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Argumentative Essays About Social Media

This is a comprehensive resource to help you find the perfect social media essay topic. Whether you're navigating the complexities of digital communication, exploring the impact of social media on society, or examining its effects on personal identity, the right topic can transform your essay into a captivating and insightful exploration. Remember, selecting a topic that resonates with your personal interests and academic goals not only makes the writing process more enjoyable but also enriches your learning experience. Let's dive into a world of creativity and critical thinking!

Essay Types and Topics

Below, you'll find a curated list of essay topics organized by type. Each section includes diverse topics that touch on technology, society, personal growth, and academic interests, along with introduction and conclusion paragraph examples to get you started.

Argumentative Essays

Introduction Example: "In the digital age, social media platforms have become central to our daily interactions and self-perception, particularly among teenagers. This essay explores the impact of social media on teen self-esteem, arguing that while it offers a space for expression and connection, it also presents significant challenges to self-image. "

Conclusion Example: "Having delved into the complex relationship between social media and teen self-esteem, it is clear that the digital landscape holds profound effects on individual self-perception. This essay reaffirms the thesis that social media can both uplift and undermine teen self-esteem, calling for a balanced approach to digital engagement."

Introduction Example: "As political landscapes evolve, social media has emerged as a powerful tool for political mobilization and engagement. This essay investigates the role of social media in shaping political movements, positing that it significantly enhances communication and organizational capabilities, yet raises questions about information authenticity. "

Conclusion Example: "Through examining the dual facets of social media in political mobilization, the essay concludes that while social media is a pivotal tool for engagement, it necessitates critical scrutiny of information to ensure a well-informed public discourse."

Compare and Contrast Essays

Introduction Example: "In the competitive realm of digital marketing, Instagram and Twitter stand out as leading platforms for brand promotion. This essay compares and contrasts their effectiveness, revealing that each platform caters to unique marketing strengths due to its specific user engagement and content dissemination strategies. "

Conclusion Example: "The comparative analysis of Instagram and Twitter highlights distinct advantages for brands, with Instagram excelling in visual storytelling and Twitter in real-time engagement, underscoring the importance of strategic platform selection in digital marketing."

Descriptive Essays

Introduction Example: "Today's social media landscape is a vibrant tapestry of platforms, each contributing to the digital era's social fabric. This essay describes the characteristics and cultural significance of current social media trends, illustrating that they reflect and shape our societal values and interactions. "

Conclusion Example: "In portraying the dynamic and diverse nature of today's social media landscape, this essay underscores its role in molding contemporary cultural and social paradigms, inviting readers to reflect on their digital footprints."

Persuasive Essays

Introduction Example: "In an era where digital presence is ubiquitous, fostering positive social media habits is essential for mental and emotional well-being. This essay advocates for mindful social media use, arguing that intentional engagement can enhance our life experiences rather than detract from them. "

Conclusion Example: "This essay has championed the cause for positive social media habits, reinforcing the thesis that through mindful engagement, individuals can navigate the digital world in a way that promotes personal growth and well-being."

Narrative Essays

Introduction Example: "Embarking on a personal journey with social media has been both enlightening and challenging. This narrative essay delves into my experiences, highlighting how social media has influenced my perception of self and community. "

Conclusion Example: "Reflecting on my social media journey, this essay concludes that while it has significantly shaped my interactions and self-view, it has also offered invaluable lessons on connectivity and self-awareness, affirming the nuanced role of digital platforms in our lives."

Engagement and Creativity

As you explore these topics, remember to approach your essay with an open mind and creative spirit. The purpose of academic writing is not just to inform but to engage and provoke thought. Use this opportunity to delve deep into your topic, analyze different perspectives, and articulate your own insights.

Educational Value

Each essay type offers unique learning outcomes. Argumentative essays enhance your analytical thinking and ability to construct well-founded arguments. Compare and contrast essays develop your skills in identifying similarities and differences. Descriptive essays improve your ability to paint vivid pictures through words, while persuasive essays refine your ability to influence and convince. Finally, narrative essays offer a platform for personal expression and storytelling. Embrace these opportunities to grow academically and personally.

Some Easy Argumentative Essay Topics on Social Media

• The Impact of Social Media: Advantages and Disadvantages
• Is Social Media Enhancing or Eroding Our Real-Life Social Skills?
• Should There Be Stricter Regulations on Social Media Content to Protect Youth?
• Social Media's Role in Relationships: Communication Enhancer or Barrier
• Does Social Media Contribute to Political Polarization?
• The Role of Social Media in Shaping Perceptions of Divorce
• The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Benefit or Harm?
• Can Social Media Be Considered a Reliable Source of News and Information?
• Is Social Media Responsible for the Rise in Cyberbullying?
• Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
• Does Social Media Promote Narcissism and Self-Centered Behaviors?
• The Role of Social Media in Business Marketing: Is It Indispensable?

The Ethical and Health Implications of Social Media

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Social Media is Harmful to Society

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Pros and Cons of Social Media: Social Networking

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Social Media Cons and Prons: Evaluating Its Advantages and Disadvantage

The importance of staying safe on social media, impact of social media on our lives, social media: negative effects and addiction, discussion on whether is social media beneficial or harmful for society, negative effects of social media: relationships and communication, social media pros and cons, social media - good and bad sides, a study of the role of social media concerning confidentiality of personal data, how social media causes stereotyping, social media addiction: consequences and strategies for recovery, the role of social media in making us more narcissistic, the effect social media is having on today's society and political atmosphere, digital/social media, censorship in social media, why teenagers are addicted to social media and how it affects them, advantages and disadvantages of social media for society, enormous impact of mass media on children, the role of social media in the current business world, social media is the reason for many of the world’s problems and solutions.

Social media refers to dynamic online platforms that enable individuals to actively engage in the generation and dissemination of various forms of content, including information, ideas, and personal interests. These interactive digital channels foster virtual communities and networks, allowing users to connect, communicate, and express themselves. By harnessing the power of technology, social media platforms provide a space for individuals to share and exchange content, fostering connections and facilitating the flow of information in an increasingly digital world.

In a peculiar manner, the inception of social media can be traced back to May 24, 1844, when a sequence of electronic dots and dashes was manually tapped on a telegraph machine. Although the origins of digital communication have deep historical roots, most contemporary narratives regarding the modern beginnings of the internet and social media often point to the emergence of the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) in 1969. The year 1987 witnessed the establishment of the direct precursor to today's internet, as the National Science Foundation introduced the more robust and expansive NSFNET, a nationwide digital network. A significant milestone occurred in 1997 when Six Degrees, the first genuine social media platform, was launched.

Mark Zuckerberg is a notable figure in the realm of social media as the co-founder and CEO of Facebook. Zuckerberg played a pivotal role in transforming Facebook from a small networking platform for college students into a global social media giant with billions of users. His innovative ideas and strategic decisions have reshaped the way people connect and share information online, making him one of the most influential individuals in the digital age. Jack Dorsey is recognized as one of the key pioneers of social media, notably for co-founding Twitter. Dorsey's creation revolutionized online communication by introducing the concept of microblogging, allowing users to share short messages in real-time. Twitter quickly gained popularity, becoming a powerful platform for news dissemination, public conversations, and social movements. Dorsey's entrepreneurial spirit and vision have contributed significantly to the evolution of social media and its impact on society. Sheryl Sandberg is a prominent figure in the social media landscape, known for her influential role as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Facebook.Sandberg played a crucial part in scaling and monetizing Facebook's operations, transforming it into a global advertising powerhouse. She is also recognized for her advocacy of women's empowerment and leadership in the tech industry, inspiring countless individuals and promoting diversity and inclusion within the social media sphere. Sandberg's contributions have left an indelible mark on the growth and development of social media platforms worldwide.

Social Networking Sites: Facebook, LinkedIn, and MySpace. Microblogging Platforms: Twitter. Media Sharing Networks: Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat. Discussion Forums and Community-Based Platforms: Reddit and Quora. Blogging Platforms: WordPress and Blogger. Social Bookmarking and Content Curation Platforms: Pinterest and Flipboard. Messaging Apps: WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and WeChat.

Facebook (2004), Reddit (2005), Twitter (2006), Instagram (2010), Pinterest (2010), Snapchat (2011), TikTok (2016)

1. Increased Connectivity 2. Information Sharing and Awareness 3. Networking and Professional Opportunities 4. Creativity and Self-Expression 5. Supportive Communities and Causes

1. Privacy Concerns 2. Cyberbullying and Online Harassment 3. Information Overload and Misinformation 4. Time and Productivity Drain 5. Comparison and Self-Esteem Issues

The topic of social media holds significant importance for students as it plays a prominent role in their lives, both academically and socially. Social media platforms provide students with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge with peers, expanding their learning networks beyond the confines of the classroom. It facilitates communication and access to educational resources, allowing students to stay updated on academic trends and research. Additionally, social media enhances digital literacy and prepares students for the realities of the digital age. However, it is crucial for students to develop critical thinking skills to navigate the potential pitfalls of social media, such as misinformation and online safety, ensuring a responsible and balanced use of these platforms.

