One thing the world can agree on is that social media is toxic. Although certain social media apps are not as toxic as others, since they do help us communicate, all social media platforms have their toxicity and non-toxicity.
From cancel culture to cyberbullying, there are ups and downs of all platforms. Apps such as Tik Tok, Twitter, and Instagram are examples of apps that have toxic platforms. To explain this, Tik Tok is a social platform where, if you go viral, you become an influencer. Some examples are Addison Rae, Avani Greg, Charli D'amelio, or Nessa Barret. These influencers are known for being “canceled”, they also have been body-shamed and have gotten many rumors spread about them, such as having surgery to be shorter and their sexuality being assumed.
But to go into depth with the problems that come with social media, I will address 5 reasons/problems of social media that make it toxic and harmful for mental health.
Cyberbullying:
Cyberbullying is a reason why social media is so toxic. Although bullying can happen in person in many ways, cyberbullying is an escape for bullies to do their “damage” outside of public places. Cyberbullying and bullying are harmful in general, not only physically but mentally, it can make the victim mentally unstable or drive them over the edge. This is why cyberbullying is a big topic and issue in the world. Bullying and making fun of people is also something that has been around for centuries, but as technology progresses cyberbullying will expand and the only thing we can do is be considerate. Express your anger or feelings in a proper manner before you result in cyberbullying.
Discrimination/Racism:
Discrimination and racism are problems that happen online often. America has had its fair share of racist leaders in the past years, these leaders have had their loyal followers go to social media to let their anger out. This is toxic and doesn’t leave a great foundation because you can never know who you will encounter on social media with racism being something that happens all the time. Racism is something that is built into America’s foundation but with time and hard work we can only hope to see a change.
Body Shaming:
Body shaming is a complication that is hard to deal with. Although body positivity has become more common, body shaming is still a problem and is extremely toxic and mentally harmful. In the past year, there have been many body positivity influencers such as Sienna Mae Gomez and Xbrooklyne (or Brooklyne Webb), who have been working to stop body shaming and help people with their insecurities. Body shaming doesn’t only mentally harm people and create a toxic environment, but it also grows people’s insecurities. Although people have different mindsets about hateful comments, the majority of the time people can't take this and can’t see themselves in their beauty standards but instead see themselves in the rest of the world.
Predators:
Minors can become chosen victims through social media. Being overly exposed on social media by spreading a large amount of your information can cause serious situations. Once a crime is committed against a person, this pierces horrible memories in the victim’s minds. Causing them harm to their mental health and possibly even more. This is one of the many ways why social media harms mental health.
Homophobia:
Homophobia is everywhere and even though people have the right to express their opinions it is sometimes hurtful, especially amongst teenagers. Teenagers have become more open to expressing their sexuality on social media and when someone that is anti-homophobia hears or sees these negative comments can be made. This creates a toxic space for them and will not want to return.
In the past couple of paragraphs, I have discussed five major topics that make almost all social media apps extremely toxic and harmful to mental health. I hope you have learned what you can about these topics and keep learning about them.