Is Social Media Toxic or Not?

 

Over the last few years social media has grown tremendously. However, in recent times social media has brought more negative in peoples lives rather than positive. Social media has always supplied users with the ability to connect, inspire, and share. But now it has became more transparent that there is a downfall to those abilities. We can now look at studies and visually see the affect social media is having on users and their mental health.

In 2022 SimpleTexting conducted a survey that gathered statistics on social media and the affects in has on mental health and self image. The three platforms with the highest percentage of how it affects users mental health is 1. Instagram with 45% 2. Facebook with 26% 3. TikTok with 9%. All of these platforms are used to share content on, specifically in picture or video form. Comparing oneself with what one would see online has became a very toxic place. The survey also gathered that 68% of Gen Zers say Instagram has the most negative impact on their self image. While 53% of Americans say reading negative comments on social media impacts their day-to-day mental health. 

Realizing that these are only statistics on the negative impact social media has on mental health, it is impossible to say there are no positives to social media. However, these statistics should not be taken lightly. There is a major problem that is occurring with social media platforms and users. If actions are not taken to change them then these statistics could continue to grow. With 5.2 out of every 10 Americans needing to take a social media detox in order to save their mental health, there needs to be something done about this problem.