The topic of social media is worthy of being explored in an essay due to its profound impact on various aspects of society. Writing an essay on social media allows for an in-depth examination of its influence on communication, relationships, information sharing, and societal dynamics. It offers an opportunity to analyze the advantages and disadvantages, exploring topics such as privacy, online identities, social activism, and the role of social media in shaping cultural norms. Additionally, studying social media enables a critical evaluation of its effects on mental health, politics, and business. By delving into this subject, one can gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex and ever-evolving digital landscape we inhabit.

1. Social media users spend an average of 2 hours and 25 minutes per day on social networking platforms. This amounts to over 7 years of an individual's lifetime spent on social media, highlighting its significant presence in our daily lives. 2. Instagram has over 1 billion monthly active users, with more than 500 million of them using the platform on a daily basis. 3. YouTube has over 2 billion logged-in monthly active users. On average, users spend over 1 billion hours watching YouTube videos every day, emphasizing the platform's extensive reach and the power of video content. 4. Social media has become a major news source, with 48% of people getting their news from social media platforms. This shift in news consumption highlights the role of social media in shaping public opinion and disseminating information in real-time. 5. Influencer marketing has grown exponentially, with 63% of marketers planning to increase their influencer marketing budget in the coming year. This showcases the effectiveness of influencers in reaching and engaging with target audiences, and the value brands place on leveraging social media personalities to promote their products or services.

1. Schober, M. F., Pasek, J., Guggenheim, L., Lampe, C., & Conrad, F. G. (2016). Social media analyses for social measurement. Public opinion quarterly, 80(1), 180-211. (https://academic.oup.com/poq/article-abstract/80/1/180/2593846) 2. Appel, G., Grewal, L., Hadi, R., & Stephen, A. T. (2020). The future of social media in marketing. Journal of the Academy of Marketing science, 48(1), 79-95. (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11747-019-00695-1?error=cookies_not_support) 3. Aichner, T., Grünfelder, M., Maurer, O., & Jegeni, D. (2021). Twenty-five years of social media: a review of social media applications and definitions from 1994 to 2019. Cyberpsychology, behavior, and social networking, 24(4), 215-222. (https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/cyber.2020.0134) 4. Ruths, D., & Pfeffer, J. (2014). Social media for large studies of behavior. Science, 346(6213), 1063-1064. (https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.346.6213.1063) 5. Hou, Y., Xiong, D., Jiang, T., Song, L., & Wang, Q. (2019). Social media addiction: Its impact, mediation, and intervention. Cyberpsychology: Journal of psychosocial research on cyberspace, 13(1). (https://cyberpsychology.eu/article/view/11562) 6. Auxier, B., & Anderson, M. (2021). Social media use in 2021. Pew Research Center, 1, 1-4. (https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/04/PI_2021.04.07_Social-Media-Use_FINAL.pdf) 7. Al-Samarraie, H., Bello, K. A., Alzahrani, A. I., Smith, A. P., & Emele, C. (2021). Young users' social media addiction: causes, consequences and preventions. Information Technology & People, 35(7), 2314-2343. (https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/ITP-11-2020-0753/full/html) 8. Bhargava, V. R., & Velasquez, M. (2021). Ethics of the attention economy: The problem of social media addiction. Business Ethics Quarterly, 31(3), 321-359. (https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/business-ethics-quarterly/article/ethics-of-the-attention-economy-the-problem-of-social-mediaaddiction/1CC67609A12E9A912BB8A291FDFFE799)

Relevant topics

• Media Analysis
• Effects of Social Media
• American Identity
• Sex, Gender and Sexuality
• Discourse Community
• Social Justice
• Sociological Imagination
• Cultural Appropriation

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Argumentative Essay on Social Media

Today our world is full of a whole lot of opinionated people. Everyone loves to share what they think about almost any topic. Whether the topic is very important or completely irrelevant. Although everyone has opinions on things that are somewhat unimportant, some topics are worth discussing our opinions on. One of which that most definitely has some of the most diverse opinions on is social media. Many people think that social media is distracting, negative, and harmful, while others think it is one of the best things that has ever happened and are addicted to it. Some people love to scroll through Instagram or talk to people on Snapchat; However, they still think that the majority of the time social media is much more harmful than helpful. While Social media can provide a place to catch up with friends and things going on in the world, it also has the ability to completely tear lives apart and in some cases lead to depression or anxiety. People with social media should limit their time on these apps or even in some cases, delete the apps altogether due to the negative effects and all of the drama. 

How It Really Is

In contrast to what some people think, Social media is far more harmful than helpful. There are numerous reasons as to why social media is harmful, to start with, there is entirely too much drama and false information that spreads quickly all over social media apps. As a result of this, a whole lot of people are substantially more unhappy with themselves and with their lives. In some cases, social media is even likely to encourage people to do things they should not do and will regret later on in their lives. 

One example of this could be whenever somebody is bullying someone through Instagram and the pressure of being like everyone else could possibly make someone go along with it just because everyone else is doing it. Although a great deal of people claim they would never bully anyone, it is surprising how quickly social media can change a person and cause them to do things they wouldn’t expect to ever do. In the article “Social media websites can harm and help kids” by Nanci Hellmich, she states that “Facebook and other social media websites can enrich children’s lives, but they could also be hazardous to their mental and physical health” (Hellmich). 

This statement is completely agreeable because at first social media can be fun, but eventually it can become addictive and affect people negatively without them even realizing it. In quite a few instances, social media gets so awful to the point where people should delete it, however, it can be remarkably addicting, so people want to stay on it just to continue to see the drama and negative things happening instead of simply deleting the apps.

Not only does social media cause unhappiness and even depression in some cases, it can also be extremely distracting. For many people, social media is the most distracting out of everything in their lives. Not only does it prevent several important things, like doing chores or homework, it can even prevent spending time with friends and family, or even getting enough sleep at night. To start out, being on social media is mostly fun, however, the more time spent on it the more it gets to the point of taking over a tremendous part of people's lives. One example of this being a distraction is stated in the article “Social Networking: Helpful or Harmful”, “A lot of my friends and I spend a lot of time on Facebook, and it is often a big distraction from our work.” (Winkler), This is one of the various instances of somebody being distracted by and affected negatively by social media apps. This shows that social media being distracting is a problem many people with the apps face. 

Social media is quite a controversial topic in the world today. Some people believe it truly does have a negative impact on the world, while others may argue that social media is very entertaining and allows an opportunity to maintain connections with friends and family. Reports even say these sites and other technology can be useful to kids for staying in touch, socializing, entertainment, and even doing homework and that they can enhance kids’ creativity and help them develop technical skills (Hellmich). Although technology can be useful in some ways like for homework, it is more common that people will become distracted and end up on some other app while trying to do homework, which can lead to too much time spent online can squeeze out other important activities (Hellmich).

In conclusion, people with social media who believe that it is good for them should look around and see all of the various other ways it negatively affects others. Maybe if people who think social media is good and are not addicted to it start to encourage others to limit their time on the apps, our world today could become somewhat better with the relief of a little less negative effects caused by social media. With social media being as big of a deal as it is in our society, it is obvious that it is in all probability not going to come to an end. Although this will not happen, our society can prevent things like bullying and drama caused by social media by limiting our time on apps such as Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter. 

Works cited

Hellmich, Nanci. “Social Media Websites Can Help and Harm Kids.” USA Today 

28 March 2011, pg. 1.

Winkler, Travis. “Social Networking: Helpful or Harmful.” The Daily 

Pennsylvania, 17 March 2009, pg. 2.

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Argumentative Essay About Social Media : Topics, Tips & Examples

Are you struggling to come up with a topic for your argumentative essay about social media?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

With so many different opinions about social media, it can be difficult to know where to start. But fear not!

In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to craft a great topic for your essay, as well as how to start your essay and some examples of argumentative essay topics about social media.

How to choose a topic for your argumentative social media essay

Choosing the right topic is the foundation of a successful argumentative essay . Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect topic for your social media essay:

• Identify the hot-button issues: Look for the topics that are currently generating the most attention and debate on social media. For instance, the issue of online privacy has been a hot-button issue for some time now.
• Analyze current events: Keep an eye on current events and trending topics on social media platforms. For example, the recent controversy surrounding Facebook’s role in the 2016 US Presidential election is an excellent topic to explore.
• Identify your audience: Consider the demographics of your audience, and choose a topic that will resonate with them. For instance, if you are writing for a younger audience, you may want to consider a topic related to the impact of social media on mental health.
• Personal experience: Consider your own experiences with social media and the impact it has had on your life. You may be able to identify a unique perspective that will make for a compelling argumentative essay.

