The Growing Toxicity of Social Media

Social media has been a powerful and often positive addition to our society, integral to maintaining relationships and building new ones. However, the increased use of social media has also exacerbated its negative aspects, causing harm to its users both online and offline.

Trolling has long been a problem on the Internet. The earliest message boards and forums experienced trolling, or posters whose sole intention was causing a negative reaction. These posts are inflammatory or outright offensive, and rightfully receive negative attention and engagement. It’s important not to engage with these posts, as any attention will boost their visibility and reward the trolls for their behavior. Blocking and reporting any obvious trolls and their “bait” is the most effective way of discouraging them, despite how tempting it could be to respond.

Cyberbullying or online harassment is one of the most serious issues plaguing social media. Instead of trolling a group of people or websites, cyberbullies target a specific person to spread rumors, sending threats or shocking messages, or posting embarrassing photos or videos, some of which could be falsified. Cyberbulling could also progress to doxxing, or posting a target’s personal information such as their home address or employer information. Cyberbullying is just as harmful as offline bullying, and can and has lead to depression, anxiety or suicide. Blocking and reporting could help, but if the cyberbully refuses to give up, contacting the website administrators and local authorities would be required. If one sees cyberbullying in action, it’s necessary to step in and stop it before it progresses.

Social media users are often trapped in echo chambers, where the sites’ algorithms only show them content that confirms existing beliefs or fails to provide new or updated information. While initially used to ensure that users are shown the content they wish to engage with, it has effectively made users more polarized and intolerant of differing opinions. It is important to seek out and engage with different accounts and people rather than waiting for the algorithm to do it for you.

Cyberbullying, trolling and echo chambers are indicative of a broader issue - dehumanization of other users. It is easy to dismiss other users as just words on a screen instead of respecting them as nuanced human beings, especially when they say or do something you do not agree with. It is important to realize that most posts are made by people with lives, loved ones, triumphs and failures. Don’t behave online in a manner you wouldn’t behave in person. Some users unfortunately find out that behaving poorly online can have real life consequences, and have lost jobs or relationships.

Lastly, the most glaring issue of social media is its addictive nature. Algorithms keep users engaged, but to a detrimental degree. Users are too engaged in the platform instead of attending to other matters or engaging with other, more nuanced content. Scrolling through an app or website instead of interacting with those in our physical lives has, instead of making us more connected, increased the feeling of isolation. Loneliness leads to users chasing likes or engagement for any sense of socialization.

How do we create more positive social media experiences and engage with it in a healthier way? It’s important to be kind and respectful to others online, even if we do not necessarily agree with their opinions or actions. Any bullying or trolling should be reported, not engaged with. Individually, users should take frequent breaks from social media and understand its dangers and pitfalls. Parents and guardians should educate children about online safety and their use of social media should be heavily limited and/or monitored.

With more awareness, we can work together to create healthier social media sites and online interaction.