The Illusion of Connection

Social Media: Where narcissism meets insecurity

My children relentlessly try to convince me that they must use Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat 24/7, because of the many “benefits”. Kids say it is essential to stay connected, read latest news, network with old and new friends.

A quick google “research” suggests that social media are great for business and marketing purposes, can help learn and educate children, and promote social activism. Cosmopolitan says social media can foster creativity and help teens express themselves. Apparently TikTok is also a source of great entertainment for everyone with IQ below 75. Guardian wrote that it helps people get a “global perspective” on current political and social issues…

Sounds amazing!

Before I read any further, can you summarise the “cons” of using social media?

Yes - fucking plenty…

Studies have shown that use of social media (even limited) is linked to:

• increased anxiety,

• depression,

• poor sleep quality,

• low self-esteem,

• unrealistic life expectations,

• exposure to cyberbullying,

• reduced attention span,

• social isolation,

• addictive behaviours,

• impaired communication skills,

• body image issues,

• fear of missing out,

• exposure to violent or inappropriate content,

• severe privacy risks,

• amplified peer pressure,

• academic distraction,

• reduced levels of physical activity,

• increased exposure to online scams and fraud vulnerability regardless of age,

• impaired language skills,

• impaired writing skills,

• disruption to family time,

• distorted perception of reality,

• increased aggression,

• social comparison and envy,

• Increased risk of identity theft,

• increased materialism,

• escapism and avoidance or reality,

• reduced face-to-face interactions with other people,

• over reliance on social validation,

• significant increase in the risk of radicalisation,

• dramatic exposure to misinformation,

• increased emotional desensitisation,

• eroded attention to detail,

• impulsive behaviours,

• heightened future anxiety,

• weakening of coping mechanisms and reduced resilience,

• exposure to online predators,

• difficulty separating facts from fiction,

• reduced patience,

• reduced persistence,

• normalisation of risky behaviours,

• distraction from or inability to achieve personal goals,

• overexposure to targeted advertising,

• misrepresentation of personal identity,

• increased pressure to maintain online presence,

• reduced interest in hobbies,

• unrealistic success and beauty standards,

• misalignment with cultural values,

• disconnection from nature,

• increased societal polarisation,

• over reliance on digital communities,

• tribal behaviours and erosion of local community ties,

• intensification of echo chambers,

• undermining of traditional learning methods,

• distraction from long-term planning,

• expectation of immediate rewards,

• reduction in value placed on personal experiences,

• potential for encouraging superficial relationships,

• weakened problem-solving skills,

• reduced empathy in interpersonal relationships

…just to name a few…

Even the few „benefits” appear weak on closer examination: connectivity, staying informed, networking, marketing, learning, activism, creativity, entertainment, broadening of perspectives… Hardly any „pros”, and most don’t stand scrutiny on closer examination.

Even a quick reflection on the alleged benefit of “connecting people” makes you wonder if you really need to have any real-life friends when you can opt for hundreds of digital buddies you’ve never met.

“News” are often provided in a closed “info bubbles” or “echo chambers” (which also makes me wonder how it helps with broadening of your worldview).

“Marketing” is hardly a benefit for the actual users of the social media platforms…

Social activism in recent years mostly led to destruction of priceless works of art rather than meaningfully impacting climate change.

I also believe that showing other people cat videos is hardly an expression of “creativity”, nor a high-level “entertainment”.

So let’s start with a more in-depth review of the impact of the use of social media on people who actually use them from a more scientific perspective on how Instagram, Facebook or TikTok impact the well-being of its users.

Anxiety

The use of social media has brought about a rise in anxiety-related issues among users. Constant exposure to curated and idealized representations of others' lives on platforms like Instagram and Facebook can lead to social comparison anxiety (Tandoc et al., 2015). The fear of missing out (FOMO), triggered by seeing others' exciting activities and achievements, can contribute to anxiety and a sense of inadequacy (Przybylski et al., 2013).

