In an age where social media dominates our daily interactions, it’s crucial to recognize its impact on groupthink and herd mentality. These happen when people conform to the opinions and behaviors of a group, and it is easy to find examples of this online on a daily basis – no matter how old you are. Much of it happens without critical thinking – a topic for another day maybe, if we want to discuss the impact of education not promoting true independent thought. While social media connects us in unprecedented ways, it also fosters environments where veiled interactions and anonymity can lead to harmful behaviors and unchecked instability.
The Dark Side of Anonymity: Enabling Sociopathic Tendencies
Social media platforms allow individuals to express themselves freely, and that should be a good thing. However, this often happens without needing to reveal true identities. This is the core of many negative online interactions. This anonymity can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers a safe space for those who may feel marginalized or afraid to voice their opinions openly. On the other hand, it can also enable sociopathic tendencies and untreated mental instability. Even worse, people will express fringe sentiments and find people of similar instability and suddenly, we have a loud voice of unstable voices who feel very valid. When people feel validated by the approval of others—through likes, shares, or comments—they may be more likely to post extreme or harmful content.
The lack of accountability in anonymous interactions can lead to a disregard for the consequences of one’s actions. This behavior is particularly concerning when it comes to bullying and harassment, as individuals feel emboldened to say things online that they would never say face-to-face.For example, I find that TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and some Facebook groups attract people with fake accounts, empty profiles, or general “troll” starter kit behavior. They comment or reply for the sake of creating a misunderstanding, often name-calling, and they aren’t there to read, learn, or discourse. They are simply there to pass the time trolling other people and destroying content by taking over a thread or topic. I’ve seen people troll all kinds of topics, so it does not have to be anything contentious. Some people thrive off of the attention they get online, even if it is from strangers getting angry with them.
The Alarming Statistics: Youth, Social Media, and Bullying
Research highlights the significant impact of social media on young people, particularly in relation to bullying. According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, approximately 37% of young people aged 12-17 have been bullied online. Of those, 30% have experienced it more than once. This trend is not just a fleeting issue; it has lasting effects on mental health, with victims of cyberbullying being more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. Throughout the school year, I see stories of young minds simply not grasping the damage they are doing. It makes you question parenting, but it also drives the point home about groupthink – we are all doing this so it must be normal. That idea is dangerous in a young mind, susceptible to influence.
The rise in social media usage has also been linked to a decline in face-to-face interactions, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and loneliness. A study published in the American Journal of Health Behavior found that increased social media use was associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety among adolescents. The study also noted that the more time young people spend online, the less time they spend engaging in healthy, real-world interactions.
Years ago, my oldest did a school-based study on social media and bullying. It was more of a poll research study for a class project. I always remember how easy it is for young people to feel that inappropriate things are okay to do, because they’ve almost always been on the receiving side of inappropriate social media interactions. In other words, it is not always the intent to bully or be mean, but an inherent retaliation that has become normalized by people all over the world – sadly.
Real-Life Consequences: Social Media’s Negative Impact
The dangers of social media are not just theoretical; they have real-world consequences. Consider the case of Amanda Todd, a Canadian teenager who took her own life in 2012 after enduring years of cyberbullying. Amanda was tormented online by a stranger who persuaded her to share intimate photos, which were then used to blackmail and publicly shame her. Despite changing schools and seeking help, Amanda could not escape the relentless online harassment, ultimately leading to her tragic death.
Another example is the spread of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social media platforms were flooded with false information about the virus, vaccines, and treatments, leading to widespread confusion and, in some cases, harmful behaviors. A study by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism found that misinformation about COVID-19 was more likely to be shared on social media than accurate information. Even if you have an opinion based on valid information, it stands to reason that no one wanted to hear anything from you about Covid unless you agreed with them. We can all agree 2020 was a rough year, but that’s about it.
Fostering a Culture of Critical Thinking and Responsible Sharing
In light of these issues, it is crucial to encourage a culture of critical thinking and responsible sharing on social media. Before posting or sharing content, take a moment to fact-check the information and consider the potential impact of your words. Avoid jumping on the bandwagon of radical or extremist opinions, and instead, seek out diverse perspectives to form a more balanced view.
I try very hard to keep people I disagree with in my friend lists and mutuals online – it is valuable insight. It’s so important to understand perspectives that upset me or unnerve me, because it allows me to process my own convictions more steadily. When it comes to trolls online, I have found that many of them resort to insults as soon as they are called out, and it’s a great opportunity to engage a troll who won’t back down by sharing facts and information that another person may see. That may help them follow a better rabbit hole of data. By promoting thoughtful and respectful online interactions, we can counteract the negative effects of groupthink and herd mentality. Social media has the power to bring people together, but it also has the potential to divide us. Let’s use it wisely and responsibly to foster a more informed, compassionate, and connected society.
Writing By Prin 