How to craft a title for your argumentative essay about social media

Now that you know what topic you want to write on, let’s talk about how to craft a title that will grab your reader’s attention and accurately reflect your argument. Here are some tips:

• Use descriptive language: Your title should give your reader a good idea of what your essay is about. Use descriptive language that accurately reflects your argument. For example, if you’re writing about the advantages and disadvantages of social media, you might use a title like “Navigating the Pros and Cons of Social Media.”
• Keep it short and sweet: Your title should be concise and easy to remember. Avoid long titles that are difficult to read or remember. A good rule of thumb is to keep your title under 10 words.
• Make it provocative: A provocative title can grab your reader’s attention and make them want to read more. However, be careful not to be too sensationalistic or misleading. Your title should accurately reflect your argument.

Examples of Argumentative Essay Topics about Social Media

• Should social media platforms be held accountable for the spread of misinformation and fake news?
• The Social Dilemma: Navigating the Pros and Cons of Social Media
• Scrolling to Depression: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
• Fake News, Real Consequences: Holding Social Media Platforms Accountable
• Swipe Left on Toxic Relationships: The Impact of Social Media on Modern Dating
• The Future of Work in the Social Media Age: Opportunity or Threat?
• Hooked on Social Media: The Addictive Nature of Online Engagement
• Lost in Translation: How Social Media Affects Cross-Cultural Communication
• The Algorithms Behind the Screen: The Need for Transparency on Social Media Platforms
• Democracy in Danger? Examining the Impact of Social Media on Political Discourse
• Growing Up Online: The Impact of Social Media on the Development of Young Minds
• Is social media addiction a real problem, and if so, what steps should be taken to address it?
• Should social media companies be required to collect and store data about their users’ online activities?
• Are social media platforms responsible for the rise of cyberbullying and harassment, and what measures should be taken to prevent it?

How to Start an Argumentative Essay about Social Media

Starting an argumentative essay about social media can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can create a compelling and engaging introduction that hooks your reader’s attention. Here are some tips and examples to help you get started:

• Start with a hook that relates to your argument about social media
• Use a surprising statistic or fact: “Did you know that more than 60% of people have witnessed online harassment on social media platforms?”
• Use a provocative question: “Is social media a tool for positive social change or a threat to democracy?”
• Use a personal anecdote: “When I was in high school, I witnessed firsthand the negative impact of social media on my friend’s mental health.”
• Provide background information
• Define social media: “Social media refers to a variety of online platforms that allow users to share information, connect with others, and engage in social networking.”
• Explain the history of social media: “Social media has its roots in early online communities like Usenet and bulletin board systems, but it wasn’t until the rise of platforms like Facebook and Twitter that it became a mainstream phenomenon.”
• Outline the different types of social media: “There are a variety of social media platforms available, including social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, microblogging sites like Twitter and Tumblr, and image-sharing sites like Instagram and Snapchat.”
• Present your thesis statement
• Focus on a specific aspect of social media: “While social media can be a useful tool for communication and entertainment, its addictive qualities and pressure to present a perfect image can have detrimental effects on mental health and well-being.”
• Take a stance: “Social media is a net positive for society, providing a platform for marginalized voices to be heard and allowing for greater social connection and community building.”
• Preview your main arguments: “In this essay, I will argue that social media is both a blessing and a curse, providing many benefits while also creating new challenges and problems that need to be addressed.”

How to Write the Body of a Social Media Argumentative Essay

The next section to write after the introduction is the body of your argumentative essay. Here are some tips on how to structure and write the body of your essay:

• Develop your arguments: In the body of your essay, you will need to develop the arguments that support your thesis statement. Each argument should be presented in a separate paragraph, and you should use evidence and examples to support your claims. For example, if you are arguing that social media has a negative impact on mental health, you could provide studies or articles that support your position.
• Address counterarguments: It is important to address counterarguments in your essay. This shows that you have considered different perspectives on the issue and strengthens your overall argument. For example, if you are arguing that social media has a negative impact on mental health, you could address the counterargument that social media can be a source of social support for some individuals.
• Use transitional phrases: Use transitional phrases to move smoothly from one argument to the next. This helps your essay to flow and makes it easier for your reader to follow your argument. Examples of transitional phrases include “in addition,” “moreover,” and “furthermore.”
• Provide a conclusion: Your conclusion should summarize your main arguments and restate your thesis statement. It should also provide some final thoughts or recommendations on the issue. Avoid introducing new information or arguments in your conclusion.

Example of an Argumentative Essay about Social Media

Title: Should social media platforms be held accountable for the spread of misinformation and fake news?

Did you know that your social media feed may be feeding you lies? In recent years, social media platforms have come under fire for their role in spreading fake news and misinformation. As more people turn to social media for their news and information, the potential impact of these falsehoods has become a growing concern. With debates raging about who should be held responsible for this spread of misinformation, this essay will argue that social media platforms must be held accountable for the consequences of the content they allow to spread. Social media has become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, and with the increasing amount of information shared on these platforms, the potential for the spread of misinformation and fake news has become a significant concern. It is no longer a question of whether social media platforms should be held accountable for the spread of such content, but how they should be held accountable. Firstly, social media platforms must take responsibility for the accuracy and truthfulness of the content that is published on their platforms. Social media platforms are no longer mere conduits for information; they actively curate the content that is presented to users through algorithms and other tools (Allcott & Gentzkow, 2017). As such, they have the ability and the responsibility to ensure that the content that is presented to users is accurate and truthful. Social media platforms must be held accountable for any content that is found to be false, misleading or harmful to public health, safety, and well-being. Moreover, the impact of social media on public opinion and discourse cannot be understated. Studies have shown that the spread of fake news and misinformation can have a significant impact on public opinion and even influence election outcomes. As such, social media platforms have a responsibility to ensure that they are not facilitating the spread of false information that could influence important decision-making processes. They must ensure that their content policies and moderation practices are stringent enough to prevent the spread of harmful and false information. Some may argue that social media platforms should not be held accountable for the spread of misinformation and fake news as it can be difficult to determine what is true and false. However, this argument overlooks the fact that social media platforms have the resources and tools to combat the spread of false information(Allcott & Gentzkow, 2017). For example, these platforms can employ fact-checking mechanisms and algorithms that can detect false information and flag it for review. According to a study by Haim and Graefe (2018), social media platforms have the capability to implement these measures effectively. While it is true that detecting false information on social media platforms can be challenging, it is not an impossible task. In fact, social media platforms can improve their algorithms to better identify and flag false information. For instance, they can use machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyze patterns of behavior, source credibility, and language used to identify potentially false information. Moreover, social media platforms can collaborate with independent fact-checkers and news organizations to verify the accuracy of information before it is posted on their platforms (European Commission, 2018). By working with reputable sources, social media platforms can reduce the spread of misinformation and promote the sharing of accurate information. In conclusion, social media platforms should be held accountable for the spread of misinformation and fake news. As powerful gatekeepers of information, social media platforms have a responsibility to ensure that the content that is presented to users is accurate and truthful. They also have a legal obligation to remove illegal content, which may include false or misleading information. By taking these steps, social media platforms can help to mitigate the impact of misinformation and fake news on public opinion and discourse. References: Allcott, H., & Gentzkow, M. (2017). Social media and fake news in the 2016 election. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 31(2), 211-236. European Commission. (2018). Code of conduct on countering illegal hate speech online. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/11507-Code-of-conduct-on-countering-illegal-hate-speech-online-/public-feedback Haim, M., & Graefe, A. (2018). In a world of alternative facts, social media algorithms and crowdsourcing can help verify news. The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/in-a-world-of-alternative-facts-social-media-algorithms-and-crowdsourcing-can-help-verify-news-83503

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Argumentative Essay About Social Media

Crafting a Winning Argumentative Essay on Social Media

Published on: Feb 27, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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If you've ever gotten into an argument about social media, then you already know how important it is to craft a winning argument.

But what if that argument was turned into an essay?

Crafting an effective argumentative essay on social media can be both challenging and rewarding.

We'll show you everything you need to know in order to write a killer paper that takes your arguments straight to the top!

Read on for some tips and tricks on how to make sure your paper stands out among the rest.

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Argumentative Essay- Explained 

Before writing an argumentative essay about social media, it's important to understand what makes up a good argumentative essay. 

An argumentative essay is an article that presents both sides of an issue or debate in order to reach a conclusion. 

It requires you to provide evidence and facts, present a point of view, and develop an argument.

When writing an argumentative essay on social media, you must present both sides of the issue or debate in a balanced manner. 