Moreover, the pressure to maintain an online persona, respond promptly to messages, and accumulate likes and followers can result in performance anxiety and a constant need for validation (Andreassen et al., 2017). To mitigate such anxiety, it's essential for individuals to set boundaries, limit screen time, and curate their online experience mindfully (Primack et al., 2017).

Depression

For adults, the use of social media has been associated with an increased risk of depression. The constant exposure to carefully curated representations of others' lives can foster negative social comparisons, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem (Tandoc et al., 2015). Additionally, the pressure to maintain an ideal online persona and the fear of missing out on social events can contribute to depressive symptoms. Adults may also experience social isolation as they spend more time online and engage less in face-to-face interactions (Primack et al., 2017).

Among teenagers, the relationship between social media and depression is particularly concerning. Cyberbullying, a prevalent issue on social media platforms, can lead to depressive symptoms and emotional distress (Kowalski et al., 2014). The constant exposure to peers' posts showcasing seemingly perfect lives can intensify feelings of inadequacy and contribute to a sense of social exclusion. Teenagers are more vulnerable to these negative effects due to their developmental stage, where self-esteem and identity formation are critical. The impact of social media on teenage mental health underscores the need for parental guidance and education on responsible social media use.

Impaired reading and writing

Concerns were raised even regarding the impact of social media on reading, writing, and language skills. Studies have indicated that the abbreviated and informal communication style prevalent on social media platforms can contribute to the degradation of traditional language and writing conventions (Baron, 2015; Thurlow et al., 2004). The prevalence of acronyms, abbreviations, and emoticons can hinder the development of strong written communication skills and negatively affect spelling and grammar proficiency.

Moreover, the constant exposure to bite-sized content on social media may reduce individuals' attention spans and their inclination to engage with longer-form texts, potentially impairing reading comprehension and critical thinking abilities.

Decline in students’ ability to count, write and think critically in OECD countries

The graph above shows a decline in students’ ability to read, count and think across all OECD countries. The start of the decline started in early 2000s, which coincides with introduction of social media platforms.

The declines appears to accelerate as social medial use becomes more prevalent. In PISA scoring system the decline of approximately 20 points is an equivalent to at least one year of education.

Please note that the following: correlation does not necessarily mean causation; and note that the Y-axis of the graph does not start at zero. For clarity, please note that the lowest recorded PISA score in any of the areas was 378.

Sleep Quality

Sleep disorders and reduced sleep quality have become increasingly prevalent due to the use of social media. Excessive engagement with social media platforms, particularly before bedtime (but not limited to it), has been linked to disrupted sleep patterns and poorer sleep quality.

The exposure to the stimulating content, such as notifications and engaging discussions, can delay the onset of sleep and interfere with the circadian rhythm (Levenson et al., 2016). The blue light emitted by screens further suppresses melatonin production, making it harder for individuals to fall asleep (Cajochen et al., 2011).

The addictive nature of social media may lead to individuals sacrificing sleep to stay connected, ultimately contributing to sleep deprivation and its associated health consequences.

This emerging body of research highlights the need for greater awareness of the adverse impact of social media on sleep and the importance of implementing healthy screen-time habits to mitigate sleep-related issues.

Activism

Political and Social Activism are often quoted as “benefits” of social media platforms. However, according to Gladwell, the role of social media in political or social revolutions and protests is overstated. On one hand, social media makes it easier for individuals to express themselves, yet on the other hand, it is harder for that expression to have a measurable impact in the real world. Activism and especially high-risk (real-world) activism involves strong-tie relationships, hierarchies, coordination, motivation, exposing oneself to high risks, making sacrifices - which are completely opposite to what social media expressions of activism are.

Social media are built around weak ties. Gladwell argues that "social networks are effective at increasing participation—by lessening the level of motivation that participation requires.”

Self-esteem

The utilization of social media has been linked to lowered self-esteem, with notable gender differences in its impact. Studies suggest that frequent exposure to idealized representations of others' lives on social media platforms can lead to negative social comparisons and diminished self-esteem (Perloff, 2014). Research indicates that females may be more susceptible to these negative effects, as they tend to engage in more appearance-focused social comparisons (Fardouly et al., 2015).

