Why are people turning away from social media?
Over the years, we have witnessed the rapid growth of social media. And we have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. Unfortunately, the ugly has become uglier. Shootings, politics, and immigration are some of the significant drivers.
I like social media because it has allowed me to build my business and connect with people I might not have otherwise met. But, there is undoubtedly plenty I could do without. And I think most of us will agree with that.
Many people limit their feeds to very close friends and family. Others snooze and block people. Me? I keep strolling. 😊
But lately, as I watch people lose their minds over a variety of things, it becomes harder to watch. Everyone has an opinion. And I value that, but it is still difficult to watch some days. I am not even talking about people working out relationships, etc., online, and some of the bullying. For me, it is just painful some days.
And then of course, you are battling the ads, algorithms, and bots that want to create their own version of drama. And now with the emphasis on video and the burgeoning world of AI, many of those “videos” are AI-generated.
This week, I read an article that talked about the “slop” of social media. It was pretty interesting as it discussed how bad September was for people.
My partners and I have been working on a social media alternative for businesses, organizations, and individuals. It began in the mental health sphere. We are currently working with a large Australian Suicide Prevention organization. We are in the process of bringing major upgrades to an app, website, and tech-driven merchandise. This will allow organizations to cut through 100% with no bullying or drama.
So, what are the primary reasons people are leaving?
Mental Health Concerns
It is found that social media can contribute to anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy. The constant exposure to curated lives and highlight reels can lead to unhealthy comparisons and a distorted sense of reality. This leaves people feeling like they are “not in the game.” Weddings, achievements, and successes are only a part of the picture, but all too often, that is all one sees.
Admittedly, I work hard only to share “positive things” rather than being a contributor to the stream of negativity that is out there.
Information Overload & Burnout
I told my children and grandchildren that, as children, we did not have 24-hour news channels. TVs often went dark at midnight. Read a newspaper? You will need to wait until tomorrow. In my home, people were not allowed to call before 9 AM or after 9 PM. And now, with the endless stream of news, opinions, and updates, it can be overwhelming. Many users feel mentally exhausted from the constant notifications and pressure to stay connected. How many people send an email or a text and expect an immediate response?
Privacy & Data Issues
Concerns regarding how personal data is collected, stored, and used by social media companies have increased. Have you ever found yourself discussing a topic, such as cars or merchandise, only to have your feed soon populated with ads related to the same subject? High-profile data breaches and the misuse of personal information have led people to question the safety of these platforms. (X, Facebook, and Google have all been hacked.)
Desire for Authentic Connection
Many people get on social media to stay connected with friends and family. But some users feel that social media interactions are superficial. They’re seeking deeper, more meaningful relationships that aren’t mediated by likes, shares, or algorithms. I do think you can have both, but it requires work and time. All too often, the connectivity we seek remains aloof. And most people cannot build relationships with little more than a handful of people.
Time Management & Productivity
Social media can be a significant time sink. My wife refers to it as death scrolling. People are realizing how much time they spend scrolling and are choosing to unplug to focus on personal goals, hobbies, or spiritual growth. Most phones display your daily usage.
I hope this has been helpful. What will you do with this information? Will you apply it? Disregard it?
Our goal at Positive News For You is to equip you with life skills that enhance your world.