You must also be sure to explain why one side has more credibility than the other. 

This means that you’ll need to do your research and make sure that your essay has facts and evidence to back up your claims. 

Why Do We Write an Argumentative Essay About Social Media?

This type of essay can be difficult because it requires you to present both sides of the argument in a balanced and unbiased manner. 

It also requires you to research facts that support either side of the argument and present them in a clear and logical manner.

By writing this essay, you can help readers understand why one point of view is more credible than another. 

This can help them form their own opinions on the issue and become better informed on the topic. 

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Steps to Write an Argumentative Essay About Social Media

Writing an argumentative essay about social media requires research, facts, and evidence. 

Here are a few steps that can help you write a great argumentative essay:

Research To Collect Data and Material 

The first step in writing an argumentative essay about social media is to do research and collect data .

This includes researching various sources such as books, articles, and websites that provide reliable information about the topic. 

Take notes on what you read and highlight any points or quotes that you may want to include in your essay. 

Pick an Engaging Title for an Argumentative Essay About Social Media 

When it comes to writing a great argumentative essay about social media, one of the most important elements is having a great title. 

A good title will draw readers in and encourage them to read your essay.

Make sure the title is catchy yet relevant to the main topic of your paper. 

Form a Descriptive Outline 

Once you have collected enough data and material, it’s time to start forming a descriptive outline of your essay. 

This should include all the points you plan on discussing throughout the body paragraphs. Furthermore, it should include any conclusions that you may want to propose at the end of your paper. 

By having a clear idea of what your paper will cover, it will be much easier to plan out each section before writing it out in full detail.

Check out this amazing blog on argumentative essay outline to craft perfect outlines.

Write an Introduction of an Argumentative Essay About Social Media 

Your introduction should be engaging and introduce readers to the main topic of your paper.

Here, you can also state which side of the argument you are taking (if applicable) so readers know where you stand from the beginning. 

Write Connect The Body Paragraphs Of Your Essay  

In each body paragraph, provide evidence or facts that prove why your opinion is correct.

Each paragraph should introduce a new point or idea related back to your main argument.

Make sure each point flows naturally into one another without jumping around too much from one point/idea to another.  

Write A Compelling Conclusion                  

Finally, write a compelling conclusion that wraps up all points made throughout the body paragraphs.  

Make sure not only summarize what was already said. Also, provide insight into why these topics are still relevant today and how they affect us today going forward!  

Examples of Argumentative Essay About Social Media 

When writing an argumentative essay about social media, it can be helpful to look at examples.

Here is a sample argumentative essay written by our expert writers. Check it out for more inspiration.

By reading these sample essays, you can gain a better understanding of how to write your own essay and what elements are important to include. 

Argumentative Essay About Social Media Pdf

Argumentative Essay About Social Media Addiction

Argumentative Essay About Social Media And Mental Health

Short Argumentative Essay About Social Media

Argumentative Essay About Social Media Advantages And Disadvantages

Argumentative Essay About Social Media Negative Impact

Check our extensive blog on argumentative essay examples to ace your next essay!

Argumentative Essay About Social Media Topics

If you’re looking for topics to write about in your argumentative essay about social media, take a look at the list below for some ideas: 

• The Impact of Social Media on Human Interaction 
• How Can We Limit Social Media Use? 
• Is Social Media Harmful/Beneficial to Mental Health? 
• Social Media and Its Effect on the Education System 
• Is Social Media Really a Positive Influence on Young People? 
• The Impact of Social Media on Privacy 
• How Has Social Media Changed Society in Recent Years? 
• Should We Censor Content Posted on Social Media Platforms like Twitter and Facebook? 
• Does Social Media Make Us Feel More Alone? 
• Are Social Media Users Becoming Increasingly Narcissistic? 
• Should We Rely on Social Media for News Sources? 
• Is Social Media a Tool of Surveillance? 

Check our comprehensive blog on argumentative essay topics to get more topic ideas!

The platform that you use to communicate with others can be a great tool or it can do more harm than good. It all depends on how you use it and what your intentions are. 

You can find social media argumentative essay examples all over the internet, but not every one of them is going to be a winner. 

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Argumentative Essay

Argumentative Essay About Social Media

Last updated on: Apr 9, 2024

Tips and Examples for Writing an Engaging Argumentative Essay About Social Media

By: Nova A.

12 min read

Reviewed By: Betty P.

Published on: Mar 7, 2023

Writing argumentative essays can be a daunting task, especially when the topic is as complex and controversial as social media. You want to make sure your argument is well-researched, persuasive, and stands out from the rest of your peers’ work. 

But how do you go about doing that? 

Our comprehensive guide on argumentative essay writing will show you exactly what steps to take. This way you can write a standout argumentative essay about social media. 

We'll provide tips on research, structure, evidence gathering, and more!

So without further ado, let's get started!

On this Page

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a written piece of work in which the student argues a case, putting forward evidence. 

The use of persuasive language is important to convince readers that their point of view is valid. 

In argumentative essays, it's important to consider both sides of an argument before coming to a conclusion. This will help you build your argument more effectively.

Unlock the secrets to constructing compelling arguments with our argumentative essay guide.

Purpose of Writing an Argumentative Essay About Social Media

When it comes to argumentative essays about social media, the purpose is to provide a comprehensive argument. It addresses both sides of the debate. 

We need to discuss how social media can help us and how it can harm us. 

We also need to consider the ways in which social media has changed our lives, for better or worse. And whether or not it has a place in our society. 

By exploring both sides of the argument, we can come to an informed conclusion about social media. 

This way we can begin to consider ways in which it can be used more effectively and responsibly. 

How to Write an Argumentative Essay About Social Media?

Now that we understand the purpose of writing argumentative essays, let's look at how to go about writing them. 

Here are some tips to help you write a standout argumentative essay:

Research To Collect Data and Material

The key to writing any successful argumentative essay is doing your research first. 

Make sure you are well-versed in the subject matter so that you can make well-informed arguments. 

You will need to use reliable sources such as articles, books, and studies. These sources must be published by experts in the field of social media.

Pick an Engaging Title for Your Essay

Your title should be intriguing enough for readers to want to learn more about it. It should also accurately reflect the content of your essay in a few words. 

Choose something catchy that will draw people into reading what you have written!

Form a Descriptive Outline 

To help keep your thoughts organized throughout the writing process, create a descriptive outline for your argumentative essay about social media. 

This should include the main points you plan on discussing in each paragraph. Also, add relevant evidence from reliable sources that will back up those claims. 

Additionally, make sure that each point flows logically from one other. Do this while still maintaining its own unique perspective on the topic at hand.

Writing an Introduction 

The introduction lays the groundwork for your essay. It is where you introduce your topic and state your thesis statement. 

The thesis statement should be one sentence that clearly states your position on the issue at hand. 

For example, you were writing about the impact of social media on society. Your thesis statement could be something like this:

“Social media has had both positive and negative effects on society” 

“The use of social media can have serious consequences for individuals and society as a whole”. 

Connecting the Body Paragraphs 

The body paragraphs are where you will present evidence to support your position . 

Make sure to include multiple pieces of evidence to back up each point you make. This could include facts, statistics, quotes from experts, or even personal anecdotes. 

Also, make sure to refute any opposing opinions with counterarguments that address those points directly. 

You can still remain consistent with your own stance on the issue at hand. 

Writing a Compelling Conclusion 

Your conclusion should be a brief summary of your main points as well as a restatement of your thesis statement. 

This is also where you can tie everything together by suggesting solutions. Or you can offer guidance for further research into the topic at hand. 

Keep in mind that this is not just another opportunity to reiterate what has already been said. Instead, focus on how readers can learn from what has been discussed. 

This will help to better understand a particular issue and how it affects them personally and/or society as a whole.

Watch the video to gain all the necessary wisdom for crafting a compelling argumentative essay!

Examples of Argumentative Essay About Social Media

Samples are a great way to get some inspiration for your argumentative essay. 

Here are a few examples of argumentative essays about social media:

Argumentative essay about social media addiction

Argumentative essay about social media and mental health

Argumentative essay about social media disadvantages

Argumentative essay about social media negative impact

Need more examples? Check out these argumentative essays about social media written by our argumentative writing experts. 

Argumentative essay about social media influencers

Short argumentative essay about social media

Three paragraph argumentative essay about social media

Argumentative essay about social media advantages and disadvantages

Need some encouragement to write your essay? Check out our blog of inspiring argumentative essay examples !

