When initially visiting the #mysocialtruth webpage, a global platform where young people can share their thoughts on social media, I realized that all of the comments were similar from around the world. First of all, I was extremely surprised at how young the participants were. The youngest posts were from 13 year olds who seemed very integrated into the world of social media at such a young age with a very mature awareness of their involvement. Most importantly, all of the comments described their experience with social media in a negative tone.

Many of them recognize the amount of time spent on social media and they report on their attempt to limit their time on social media. Many of the comments coming from the young people were commenting on how social media is “not for kids”, which is ironic because they are children themselves who are recognizing this sentiment. The participants have all recognized their addiction or obsession with social media, which is the first sign of someone on the road to recovery and a digital detox.

I believe this platform successful brings young people all over the world together to share their common thoughts on the effects of social media. The words, “obsession”, “numb”, and “addiction” are used multiple times throughout the platform and feature the negative effects of social media. Although I agree with the fact that too many young people are spending too many hours on social media and becoming addicted to its endless scroll of likes, acceptance, and lack of productivity, I believe that this site should also feature examples of the positive effects of social media.

In a recent study of teens in the United States on their views of social media captured in a survey:

“In total, 80% said social media gives them some level of connection to what is going on in their friends’ lives, 71% said it’s a place where they can show their creativity, 67% said social media reassures them that they have people to support them through tough times, and 58% said it makes them feel more accepted, according to the survey.”

(Holcombe 1)

These findings are all positive effects of social media and how kids can stay connected, especially during the shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They reported that they were grateful for social media as a way to spread humor and their achievements during the pandemic when schools were shut down and social interaction was limited.

The article also said that only 27% of all the participants found that their social media experience was worse than their parents opinions of it (Holcombe 2). When we say social media is a dangerous and addictive innovation, are we incorrect? No. However, I do believe we are inaccurately generalizing in that statement. Not every young adult has an obsession to social media and there are positive experiences with social media as well.

Therefore, I respect and empathize with the addiction these young people feel on the platform and respect the idea of showcasing young people’s views of social media around the world. However, I believe the website should express both sides of the equation in order to create a more accurate representation of young people’s views around the world.

Citations:

Holcombe, M. (2022, November 16). Teens say their experience on social media is better than you think. here’s why. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/16/health/teens-social-media-pew-survey-wellness/index.html

#mysocialtruth. #MySocialTruth. (n.d.). https://socialtruth.humanetech.com/