, but by the time they look up and realize what is happening, they are already cooked!
Social media has become nearly unavoidable for young people today. Even though 64% of Americans believe it has a mostly negative impact on the direction of the country, meaningful change remains limited. There’s a clear gap between awareness and action—people recognize the problem, but accountability, enforcement, and effective solutions are still lacking. As a society, we need to pause, take this seriously, and commit to implementing healthier, more responsible practices moving forward.
SOURCE: Auxier, B. (2024, April 14). 64% in U.S. say social media have a mostly negative effect on country today. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2020/10/15/64-of-americans-say-social-media-have-a-mostly-negative-effect-on-the-way-things-are-going-in-the-u-s-today/