Social media has rapidly become one of the most transformative innovations of our time, revolutionizing how people interact, share information, and stay connected. Despite its widespread integration into daily life, an important question remains: has social media been a positive development? Recent research indicates that many users, especially younger ones, might harbor deep-seated regrets about its impact.
To gauge a product’s worth, it’s often insightful to consider how many users wish it had never been created. This is particularly true for addictive items like cigarettes or gambling, where users often find themselves regretting their choices despite ongoing enjoyment. Unlike addictive substances, everyday items like hairbrushes or bicycles typically don’t inspire such strong aversion, as those who dislike them can simply avoid using them.
Social media, however, is different. Despite its rapid global adoption, making it one of the most prevalent digital innovations, it can be challenging for people who dislike it to completely escape its influence. The sheer ubiquity of social media means that those who opt out may feel left out of important conversations, trends, and social connections.
The Rise and Reach of Social Media
The journey of social media began in the early 2000s with platforms like Friendster, MySpace, and, eventually, Facebook. By 2020, more than half of the global population engaged with some form of social media, highlighting its enormous reach. Typically, such widespread usage would imply that users appreciate these platforms, especially given that many are free to use. Yet, this assumption seems increasingly dubious.
For many users, especially teenagers, escaping social media’s grasp is nearly impossible. Platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram have become central to social interaction, leaving many adolescents with little choice but to engage. American teens, in particular, now spend nearly five hours a day on these platforms.
Gen Z’s Ambivalent View on Social Media
How does Gen Z truly feel about social media? Are these platforms valued tools, or do they resemble harmful products like cigarettes, where enjoyment is coupled with regret?
Recent data provides a clearer picture. A survey by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt and the Harris Poll reveals that about half of Gen Z users wish platforms like TikTok (47%) and X, formerly Twitter (50%), had never been invented. This regret is notable even though these users spend considerable time—averaging four hours a day—on social media.
The Addictive Nature of Social Media
The survey highlights the troublingly addictive nature of social media and smartphones. Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, argues that this addiction poses serious concerns, particularly for younger users. He advocates for stricter regulations, such as no smartphones before high school, no social media until age 16, no phones in schools, and increased unsupervised playtime for children.
The survey found that 60% of respondents believe social media negatively affects society, while only 32% see it in a positive light. Despite these concerns, only 36% support banning social media for under-16s, though 69% favor laws requiring companies to create safer, child-friendly versions of their platforms.
Legislative Responses and Industry Changes
In response to these concerns, legislative efforts are underway in the U.S. Congress. The proposed Kids Online Safety Act aims to address some of social media’s harmful effects by curbing addictive features and allowing users to disable personalized feeds. This would help make social media safer for younger users.
Additionally, some tech companies are starting to act. Instagram, for example, has announced it will make all teen accounts private by default, a measure intended to enhance privacy and reduce exposure to harmful content.
Haidt concludes by urging readers to consider a hypothetical scenario where a benign product like walkie-talkies caused significant harm to young users. If a third of users wished walkie-talkies didn’t exist but still used them extensively, society would likely demand safer alternatives. Haidt argues that the same principle should apply to social media companies: they must either improve their products to protect young users or stop offering them to children entirely.