Argumentative Essay About Social Media Topics

If you're still stuck for argumentative essay topics on social media, here are a few ideas to get you started: 

• Is social media beneficial or harmful to our social network? 
• Should there be restrictions on social media platforms like Facebook & Twitter? 
• How has social media changed the way businesses operate? 
• What is the effect of social media usage on mental health? 
• Has social media had a positive or negative impact on our relationships? 
• How can we use social media every day to promote more responsible behavior? 
• Is censorship for young people of content on social media justified? 
• Are privacy rights in danger with the growth of social media?  
• Has social media changed the way we consume news? 
• Should organizations have strict policies when it comes to employees' social media use? 

Our blog is full of exciting and engaging argumentative essay topics that are sure to get everyone talking. Check it out today!

In conclusion,

Argumentative essays about social media are an important way to explore both sides of a complex argument. When writing these essays, it's important to research and brainstorm argument points. Make an outline of an argument structure, and provide examples. 

We've also provided some argumentative essay topics related to social media that you can use when writing your own argumentative essay.

Still, if you find the task difficult, then it's best to not risk your grades and hire professionals. 

MyPerfectPaper.net is trusted by thousands of students for its reliable essay writing services at affordable rates. 

Our team of skilled writers guarantees high-quality argumentative essays written according to your requirements. 

So, don't waste your time thinking and place your order now to get the best prices for high-quality papers. 

Marketing, Literature

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

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Argumentative essay topics about social media [updated], bob cardens.

• July 26, 2022
• Essay Topics and Ideas , Samples

What You'll Learn

Unique Argumentative Essay Topics about Social Media

One of the most difficult parts of writing Unique Argumentative Essay Topics about Social Media is coming up with a topic and a thesis statement. Here’s a comprehensive list of Unique Argumentative essay topics about social media. 

Easy Argumentative Essay Topics Social Media

• Contents that users post on social media should be censored
• Life is meaningless without social networks
• The impact of social media on business
• Is social media making us more narcissistic?
• Social networks promote widespread rumors and false information
• False media images and their effects on media users
• Social networks promote laziness among teens
• Do social media influence activism and revolution on the world stage?
• Social media issues related to race and religion
• Business adverts on social media reach more people than business adverts on TV
• The world before and after social media.
• Do social media create isolation?
• There are institutions of work that ban the employees from using social media at work, or getting access to any of the websites or applications that operate these services. Discuss the impact of such rules on productivity.
• Social media has opened a new way of doing business.
• Social networks require censoring
• How to overcome social media addiction?
• Privacy in Social Media.
• How is immigration portrayed in social media?
• Will social media change the future of international politics?
• How can social media change the attitude of youths?

Controversial Argumentative Essay topics on social media

• Are social networks effective in solving human health or life problems?
• The impact of social media on public relations practice
• Is it good to post personal information on Social Media platforms?
• The impact of social media on education
• Highlight the point of a user’s privacy on social networks. Is it risky to post individual and intimate information or not?
• Social media in enhancing happiness
• Should youths be taught to be cautious about what they post online?
• Discuss how social media has helped in creating world peace.
• Is social media a source of depression in young people?
• Social media kills loneliness and depression among teenagers
• Why is social media bad?
• Social media in the workplace: to what extent should it be tolerated?
• Does social media improve or spoil family relationships?
• How does social media influence children?
• In what way can the government monitor a user’s information given in social accounts.
• Facebook – the perfect place to promote your business and yourself
• The importance of social media online presence for individuals and businesses
• Business promotions on social media
• Teenagers get inspiration from social networks
• Should the government introduce laws to ensure that more can be done to censor both content and individuals on social media, particularly in cases that incite any form of discrimination or involve cyberbullying?

Read more on 50+ Top and Best Argumentative Essay Topics

Argumentative Essay Topics Social Media

• Pros and cons of using social media
• Social media promotes indecent dressings among young people
• How safe is it to make new friends on social media?
• The government will always have mechanisms in place to monitor the events that go on in the social circle. Discuss whether these are an infringement of the privacy of users on social media or not.
• Is social media a social problem or a social solution?
• How does humor affect mental health in social media?
• Discuss the effectiveness of using social media advocates to help improve the overall appeal of your brand.
• Teenagers deserve unrestricted access to social networks
• The role of networking in the life of contemporary society
• Explain how social media has helped in the spread of radicalization.
• What is the real value of social media?
• Are influential people, celebrities, and politicians recommended holding public accounts? Why?
• Social networks promote suicide
• Interpersonal relationships are becoming weaker because of social networking
• How has social media made digital marketing possible?
• Over the years social media has become more welcome in schools. discuss citing benefits and disadvantages.
• Social media connects students for information sharing
• Analyze and compare the life before and after social media.
• The freedom of speech in social media
• How people use social networking during calamities
• Is social networks a boon or bane for our society?
• Is social media causing more harm than good?
• Social media: the best platform for cyberbullying.
• Do you ever worry about the negative impacts of social media on our youth?
• What are the negative psychological effects caused by social media?
• Social networks have increased the crime rate all around the world
• Cause and effect of social media
• Children engaged in more exciting activities before  social networks got invented
• Facebook is better than Twitter when it comes to news updates
• Social media promotes violence in society
• Explain how social media has been influential in business.
• Positive and negative effects of social media
• Social media addiction is worse than drug addiction
• Social media promotes healthy lifestyles among teenagers
• Does a social site provoke “live” communication problems in people?
• The impact of social media on society
• To what extent should social media be tolerated in the workplace?
• Social media is full of dubious users
• The effects of Instagram on young adults
• Account Management problems in Social Media
• Discuss some ethical considerations that fly out of the window when you are thinking about setting up an account on social media.
• How do social media influence social awareness in the world?
• The liberal bias of social networks: analysis of the problem
• Advantages and disadvantages of Facebook
• Any media file saved in social networks is not private
• Is social media the best platform to do business?
• Does social networking increase the number of employed people and decrease the level of unemployment?
• The rate of defrauding increased after social media got invented
• Why do professionals use LinkedIn?
• Twitter: an ideal place to get trending ideas on many things
• The impact of social media on youth
• There are a lot of world leaders that hold social media accounts. Discuss whether this is a good or a bad idea.
• What kind of personal details can be posted safely on the social account?
• Discuss the importance of social media.
• The impact of social media within the workplace
• How has social media affected youth’s moral behavior?
• Is social media corrupting the idea of democracy?

Read more on Unique argumentative essay topics

What is the right way of writing an argumentative essay about social media?

Read the assignment instructions..

Read the instruction sheet to understand what is needed for your argumentative essay. The instruction will be the pivoting point you use to create the outline. You will know the formatting styles, paper length, and due date. When you got all the instructions at your fingertips, making a working plan will be easier.

Identify the research topic.

Until you know what you are writing about, you can’t start the writing. Look for the best research topic you would love to discuss in your assignment. This applies to those who haven’t been given a specific research topic. 

Brainstorm to come up with the most relevant topic. Additionally, you would get help from recommendations in previous research articles. Always discuss a focused argumentative essay topic .

Do research

It’s an argumentative essay, so there is no shortcut to doing research. As you are researching, look for primary sources, skim them and come up with summary notes. 

You should keep a written record when researching to ensure you don’t omit vital information. Formulate questions you will be answering as you research; that way, the process will be simple.

Have a thesis and paper outline

You have acquired enough knowledge on your research topic and have all the reference materials. Next, you need to have the thesis. 

A thesis sets the objective of your research and is a map for your readers. How are you planning to present our ideas? Following the assignment’s requirements, set an outline that meets all the instructions. 

Be critical when creating the structure to ensure you have an easy way to present your arguments. Never omit the conclusion and introduction paragraphs. The body sections will vary based on the topic you are discussing but make it appealing to the readers.

Find out more on How to Write a Narrative Essay

Write original content

After all this preparation, you can start writing. Your summary notes will be guiding your ideas but make sure you don’t copy-paste. 

Rely on what your brain is synthesizing from the research and write those points in your words. 

Add citations when you are referring to other sources to avoid plagiarism problems. Write clear sentences, use understandable grammar, and active voice tone.

Edit and proofread

The rough draft is ready and needs editing before submission. Edit the paper for content, grammar, spelling, and other areas that requires refurbishing. 

Never submit the argumentative essay before re-reading it. Proofreading and editing are the last steps of writing a perfect argumentative essay . 

Through proofreading, you enhance the accuracy, consistency, and relevance of your paper.

Have you been looking for the right way to write an argumentative essay? With these tips, nothing can stand in your way. You have everything to write the best argumentative essay now. 

Start by filling this short order form order.studyinghq.com

And then follow the progressive flow. 

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Should Kids Be Kept Off Social Media?

More from our inbox:, ‘arguing both sides of the law’ on declassifying documents, good careers in the restaurant industry, the empty society, caveat emptor, crypto investors.

