Stuck in the Social Media Black Hole

The Netflix documentary, The Social Dilemma, showed the world the truth that we have been ignoring for years. My greatest concern while watching this documentary was how these social media apps were created to make it addicting so companies can gain more profit. Apps like Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter all require the viewers to scroll through the content. It is extremely easy to get lost in Tiktok for hours and lose track of what you’re supposed to be doing. Sidetracking us from things that will help our future and bring us happiness like paying attention in class, spending time with your family, or working out. Many believe we don’t have enough time in our day to do everything we need and want to do in a day but I have noticed that once I take out that social media blackhole and spend those three hours on more productive things, I do have the time! These companies are profiting off of their viewers being unsuccessful and not doing what they need to be happy. Statistics show that during and after the rise of social media and technology young adults and teenagers were more depressed and anxious. Statistics showed that even more young women were admitted to hospitals due to self-inflicted harm. By being unaware of the impact of social media on ourselves and others, we are falling into the trap. It’s our responsibility to demand better and to not accept anything until those in power create a safe place online.