These comparisons often center on body image, which can significantly erode self-esteem, particularly among girls (Tiggemann & Slater, 2014).

In contrast, boys may be more affected by social comparison related to success and achievement, although both genders are susceptible to lowered self-esteem due to the pervasive nature of social media and the pressure to conform to societal ideals.

Social media is where narcissism meets insecurity.

- Ricky Gervais

Unrealistic life expectations

Research indicates that constant exposure to meticulously curated representations of others' lives on social media platforms can contribute to unrealistic perceptions of what constitutes a 'normal' or 'ideal' life (Vogel et al., 2014). These idealized depictions often focus on achievements, relationships, and material possessions, fostering a sense of inadequacy and discontent among users who may perceive their own lives as falling short (Perloff, 2014).

Individuals who engage in excessive social media use may experience heightened social pressure to conform to these unrealistic standards, leading to a cycle of unattainable expectations and emotional distress (Fardouly et al., 2018).

Exposure to cyberbullying

Exposure to cyberbullying represents a significant risk associated with the use of social media. Research has consistently demonstrated that social media platforms can serve as fertile grounds for cyberbullying behaviors, which encompass online harassment, humiliation, and intimidation (Kowalski et al., 2014). Victims of cyberbullying, particularly adolescents, may experience adverse emotional and psychological consequences, including increased levels of stress, depression, and anxiety (Hinduja & Patchin, 2010).

The anonymous nature of online interactions can exacerbate the harm inflicted on targets of cyberbullying. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to raise awareness about the consequences of cyberbullying, implement preventive measures, and provide support to those affected.

Reduced attention span

Studies suggest that the constant exposure to rapid-fire updates, notifications, and short-form content on social media platforms can contribute to decreased sustained attention and increased distractibility (Wilmer et al., 2017).

This phenomenon, often referred to as the "digital attention deficit," is particularly pronounced among heavy social media users. Frequent multitasking between social media and other activities has also been linked to shorter attention spans and decreased cognitive performance (Loh & Kanai, 2014).

The implications of this reduced attention span extend beyond the digital realm, potentially impacting individuals' ability to focus on tasks in the offline world.

Social isolation

Increased connections are often quoted in press as a benefit of using platforms like Facebook, Snapchat or TikTok. While social media platforms are designed to connect people, paradoxically, use can lead to an increased sense of isolation.

Some research suggests that individuals who spend more time on social media experience reduced face-to-face interactions and feelings of loneliness.

A study by Primack et al. (2017) found that young adults who spent more time on social media reported higher levels of perceived social isolation. This phenomenon may be due to the substitution of online interactions for in-person relationships, potentially leading to a decline in the quality and depth of social connections.

Addictive behaviours

The use of social media has been associated with addictive behavior patterns. Research has shown that the design and features of social media platforms, such as the use of variable rewards and notifications, can trigger addictive behaviours (Andreassen et al., 2017).

Individuals may find themselves compulsively checking their social media profiles, responding to notifications, and spending extended periods online. This behaviour can lead to further disruptions in daily life, reduced productivity, and heightened distress (Andreassen et al., 2017).

The addictive nature of social media highlights the importance of promoting digital well-being and fostering responsible usage to prevent or mitigate the adverse effects of excessive engagement.

Impaired communication skills

Daily use of social media has been linked to impaired communication skills. Research shows that engagement with social media platforms can hinder face-to-face communication abilities, particularly among younger generations (Konrath et al., 2018).

The reduced practice of in-person interactions may result in challenges such as difficulty in maintaining eye contact, interpreting non-verbal cues, and active listening.

The brevity and informality of online communication can lead to a decline in the depth and quality of written and spoken language skills (Vogel et al., 2014).

Body image issues

Exposure to images and content that idealize thinness, muscularity, and physical beauty can lead to negative body image perceptions (Perloff, 2014). Research indicates that such comparisons often result in body dissatisfaction, particularly among young adults and adolescents (Fardouly et al., 2015). This can subsequently contribute to unhealthy behaviours such as extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and even the development of eating disorders (Tiggemann & Slater, 2014).