To the Editor:

Re “ It Was a Mistake to Let Kids Onto Social Media Sites. Here’s What to Do Now ” (Opinion guest essay, nytimes.com, Aug. 5):

Yuval Levin argues that it’s a mistake to let kids onto social media sites. I would argue that it is more of a mistake to let adults onto social media sites. Aren’t they the ones who are supposed to be doing their jobs and making the world run? It’s no surprise the world is falling apart when these adults are glued to their phones all day.

In addition, most of the negative and bad content online is created by adults. It floods the internet, causing sadness, confusion and so much chaos. We kids just want to chat and make each other laugh. Why should we be the ones who have our fun taken away?

I think Mr. Levin and the rest of the grown-ups should get off their phones and tablets and get back to work.

Clay Kryst Los Angeles The writer is 16 years old.

Social media is definitely damaging for kids under a certain age, and many issues are definitely exacerbated on social media. However, what we need to do now is more complex than just keeping kids off social media.

Kids are on social media right now, whether people like it or not. As a teen, I am definitely “acutely aware” that social media has the potential to be very harmful. I am also “acutely aware” that if more teens were taught how to handle social media and the multitude of pressures that come with it (and could access mental health help easily if they needed it), the damage of social media would be lessened.

Focusing on future steps to keep young children off social media could potentially have an impact. More important, however, there must be urgent action to help the kids who are currently on social media (or will be soon). Everyone, no matter where you stand on this issue, should be pushing for increased education around social media pressures and how to manage them and initiatives that make mental health care more accessible for teens.

Rushaad Mistry Foster City, Calif. The writer is a high school senior.

Yuval Levin’s suggestion is an interesting one, but experience tells us that kids are savvy at getting around age restrictions and safety guards. Kids today are forming connections using technology and growing up with a smartphone in their hands, so we must meet the moment by taking a holistic approach to keeping them safe online.

We need to ensure that social media platforms are designed to protect children from bad actors. And we must support parents by providing them with tools to have effective communication with their kids about online safety. Age limits alone will not take the place of these two fundamental elements.

Research shows that parents shy away from having difficult conversations about safety topics. For example, one recent survey shows that while the majority of parents have spoken with their kids about being safe on social media generally, less than a third have talked directly about sharing and resharing nude selfies.

In short, parents need support so they can feel confident having early and judgment-free conversations with their kids. Platforms need to be proactive in designing their platforms with child safety in mind. And youth need access to modern, relevant education on these tough topics to reduce shame and create a safety net.

Julie Cordua Los Angeles The writer is chief executive of Thorn, a nonprofit that builds technology and programs to defend children from sexual abuse.

On July 25, 2017, The New York Times filed a Freedom of Information Act request seeking to compel disclosure by the C.I.A. of records pertaining to a covert program on arming and training rebel forces in Syria. The Times argued that President Donald Trump had declassified the records when he referred to them in a post on Twitter.

The Trump administration fought against disclosing the records, arguing that Mr. Trump’s tweet did not declassify the records. The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled for Mr. Trump and against The Times: “Because declassification, even by the President, must follow established procedures.”

Yet now, Mr. Trump and his cohort are contending that he had the ability to declassify things at will. Even if one buys into that argument, there is no proof that Mr. Trump ever declassified the documents found at Mar-a-Lago. This doesn’t surprise me at all, because arguing both sides of the law depending only on its political effect has become the paradigm of the Republican Party.

But Donald Trump has still not answered why those documents were at his club. They were not his to take. They belong to the American people.

Fred Polvere Yonkers, N.Y.

Re “ Hulu’s ‘The Bear’ and the Restaurant Industry’s Long Overdue Reckoning ,” by Saru Jayaraman (Opinion guest essay, nytimes.com, Aug. 7), which asserts that the restaurant industry pays inadequate wages:

This guest essay is misleading and unnecessarily provocative. Today’s restaurant and food service industry is innovative and competitive, and provides unparalleled opportunities for employees from every background. As the nation’s most diverse industry , restaurants offer a chance for success and a career for life to everyone.

In the current economic climate, earning potential is a key driver for every employee. Earning a tipped income allows restaurant employees to bring home a median of $27 an hour, with some earning as much as $41 an hour. When this system has been threatened, tipped workers have fought to keep it and have stopped every effort to eliminate the tipped minimum wage in the last 20 years.

Well-compensated employees provide great customer experiences, and there are many different compensation models that work well for companies. More important, these team members are proud of their work.

The National Restaurant Association was originally formed in 1919 to defend restaurants against egg brokers engaged in collusion and price fixing. Today, we continue our work of serving every restaurant and providing a pathway to success for every employee.

Michelle Korsmo Washington The writer is the president and C.E.O. of the National Restaurant Association and C.E.O. of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

Re “ The Medium Really Is the Message ,” by Ezra Klein (column, Aug. 14):

The stupefying effect of mass entertainment and popular culture has laid waste to our brains. Just as muscle strength is maintained by the principle of “use it or lose it,” so are the mental operations of the brain for critical, original thinking and for creativity.

Much of our entertainment is a time filler. Passive watching of entertainment and celebrity worship deaden the drive to make something of one’s life. The aloneness of contemporary society has fostered the perverse effects of social media, including disinformation and our current culture wars.

We have only ourselves to blame, not the medium, as we fiddle with the remote and go channel surfing. Life, instead of being really lived, has become a spectator sport.

Ronald Kallen Highland Park, Ill.

Re “ Investors Seek Return of Crypto ” (Business, Aug. 19):

I just cannot feel one iota of sympathy for those individuals who invested money in crypto currencies. Perhaps the visages of smiling celebrities hawking a product with no practical purpose or reasonable method of analyzing investment potential temporarily seduced them into this fantasy of quick profits. Caveat emptor, just like all other investment opportunities.

Stephen Green Denver

• Open access
• Published: 06 July 2023

Pros & cons: impacts of social media on mental health

• Ágnes Zsila 1 , 2 &
• Marc Eric S. Reyes   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-5280-1315 3  

BMC Psychology volume  11 , Article number:  201 ( 2023 ) Cite this article

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The use of social media significantly impacts mental health. It can enhance connection, increase self-esteem, and improve a sense of belonging. But it can also lead to tremendous stress, pressure to compare oneself to others, and increased sadness and isolation. Mindful use is essential to social media consumption.

Social media has become integral to our daily routines: we interact with family members and friends, accept invitations to public events, and join online communities to meet people who share similar preferences using these platforms. Social media has opened a new avenue for social experiences since the early 2000s, extending the possibilities for communication. According to recent research [ 1 ], people spend 2.3 h daily on social media. YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat have become increasingly popular among youth in 2022, and one-third think they spend too much time on these platforms [ 2 ]. The considerable time people spend on social media worldwide has directed researchers’ attention toward the potential benefits and risks. Research shows excessive use is mainly associated with lower psychological well-being [ 3 ]. However, findings also suggest that the quality rather than the quantity of social media use can determine whether the experience will enhance or deteriorate the user’s mental health [ 4 ]. In this collection, we will explore the impact of social media use on mental health by providing comprehensive research perspectives on positive and negative effects.

Social media can provide opportunities to enhance the mental health of users by facilitating social connections and peer support [ 5 ]. Indeed, online communities can provide a space for discussions regarding health conditions, adverse life events, or everyday challenges, which may decrease the sense of stigmatization and increase belongingness and perceived emotional support. Mutual friendships, rewarding social interactions, and humor on social media also reduced stress during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 4 ].

On the other hand, several studies have pointed out the potentially detrimental effects of social media use on mental health. Concerns have been raised that social media may lead to body image dissatisfaction [ 6 ], increase the risk of addiction and cyberbullying involvement [ 5 ], contribute to phubbing behaviors [ 7 ], and negatively affects mood [ 8 ]. Excessive use has increased loneliness, fear of missing out, and decreased subjective well-being and life satisfaction [ 8 ]. Users at risk of social media addiction often report depressive symptoms and lower self-esteem [ 9 ].

Overall, findings regarding the impact of social media on mental health pointed out some essential resources for psychological well-being through rewarding online social interactions. However, there is a need to raise awareness about the possible risks associated with excessive use, which can negatively affect mental health and everyday functioning [ 9 ]. There is neither a negative nor positive consensus regarding the effects of social media on people. However, by teaching people social media literacy, we can maximize their chances of having balanced, safe, and meaningful experiences on these platforms [ 10 ].

We encourage researchers to submit their research articles and contribute to a more differentiated overview of the impact of social media on mental health. BMC Psychology welcomes submissions to its new collection, which promises to present the latest findings in the emerging field of social media research. We seek research papers using qualitative and quantitative methods, focusing on social media users’ positive and negative aspects. We believe this collection will provide a more comprehensive picture of social media’s positive and negative effects on users’ mental health.

Data Availability

Not applicable.

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Acknowledgements

Ágnes Zsila was supported by the ÚNKP-22-4 New National Excellence Program of the Ministry for Culture and Innovation from the source of the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund.

