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Speech On Social Media- Advantages, Disadvantages and Importance
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Table of Contents
Speech On Social Media: In a world where clicks, likes, and shares have become the currency of our social interactions, there’s no denying the pervasive influence of social media. It’s a digital realm that has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of our lives, altering how we connect, communicate, and consume information. From connecting with long-lost friends to voicing our opinions on global issues, social media has transformed the way we navigate our interconnected world. But what lies beneath the surface of those enticing timelines and trending hashtags?
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Students often encounter the task of giving speeches on various topics, and social media is a fascinating subject for exploration. In this article, we will embark on a journey to explore the captivating and complex realm of social media. We have provided a few sample speech topics on social media, highlighting its advantages, disadvantages, and the profound impact it has on our lives.
Long and Short Speeches on Social Media in English
Speech on advantages and disadvantages of social media for students – sample 1.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, I stand before you to discuss a topic that has become an integral part of our lives – social media. It’s hard to imagine a world without platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Social media has transformed the way we connect, communicate, and share information. But, like every coin has two sides, social media has its advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s start with the positive aspects. Here are the pros of social media. Social media bridges geographical gaps, allowing us to connect with friends and family worldwide. It’s a powerful tool for sharing our thoughts, experiences, and achievements. Students benefit from it as a valuable resource for learning and research. Moreover, it’s a platform for raising social awareness, promoting businesses, and even finding job opportunities.
However, we must also acknowledge the downsides. Excessive use of social media can lead to addiction and affect mental health. It’s a breeding ground for cyberbullying, misinformation, and privacy invasion. Moreover, the constant exposure to idealized images and lives can negatively impact self-esteem.
In conclusion, social media is a double-edged sword. It has revolutionized the way we communicate and share, offering numerous advantages. Yet, we must navigate it cautiously, being mindful of its pitfalls. Let’s use it responsibly and harness its potential for good.
Speech on Technology Speech on Internet Essay on Uses of Internet
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Speech on Impact of Social Media – Sample 2
Good day, everyone,
The topic I’d like to address today is the impact of social media on our lives. There’s no denying that social media has become an inseparable part of our daily routine. From connecting with friends to keeping up with the latest trends, it’s all at our fingertips.
Let’s dive into the advantages of social media. Social media allows us to stay connected with friends and family, regardless of distance. It’s a treasure trove of information, news, and educational content. For students, it offers a platform to collaborate on projects and access a wealth of knowledge. Businesses utilize it for marketing and customer engagement.
However, there’s another side to the story. Social media can be addictive, leading to time wastage and reduced productivity. Privacy concerns are a pressing issue, with personal information often at risk. Cyberbullying and the spread of fake news are unfortunate consequences of its widespread use.
So, where do we stand? Social media is a tool, and its impact depends on how we use it. It can bring us closer or push us apart. It can educate or misinform. The choice is ours.
In conclusion, social media has its merits and demerits. It’s up to us to harness its advantages while being vigilant about its pitfalls. Let’s use it wisely, striking a balance between the virtual and real worlds.
Thank you for your attention.
Speech on Social Media Topic in English – Sample 3
I’m delighted to address you on a topic that has reshaped our world – social media. In today’s digital age, it’s nearly impossible to escape its influence. So, let’s explore the impact and significance of social media.
To begin with, social media has revolutionized communication. It connects people worldwide, making the world a smaller place. It’s a powerful tool for staying informed about current events and trends. For students, it’s a treasure trove of educational resources. Entrepreneurs and businesses leverage it for promotion and brand building.
Yet, there’s a flip side. The addictive nature of social media can lead to time wastage. Privacy concerns loom large, as our personal information is often shared and exploited. The spread of misinformation and cyberbullying are unfortunate consequences.
So, where do we go from here? It’s crucial to strike a balance. Use social media as a tool for enrichment, connection, and empowerment. But also, be mindful of its addictive nature and potential pitfalls. Let’s make informed choices in our digital journeys.
In conclusion, social media is a force that’s here to stay. It’s up to us to harness its advantages while being vigilant about its drawbacks. Let’s make our online presence a positive and enriching one.
Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionizing the way we connect, communicate, and share information. From its myriad benefits to the nuanced drawbacks, understanding the multifaceted role of social platforms is crucial in today’s digital landscape.
Lets see the Advantages, Disadvantages and Importance of Online Networking
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1. Global Connectivity and Networking Social media bridges geographical barriers, enabling individuals to connect globally. It facilitates networking opportunities, fostering professional relationships and personal connections.
2. Information Dissemination and Awareness Instantaneous sharing allows for rapid dissemination of information. Be it news, trends, or educational content, social media serves as a powerful tool for spreading awareness and initiating discussions on various topics.
3. Business Growth and Marketing Businesses leverage social platforms to expand their reach, engage with audiences, and market their products/services. Targeted ads and analytics help businesses create effective strategies.
4. Community Building and Support Social media brings people together around common interests, creating spaces for support, self-expression, advice, and finding similar-minded individuals.
