Dangers of Social Media – A growing concern for Society & Businesses

• by Anthony Orjally
• Advent IM Blog

In recent years, social media has become an undeniable force in shaping public opinion, fuelling movements, and influencing the behaviours of millions. However, with this power comes a darker side, one that has recently led to riots, unrest, and division. For example, the incidents in the UK where social media platforms have been instrumental in organising and promoting violent protests. These social media websites, designed to connect people, have instead become toxic platforms, causing discontent and division.

Elon Musk, a leader within the tech world, and now the owner of X, has recently commented on the role of social media within the UK. His influence as CEO of X has brought questions around the ethical implications of his platform’s role in spreading harmful content.

The Problem

The rapid increase of harmful content on social media is a growing concern, with serious implications for individuals and society at large. Racism, self-harm and the spread of fake news are just a few of the issues that have become more apparent on these platforms. The anonymity and reach that social media provides makes it easier for malicious actors to spread toxic ideologies, creating a growing bubble that reinforces harmful beliefs or behaviours.

The toxic environment not only affects individuals but also has a ripple effect on society. It damages trust, and is starting to lead into real world violence, as seen in the UK. With the recent stabbings in Stockport, misinformation had spread that the perpetrator was an illegal migrant, causing riots and havoc across the UK. The ease in which misinformation spreads across social media also undermines public discourse, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish fact from fiction.

The Problem for Business Owners

From the perspective of a business owner, the dangers of social media go beyond society concerns and into the workplace. There has been a rise of remote and hybrid working since the COVID pandemic, which has led to employees spending more time online and often in isolation. The increased screen time could result in employees becoming more aware of the harmful and toxic content across social media.

Following on, excessive use of social media and isolation can lead to mental health issues, decreased productivity and a lack of engagement with colleagues. It is then a business owner’s responsibility to provide pastoral care for the employees, ensuring their well-being in a digital age. This includes implementing practical solutions, such as developing comprehensive social media policies, offering mental health support and having a workplace culture that encourages critical thinking.

Businesses must also recognise the potential for employees to be influenced by harmful online content – promoting open discussions about the impact of social media can help mitigate the risks. Furthermore, companies should be proactive in monitoring social media and addressing any concerns that may arise from an employee’s engagement with any trending news.

Conclusion

The dangers posed by social media are complex, making it difficult to find an easy solution. Addressing these issues requires an approach that involves collaboration between social media companies, governments and civil society. Unfortunately, we have already seen resistance to collaborate, as tech giants and governments often clash over issues of regulation and free speech, more notably with Elon Musk’s X.

However, reports and studies continue to show that excessive social media use can have harmful effects on individuals and society. For business owners, they should have a focus on creating a supportive work environment that acknowledges these dangers. They can do this by implementing robust social media policies, provide mental health support, and foster a culture of critical thinking with online content – these methods will help business to protect their employees from the negative impacts.

To conclude, whilst the dangers of social media may not have a simple solution, it is crucial for business owners to be proactive in addressing any challenges. By prioritising the well-being of their employees and taking practical steps to mitigate the risks associated with social media, they can help create a safer and more supportive environment, both in the workplace and in society. It is also the responsibility of individuals to fact check whatever it is they are reading/viewing. As in the past weeks, we’ve seen the spread of misinformation enable social media users to target abuse towards ethnic minorities, when a quick Google search would’ve prevented such opinions in the first place.