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Argumentative Essay on Social Media

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Social media is the cause of many problems and solutions in the world. It can raise awareness of an important reason, but it can also spread hatred, especially among teenagers. As a young person, I would be the first to say that social media is a way for many young people to make a living, but is it the right way to go? “Social media has allowed kids to kill their lives online and instead of saying farewell to friends at school and,” writes Austen McCann in his article. I’ll see them tomorrow … “has a much higher suicide rate among young people in the 21st century. Online communication, social media does not have to be a significant source of youth.

Effects of Social Media

The average teenager spends at least 2 hours and 20 minutes on social media every day. In an article, Austin McCann’s Impact of Social Media on Teens points out that “social media becomes more than half of their world.” Young people complain of ongoing stress over homework, but perhaps homework is not the primary source of stress. Everyday Health magazine states that, statistically, a teenager who spends most of their time outside often becomes a happy, healthy child. However, since 2000, the amount of time young people spend outdoors has decreased significantly, resulting in increased stress and obesity. Not only does it affect health, but social networks also prevent parents from communicating with their children without looking at their phones. While the positive effect of having a social media profile is communication with friends/family, they do not even have the dignity to rise ahead and participate in the conversation. Enjoying the little things around them becomes a difficult task for the average teenager when he is too busy writing in a tweet about it. Its contradictions indicate that forums are not all that matter.

 Social media promote false images of how everything should be in a perfect world. This result is the cause of insecurity and questions in girls and boys. These are misleading pictures of bodies, relationships, houses, cars, etc. they should be the ones that lower self-esteem and lead to depression and suicide. Without communication, social media is focused on who “rewritten” who’s “selfie” and “how many favorites that photo was.” It is frustrating to know that teenagers often have uncertainties about their lot in life. Misconceptions about life expressed in social media are misleading the youth and are not worth the effort. Not only are social media misleading, but they are also less critical.

Outside of the site news section, most posts are irrational and irrelevant to our world. The kind of information “Becky just found inside a new car” doesn’t always work. Nicholas Wapshott states in his book Buying Into Big Brother on social media: “We may feel sorry for the stupid schoolboy who used to swear on Twitter or post a picture of himself at a party and find himself looking for a job, that HR department fishing has kept him unemployed.” Withdrawal can help you realize that nothing you say to your pals will affect your life in the long run. Instead of ruining the drama and trivialities on social media, connect with your friends and family by calling them and avoiding problems and malfunctions of websites.

Avoiding social media can be very difficult. Especially in a situation where one uses it daily and changes during the week. It is a very challenging job, but in the long run, you will not have to worry about wasting your time, false ideas, and unnecessary information! Encouraging teens and friends to spend less time on social media and more time on social media can change your life for the better.

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Speech on Impact Of Social Media On Youth

Social media’s influence on youth is like a double-sided coin, having both positive and negative effects. It’s a tool you use daily, shaping your ideas, behavior, and relationships.

On one side, it connects you with the world, boosting creativity and learning. On the flip side, it can lead to addiction, cyberbullying, and mental health issues.

1-minute Speech on Impact Of Social Media On Youth

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, I want to talk about a topic close to all our hearts – social media and its impact on our youth. Let’s start with the good stuff. Social media is like a big classroom. It’s a place where young minds can learn new things, meet new friends, and share their ideas with the world. Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter help us to stay connected with people far and wide.

But, as with everything in life, there’s also a flip side. Sometimes, social media can be a tricky place for young people. It’s easy to get lost in the world of likes, shares, and comments. Many young people feel pressured to look a certain way or to live a certain life – all because of what they see on social media. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression.

It’s also important to remember that not everything on social media is true. People often only show their best selves, leaving others to feel like they’re not good enough. This is a problem – it’s like comparing your behind-the-scenes with someone else’s highlight reel.

Let’s not forget that social media can also be a distraction. Too much time spent scrolling through feeds can lead to less time spent on important things like studying, playing, or interacting with family and friends in the real world.

In conclusion, social media is a tool. Like any tool, it can be used for good or bad. It’s up to us, the users, to decide how we want to use it. We need to help our youth understand the benefits and pitfalls of social media. With the right guidance, we can ensure they harness the power of social media to learn, grow and thrive, while staying safe and healthy.

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• Essay on Impact Of Social Media On Youth

2-minute Speech on Impact Of Social Media On Youth

Good day, everyone! We’re here to talk about a topic that touches all of us – the impact of social media on youth. Let’s break this down into four clear parts – communication, learning, mental health, and privacy.

Firstly, social media has revolutionized communication. Today, young folks can chat with friends and family from any corner of the world in an instant. They share photos, videos, and thoughts, creating a global community that feels like a small village. It makes them feel connected and gives them a platform to express themselves. So, social media is a great tool for communication.

Secondly, social media is a powerful source for learning. Youth can access a world of information at their fingertips. They can learn about cultures, languages, science, arts, and so much more. They can follow pages that feed their curiosity, join groups of like-minded people, and even start online courses. Thus, social media is a rich resource for knowledge.

Next, let’s talk about mental health. Social media is like a double-edged sword. On one side, it can boost self-esteem and well-being by helping youth find their tribe and express themselves. On the other side, it can also lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. The pressure to look perfect, to get likes and followers, can be overwhelming. The constant flow of news and information can also be stressful. Therefore, it’s essential to use social media wisely and take breaks from it when needed.

Lastly, privacy is a significant concern. Social media platforms collect a lot of data about their users. This data can be used for good, like improving user experience and providing personalized content. But it can also be used for not-so-good things, like targeted ads and even cybercrime. It’s crucial for youth to understand this and to learn how to protect their privacy online.

As we wrap up, let’s remember that social media is a tool. Like any tool, it can be used for good or bad. What matters is how we use it. So, let’s encourage our youth to use social media responsibly. Let’s help them understand the risks and benefits. And let’s remind them that, while social media is a fun and useful tool, it’s not the only thing that matters. There’s a big, beautiful world out there to explore, and life is about much more than likes and followers.

Thank you for your time and attention. Let’s take this conversation forward and make social media a positive force for our youth!

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Social Media

Morality, violence, and free speech on social media, should tiktok have taken down the bin laden letter.

Posted November 19, 2023 | Reviewed by Gary Drevitch

Recently, a letter written by the late terrorist, Osama Bin Laden, advocating killing Americans and Jews was circulated on TikTok. The letter was subsequently taken down by the administrators of the site along with commentary defending it. Should TikTok have taken down these posts; or did it violate these individuals’ right to free speech? In this digital age, the questions raise new considerations which warrant analysis, especially in a period of history when there is a growing trend toward systemic racism, xenophobia , and other forms of discrimination .

A classical statement about whether and when free speech can be censored in a democratic society comes from philosopher John Stuart Mill in his classic essay, On Liberty (1859). Wrote Mill:

An opinion that corn-dealers are starvers of the poor, or that private property is robbery, ought to be unmolested when simply circulated through the press, but may justly incur punishment when delivered orally to an excited mob assembled before the house of a corn-dealer, or when handed about among the same mob in the form of a placard. Acts, of whatever kind, which, without justifiable cause, do harm to others, may be, and in the more important cases absolutely require to be, controlled by the unfavourable sentiments, and, when needful, by the active interference of mankind (Ch. 3, Mill).

In 1919, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, in Schenck v. United States , aligned with Mill, stating that:

The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theatre and causing a panic . It does not even protect a man from an injunction against uttering words that may have all the effect of force. … The question in every case is whether the words used are used in such circumstances and are of such a nature as to. create a clear and present danger that they will bring about the substantive evils that Congress has a right to prevent.

Neither Mill nor Holmes could have foreseen the challenge presented by the internet as a vehicle for inciting an angry mob to do violence to others by uttering words that could have all the effect of force. The theatre of cyberspace has the far-reaching capacity to incite millions globally, especially via social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and X, among others. Statements intended to encourage violence to other human beings that are uttered in a relatively small physical space may be much less dangerous, when weighed on a social scale, than the same statements made over the internet.

Hence, while free speech should be preserved on the Internet, thereby permitting it to endure as the greatest experiment in democracy ever attempted, this does not bar it from limitations. Such restriction includes hateful, prejudicial speech that poses a “clear and present danger” to others.

There is, of course, the controversial question of whether the government should get involved with restrictions of free speech in such cases given the uncanny power it has of encroaching on freedom of speech if not itself constrained. Alternatively, it may arguably be the professional responsibility of administrators of such behemoth bastions of cyber speech to regulate such speech when it occurs. In other words, the latter may be treated as part of the professional code of ethics of those who stand as the gatekeepers of social media.