Severe privacy risks

The utilization of social media platforms has brought to the forefront a myriad of severe privacy issues, with far-reaching consequences. The voluntary sharing of personal information, often without full awareness of the potential risks, can lead to privacy breaches, identity theft, and even tragic consequences such as harassment or violence.

Privacy breaches on social media are not uncommon. Individuals may inadvertently expose personal data, such as birthdates, addresses, or contact information, which malicious actors can exploit for identity theft or financial fraud.

For instance, cybercriminals have used information from social media profiles to answer security questions on bank accounts or gain unauthorised access to personal accounts.

Personal information shared on platforms can make it easier for harassers to locate and target victims. Tragic incidents of harassment have escalated to physical harm or even death in extreme cases. For example, cases of online harassment have tragically resulted in instances of stalking, physical violence, and suicide.

The collection of vast amounts of user data by social media companies raises concerns about mass surveillance and potential misuse of personal information for political or commercial purposes. The Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2018 highlighted the extent to which user data can be exploited for manipulating public opinion and elections.

Data posted on social media is a goldmine for data collection companies seeking to create detailed online profiles of individuals. Numerous companies employ sophisticated data-mining techniques to gather and aggregate vast amounts of personal information from various sources, including social media platforms, public records, and online activity.

Here's an outline of how these online profiles are constructed, traded, and ultimately used to target individuals.

People influence people. Nothing influences people more than a recommendation from a trusted friend. A trusted referral influences people more than the best broadcast message. A trusted referral is the Holy Grail of advertising.

- Mark Zuckerberg

A single post on a social media platform can leak users demographic information, their interests and hobbies, relationship status, employment and education information, political affiliations, health data, travel habits (including when homes are empty), consumer preferences, emotional state, information about social circles, precise location data (with every photograph), device information (which then infers users financial status), devices used to access platforms, websites visited before an after browsing social media platforms, screen resolution, operating system details, IP address of internet provider and physical location, plus all information about what the users does on the platform and how (over 500 data points can be collected on each interaction and “like”).

It's essential to note that data mining algorithms can analyze and extract information from both text and visual content, making it possible to draw conclusions even from multimedia posts. While these insights can be valuable for various purposes, including marketing and content recommendations, they also underscore the importance of user awareness and privacy protection on social media platforms.

Academic distraction

The use of social media has been a significant source of academic distraction among students and has raised concerns within the educational community. Multiple studies have demonstrated that students who engage in frequent social media use during study or classroom time often experience reduced focus, productivity, and academic performance (Junco & Cotten, 2012; Kirschner & Karpinski, 2010).

The constant availability of social media platforms on smartphones and computers provides students with easy access to distractions, such as notifications, updates, and the temptation to check their social profiles. This diversion from academic tasks can lead to decreased learning efficiency and, ultimately, hinder educational outcomes.

Reduced levels of physical activity

The use of social media has been associated with reduced levels of physical activity, contributing to a sedentary lifestyle. Studies have indicated that individuals who spend significant time on social media platforms tend to engage in less physical activity (Lepp et al., 2013; Maher et al., 2014).

The lure of continuous scrolling, watching videos, and interacting with online content can lead to prolonged periods of screen time, displacing opportunities for physical exercise and outdoor activities. The consequences of reduced physical activity are concerning, as they can contribute to a range of health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and a decline in overall fitness.

Fraud vulnerability

As people share personal information and engage with content on social media, they inadvertently provide cybercriminals with opportunities for identity theft, phishing attacks, and fraudulent schemes (Duffy et al., 2015; Hossain et al., 2017). Scammers often exploit the trust and openness inherent in social media interactions to deceive users into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. Age is not a determining factor, as individuals of all ages can fall victim to these scams.

In addition to increased exposure to scams and fraud, social media use can also make individuals more susceptible to falling for these deceptive schemes. The constant exposure to a wide range of information, opinions, and advertisements on social media platforms can lead to information overload and cognitive fatigue (Pennycook & Rand, 2020). As a result, users may become less discerning and more susceptible to misinformation and fraudulent offers.

