Summary of Societal Impact of Social Media

## Introduction Social media refers to online platforms and apps (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc.) where people create profiles, share content, interact, and form communities. With about 69% of people worldwide using social media, it influences how we connect, learn, do civic action, and manage privacy. This guide breaks the major benefits and harms into clear parts and gives practical examples for a Not attending student. ## How social media works (broken down) ### Profiles and content - Users create a **profile** with basic information and may post text, photos, videos, links, or live streams. - Platforms use **algorithms** to decide which posts appear in each user’s feed based on engagement, relevance, and past behaviour. > Definitions: > **Algorithm:** A set of rules a platform uses to choose and order content for each user. ### Connections and networks - **Friends / followers:** Direct connections used to share content. - **Groups / hashtags:** Topic-based ways to find people with similar interests across locations. ### Data and tracking - Platforms collect data (likes, clicks, browsing history) to personalize content and serve targeted ads. > Definitions: > **Targeted advertising:** Ads shown to users based on their personal data and online behaviour. ## Major benefits of social media ### 1. Builds community and supports relationships - Social media helps people keep old friendships alive and form new ones across distances. Example: a student moving cities can join local hobby groups to meet people. - It can be especially valuable for shy people or those without local social pools (remote workers, adults out of school). - Practical application: Use group and event features to join study groups, volunteer meetups, or hobby clubs. ### 2. Encourages civic and political participation - Young people can express opinions, organize events, and fundraise. Historical examples: Arab Spring, Black Lives Matter, #MeToo. - Social media lowers barriers to entry so more people can engage in civic life. - Practical application: Create an event page to coordinate a local community cleanup or use a short video to raise awareness about an issue. ### 3. Promotes inclusivity and cultural exposure - Hashtags, groups, and bilingual content let people connect across cultures and identities. - Companies can use social media to extend diversity and inclusion efforts to customers and remote employees. - Practical application: Follow accounts from different countries to learn cultural perspectives, or join a language exchange group. Did you know that 80% of teens reported feeling more connected to friends because of social media according to a 2018 study? ## Major harms of social media ### 1. Cyberbullying and mental health risks - Cyberbullying includes flaming, trolling, doxing, outing, and non-consensual sharing of private images. - Statistics: 59% of teens reported being bullied online; victims under 25 show higher rates of self-harm and suicidal behaviour. - Practical precautions: Use privacy settings, report abusive accounts, keep evidence (screenshots), and take breaks when needed. ### 2. Misinformation and echo chambers - Algorithms amplify content that generates quick engagement, which can promote emotionally charged but false information. - Misinformation is especially harmful in disaster, health, and political domains (e.g., COVID-19 infodemic). - Practical strategies: Verify sources, cross-check with reputable outlets, and pause before sharing sensational posts. ### 3. Privacy risks and data exploitation - Platforms and third parties collect sensitive data (location, health, political views, photos) and can track users across apps and sites. - Risks include targeted manipulation, identity theft, and discriminatory advertising. - Practical steps: Limit app permissions, adjust privacy settings, avoid sharing sensitive personal details, and use strong passwords. > Definitions: > **Doxing:** Publicly r