The grounds of such a moral responsibility, according to Mill, would be harm to others. Freedom of speech, argued Mill, should not be restricted unless it portends physical harm to others. The fact that some may be emotionally upset by a certain line of speech, even hateful speech, is not itself grounds for censoring it. Mill suggested that such censorship ultimately deprives humanity of a forum in which all ideas can be displayed side-by-side, both true and false, thereby allowing the truth to be heard while the false is exposed against the background of truth.

The exception, however, should not devour the rule. Thus, the criterion for restricting speech needs to be narrow so as not to infringe on other types of speech. Hate speech is itself too broad for these purposes. Someone can express hatred without threatening to harm the object of hatred. Hence, not all hate speech would qualify as that which “creates a clear and present danger.”

Speech has what philosophers of language call “illocutionary force.” That is, it can be used to perform diverse acts . For example, in saying “I hate Blacks (Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, Americans, or whomever)," one is reporting or expressing one’s own subjective, negative emotion toward the group in question. On the other hand, in saying something equivalent to “American civilians should be killed” (due to their paying taxes to the American government—an argument advanced by Bin Laden in the letter removed by TikTok), one is also making a threat , or, at least recommending killing American civilians. Such speech acts, committed in a forum that reaches millions of people, at least some of whom are likely to be inclined toward violence, arguably creates a “clear and present danger” to innocent civilians. It does not matter whether the intended targets are Americans, Israelis, Palestinians, Backs, Whites, or whomever. The threat, or recommendation, is one which, arguably falls under Mill's Harm Principle, and can, therefore, on this criterion, be censored. Thus, the criterion consonant with Mill’s principle, as applied to social media, can take the following form:

Does the post in question threaten or recommend doing substantial physical harm to a certain individual or group of individuals?

If the answer to this question is yes, then the administrators of a social media network do, indeed, have a professional responsibility to take down, or disallow the post pursuant to Mill’s Harm Principle.

Elliot D. Cohen, Ph.D. , is the president of the Logic-Based Therapy and Consultation Institute and one of the principal founders of philosophical counseling in the United States.

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International Edition

The Real Reason Elon Musk Is Throwing a Tantrum About 'Free Speech' in Brazil

E lon Musk being awarded the Defense Order of Merit medal as he shakes hands with Brazil’s then-president Jair Bolsonaro, in Porto Feliz, Brazil on May 20, 2022.

Elon Musk spent the weekend embroiled in a war of words with the government of Brazil, which has reportedly opened an investigation into the X owner’s refusal to police misinformation on the social media site. And while Musk insists the battle is all about “free speech,” that argument falls apart pretty quickly when you remember all the times the tech CEO has bowed to the will of authoritarian governments.

Brazil’s Justice Alexandre de Moraes, an ally of current left-wing president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, reportedly ordered X to suspend some accounts in the country in recent days as part of an investigation into last year’s coup attempt by supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro.

Bolsonaro, who tweeted a 2022 video of himself with Musk on Saturday , lost his re-election campaign in late 2022 and hundreds of his followers stormed federal buildings on January 8, 2023 , in an effort to allow the former president to remain in power. There’s currently an investigation into what role Bolsonaro played in the coup attempt after he falsely claimed there was widespread fraud in the election, taking a page out of former president Donald Trump’s playbook.

Musk has called the order to suspend some X accounts in Brazil “aggressive censorship,” while vowing to disobey the court because, “principles matter more than profit.” The billionaire pledged to shutter the company’s Brazilian offices rather than censor the accounts and has made hyperbolic claims about what’s actually happening.

“These are the most draconian demands of any country on Earth!” Musk tweeted on Sunday.

That assertion is, of course, absurd on its face when you remember X isn’t even allowed to operate in China—a country where Musk has made big investments with Tesla. And anyone who knows the history of Musk’s acquiescence to various authoritarians from China to Turkey to India will recognize he doesn’t put up a similar fight when similarly censorious governments want to prohibit speech.

For officials in Brazil, it’s about pushing back against a far-right movement that’s quite literally tried to overthrow the government. Brazil’s Attorney General Jorge Messias criticized Musk’s claims about the suppression of speech by pointing out that billionaires who live in other countries shouldn’t control social media platforms that spread misinformation in Brazil.

“We cannot live in a society in which billionaires domiciled abroad have control of social networks and put themselves in a position to violate the rule of law, failing to comply with court orders and threatening our authorities,” Messias wrote Sunday on X according to an English language translation.

What does Musk have to say about government requests for censorship in countries where he’s seeking to open a new Tesla plant or launch SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet? The common refrain is that Musk is just following local laws, as you can see in the examples from our slideshow.

Musk in Turkey

Musk first met Turkey’s leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan in 2017 and the billionaire’s company SpaceX has had contracts with Turkey to launch satellites since at least 2021 . But Musk’s courting of Erdogan really kicked into high gear in 2023 when it was revealed Turkey was among the top candidates for Tesla’s next factory .

“Which one do you want?”

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, left, talks with Elon Musk, right, Tesla and SpaceX CEO, prior to their meeting in Ankara, Turkey, Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017.

Musk defended the decision to censor tweets critical of Erdogan before Turkey’s election in 2023 after liberal commentator Matthew Yglesias pointed out the hypocrisy.

“Did your brain fall out of your head, Yglesias? The choice is have Twitter throttled in its entirety or limit access to some tweets. Which one do you want?” Musk tweeted at the time .

Obviously, that’s not what Musk said over the weekend about efforts to censor tweets in Brazil, a country where there are no indications Musk is trying to build a Tesla plant.

Cozy With China

Tesla CEO Elon Musk (L) speaks as Chinese Premier Li Keqiang listens during a meeting at the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in Beijing on January 9, 2019.

Musk has refused to criticize China, where he does an enormous amount of business, despite the fact that X is banned in the country. Chinese officials even praised Musk’s suggestion in 2022 that Beijing take control of Taiwan .

“I would like to thank @elonmusk for his call for peace across the Taiwan Strait and his idea about establishing a special administrative zone for Taiwan. Actually, Peaceful reunification and One Country, Two Systems are our basic principles for resolving the Taiwan question and the best approach to realizing national reunification,” Qin Gang, the Chinese ambassador to the U.S. tweeted .

Musk has told X users in Brazil to just use a VPN if the social media site gets blocked in the country, a solution he’s never raised for people in China. In fact, Musk himself doesn’t even tweet when he’s in China until he’s on the plane home .

“If we don’t obey local government laws, we will get shut down.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) meets with Elon Musk (L) in New York, United States on June 20, 2023.

X censored accounts in India at the order of the Modi government in February , blocking at least 120 people, according to the Guardian . And Musk’s closeness to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has centralized power as an authoritarian, is almost certainly the reason X just follows along.

“I am a fan of Modi,” Musk said in June 2023 after a meeting with the nationalist leader.

Musk has repeatedly made excuses for why he obeys censorship demands from India. To hear the billionaire tell it, his hands are simply tied.

“Twitter doesn’t have a choice but to obey local governments. If we don’t obey local government laws, we will get shut down,” Musk said last year, according to the Business Standard .

Musk Is Too Busy to Care About Censorship in India

When Musk was called out for censoring a BBC documentary that was critical of Modi in India last year, Musk tried to suggest he was too busy to care.

“First I’ve heard. It is not possible for me to fix every aspect of Twitter worldwide overnight, while still running Tesla and SpaceX, among other things,” Musk wrote .

Oddly enough, Musk is only too busy to know about it when authoritarians are asking for censorship. Left-wing governments in Brazil seem to get his full attention.

Musk and Trump World

Jared Kushner and Elon Musk look on during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022, in Lusail City, Qatar.

Musk has also had close ties to people in Donald Trump’s orbit, even meeting with the former president in Florida recently . Musk later said it was a chance meeting when he was having dinner with a friend, but Musk’s proximity to folks like Jared Kushner, seen in the photo above as the two men watched a soccer match in Qatar, has raised plenty of eyebrows.

It’s notable, of course, that X was in the process of banning all mentions of rival social media networks when he was meeting with Kushner, a move that was even controversial among the most die-hard Musk fans.

Musk and Trump Butt Heads

Elon Musk in an undated photo from the Oval Office that was shared by Donald Trump on Truth Social.

Musk has even invited Trump back to X, after the former president was banned from the platform after the coup attempt on Jan. 6, 2021. But Musk’s relationship with Trump has been admittedly fraught, even when they’re working toward the same goals.

“When Elon Musk came to the White House asking me for help on all of his many subsidized projects, whether it’s electric cars that don’t drive long enough, driverless cars that crash, or rocketships to nowhere, without which subsidies he’d be worthless, and telling me how he was a big Trump fan and Republican, I could have said, ‘drop to your knees and beg,’ and he would have done it,” Trump wrote in July 2022 .

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