The echo chamber effect, where users are exposed primarily to content that aligns with their existing beliefs, can also contribute to a lack of critical thinking and increased vulnerability to scams (Friggeri et al., 2014).

These factors, combined with the persuasive tactics employed by scammers, can erode users' ability to evaluate the legitimacy of online offers and make them more gullible targets.

Distorted perception of objective reality

The use of social media has been linked to a distorted perception of reality, primarily due to the curated and idealised content often presented on these platforms. Individuals tend to showcase only the positive aspects of their lives on social media while omitting negative experiences, creating a skewed representation of reality (Vogel et al., 2014).

This selective self-presentation can lead the users to believe that others lead more exciting or fulfilling lives. Furthermore, the dissemination of misinformation and fake news on social media platforms can further blur the line between fact and fiction, exacerbating the distortion of reality.

Aggression

The use of social media has been associated with an increase in aggressive behaviors and interactions. The relative anonymity and detachment from real-world consequences on social media platforms leads individuals to engage in aggressive behaviors they might not exhibit in face-to-face interactions (Kowalski et al., 2014; Anderson & Dill, 2000).

These behaviors can range from online harassment and cyberbullying to hostile comments and personal attacks. The nature of social media, where disagreements can escalate quickly and communication can be impersonal, contributes to an environment ripe for aggression, often later carried into real life.

Weakened problem-solving skills

Engagement with social media, characterised by rapid scrolling, short attention spans, and passive consumption of content, contributes to reduced cognitive abilities related to problem-solving (Wilmer et al., 2017; Loh & Kanai, 2014).

The constant exposure to bite-sized and often sensationalized information on these platforms may foster a preference for quick answers and shallow thinking, potentially undermining critical thinking and complex problem-solving capabilities. The implications of weakened problem-solving skills are relevant not only in academic settings but also in everyday decision-making and information processing.

Weakening of coping mechanisms

While social media platforms claims increased opportunities for connection and support, they actually foster detrimental habits and behaviours that erode mental well-being. Incessant stream of negative news, divisive discussions, and hostile interactions, combined with distorted and idealised representations of the lives of other people contribute to chronic stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion (Primack et al., 2017). The dopamine-driven quest for likes and validation, can divert individuals from healthier coping strategies and exacerbate dependency on digital platforms (Andreassen et al., 2017).

Normalisation of risky behaviours

A substantial body of research underscores how the constant exposure to certain attitudes on social media platforms leads individuals to perceive them as socially acceptable or even desirable. For example, the glorification of excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, risky stunts, or dangerous challenges through viral videos and posts can inadvertently promote such behaviours among impressionable users, particularly adolescents (Barry et al., 2017).

The phenomenon of "social contagion" on social media platforms can cause risky behaviours to spread rapidly, creating an echo chamber effect where users reinforce and amplify each other's risky actions (Bond et al., 2012).

Emphasising materialism, superficial beauty standards, and a constant pursuit of extravagance can normalise excessive spending, debt accumulation, and unhealthy body image perceptions, all of which carry their own risks and negative consequences (Roberts & Manolis, 2012). The constant exposure to these unrealistic and potentially harmful ideals can lead individuals to engage in risky behaviours to emulate what they perceive as the norm.

Escapism and avoidance or reality

The extensive use of social media has become a powerful catalyst for escapism and the avoidance of reality, raising critical concerns about its impact on individuals' mental health. Social media platforms offer an enticing escape from the complexities and challenges of real life, providing users with a curated digital realm where they can selectively present and consume content.

Engagement with social media leads to a form of “digital self-medication”, allowing individuals to avoid facing their emotional struggles and life difficulties (Shensa et al., 2017).

This avoidance behaviour is often driven by the allure of distraction, as users immerse themselves in the endless scroll of posts, videos, and news feeds to temporarily detach from their real-life responsibilities and stresses. Furthermore, the practice of idealising one's life on social media—a phenomenon known as "highlight reel" culture— fosters unrealistic expectations and comparisons, compelling individuals to escape into the pursuit of an unattainable digital perfection (Primack et al., 2017). Such escapism can hinder personal growth, resilience, and the development of effective coping strategies for dealing with life's challenges (Rozgonjuk et al., 2019). The consequences of this digital escapism are far-reaching, as it may contribute to a decline in overall life satisfaction, hinder the cultivation of meaningful relationships, and exacerbate feelings of loneliness and disconnection from reality.

Radicalisation

The use of social media has amplified the risk of radicalisation, presenting a grave and complex challenge to global stability and security. Extremist organisations have harnessed the power of social media platforms very early to propagate radical ideologies, recruit vulnerable individuals, and disseminate extremist content on an unprecedented scale (Berger, 2015).

The algorithms driving content recommendation systems on these platforms contribute to the risk by fostering echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs and expose users to increasingly extreme content (Marwick & Lewis, 2017). The anonymity and disinhibition effect of online interactions enable extremist recruiters to exploit the vulnerabilities of individuals searching for identity, belonging, or purpose, drawing them into extremist networks (Horgan, 2008).

The radicalisation process often begins with exposure to extremist content, followed by engagement with like-minded communities, and can eventually lead to acts of violence or support for extremist causes (Borum, 2011).

This surge in online radicalisation poses significant societal risks, as individuals can be swayed by extremist narratives and become motivated to carry out acts of violence or join extremist movements. And since the extremist content is presented only to selected individuals, the family, friends and social institutions (schools and workplaces) remain blind to the ongoing radicalisation process.

Governments try to counteract this threat by monitoring and removing extremist content, promoting digital literacy, and implementing counter-narrative campaigns (Winter & Margolin, 2017). The profound impact of social media on radicalization underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and proactive measures - which are not in place at the moment.

Distortion of personal identity

The onset of social media platforms has given rise to a troubling trend of misrepresentation of personal identity, where individuals curate idealised versions of themselves online, which are often not rooted in objective reality. This phenomenon has far-reaching consequences for individual well-being and societal norms. This selective self-presentation can lead to social comparison and the "impression management" effect, where individuals strive to maintain a facade that aligns with societal expectations (Marwick & Boyd, 2011). Such misrepresentation not only perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards but also fosters insecurity and feelings of inadequacy among users.

Furthermore, the manipulation of personal information and images on social media can contribute to self-deception (Strater & Richter, 2016). The anonymity afforded by online platforms allows individuals to impersonate others. This often extends to issues of privacy and consent. The consequences of this widespread misrepresentation of personal identity are profound, impacting both individual self-esteem and society's perception of reality.

Inattention and distraction

The use of social media has given rise to a crisis of individuals' inability to achieve their personal goals in real world. The perpetual state of distraction, where individuals find themselves easily drawn into the never-ending scroll of news feeds, notifications, and online interactions hinders the pursuit of meaningful personal and professional goals.

In today's world, attention has become a rare and highly sought-after commodity. The ability to maintain sustained attention and resist the constant allure of digital distractions is increasingly valued as a skill that differentiates successful individuals in the workplace.

Achieving any personal goals typically requires focused and uninterrupted effort, whether it's completing a project, pursuing higher education, or maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The constant interruption and fragmentation of attention caused by social media impedes these pursuits, contributing to a sense of dissatisfaction and unfulfilled potential.

Cultivating strategies for digital detox, setting strict boundaries on social media use (for example: one hour per week at a specified day of week) can help individuals regain control over attention and productivity in the real world (Wilmer et al., 2017).

Anything else?

Actually quite a lot, but you should get the picture now. Unless you are a marketeer, there are no benefits of using social media platforms. As time goes by a growing body of evidence seems to further reinforce this point of view.

Social media is the toilet of the Internet.
Everyone goes there, but there's nothing good to be found.

- Chris Brogan

Perhaps you will find the below references useful every time your choose scroll your social media feed:

References

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