Disadvantages
1. Privacy and Security Concerns Privacy breaches and data misuse remain significant concerns. Users often share sensitive information unknowingly, leading to potential security risks and exploitation by third parties.
2. Addiction and Mental Health Impact Excessive usage can lead to addiction and have adverse effects on mental health. Constant exposure to curated, often idealized content can fuel feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
3. Spread of Misinformation False information can spread rapidly, impacting opinions and beliefs. Misleading content, rumors, and fake news pose a challenge in maintaining an informed society.
4. Online Harassment and Cyberbullying Social media platforms can be breeding grounds for cyberbullying and harassment. Anonymity and easy accessibility empower individuals to engage in harmful behaviors.
1. Communication Evolution Social media has transformed communication by providing instant connectivity across the globe. It has redefined how people interact, share ideas, and collaborate.
2. Information Accessibility It democratizes information, making knowledge accessible to diverse populations regardless of geographic or socioeconomic barriers.
3. Catalyst for Change It serves as a catalyst for societal change by amplifying voices, raising awareness about social issues, and mobilizing movements for positive causes.
4. Business Adaptation For businesses, social media is an indispensable tool, enabling them to adapt to changing consumer behaviors, innovate marketing strategies, and engage with their target audience effectively.
Also Read: Disadvantages of Using Social Media During Online classes
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FAQ’s
Why is social media important speech.
A speech on the importance of social media can highlight its role in connecting people, facilitating communication, sharing information, and its impact on various aspects of our lives.
What is social media in easy words?
Social media is websites and applications that enable users to create and share content, connect with others, and participate in online communities by sharing thoughts, pictures, videos, and messages.
What is the importance of social media in students?
Social media offers students platforms for collaboration, learning, networking, and accessing information. It can aid in educational research, career opportunities, and building connections.
Why is social media important?
Social media is important as it helps in staying connected with friends and family, accessing news and information, promoting businesses, fostering communities, and providing a platform for self-expression.
Write a 1-minute speech on social media?
Social media has revolutionized the way we connect and communicate. It bridges distances, opens doors to new opportunities, and allows us to share our stories with the world. From keeping in touch with loved ones to exploring new interests, social media has become an integral part of our lives, shaping how we learn, work, and interact in today's digital age.
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"Books. Cats. Life is Good." –T.S. Eliot
Essay: “the dangers of social media”, by roman volovoy.
As Bill Murray asserts, “Social media is training us to compare our lives, instead of appreciating everything we are. No wonder why everyone is depressed.” Social networks are everywhere – it will not take long to find people staring into their phones in public, engaging in their electronic social activity. On the surface, nothing appears to be wrong. People use these incredible tools to connect with friends worldwide, stay up to date on the news, and participate in groups of interest. However, the pretty user interface hides many tricks and methods aimed at keeping users engaged and participating. Software architects built these systems with a deep understanding of human psychology and behavior. Social networks abuse a fundamental mechanism of our existence – the need to form groups with other people, communicate, and coexist. Social media is ripping apart the social aspect of human existence by creating a divide in communication, understanding, and unity (Palihapitiya). Digitizing our lives through free centralized platforms, which profit from human attention, created many problems in society including addiction, behavior manipulation, and misinformation.
One of the first and most apparent issues with social networks is addiction. It may come as a surprise that it was an intentional design decision; the more time users spend on the platform, the more money that social network makes. The “feed” is a constant supply of information about friends’ posts, reposts, subscribed groups, and advertisement content. The algorithm chooses the information according to its value and scarcity. Streaks of uninteresting information are interwoven with attractive posts to keep the user engaged, and the anticipation of another jackpot is what makes social media feeds addictive but very subtle in their action (Kruger). The article “A Study of Components Of Behavioral Addiction To Social Media Use In Current Generation Of Pakistani Youth” statistically proves that social media causes behavioral addiction similar to that of chemical drugs (Mazhar et al). Researchers describe and compare human behavior alterations with parameters like “Conflict, Mood Modification, Relapse, Salience, Tolerance, and Withdrawal,” used for traditional addiction classifications (Mazhar et al). In the study, most participants were found with all six traditional classical addition parameters due to the regular use of Facebook (Mazhar et al). The ease of access to a wealth of information makes it extremely hard to abstain from using the platform; frequent mobile phone notifications and email reminders of missed events keep users hooked.
Another issue is that social networks are capable of behavior modification. The collective attention of its users fuels the platform. One of the metrics that any social network tries to increase is the cost per click. The metric describes an amount that the advertiser will pay for a user who clicked on their ad. The more users engage with the ad, the more money Facebook, for xample, makes. So, it is in the platform’s best interest to learn as much as possible from the users’ actions, predict their behavior, and personalize the content. But how does the algorithm get to know the user in the first place? “Likes” are a universal metric that is an indicator of what user prefers; seeing but not liking a post is an indication of disinterest. In “Private Traits and Attributes Are Predictable from Digital Records of Human Behavior,” researchers used personal traits and social media activity history to create behavior models (Kosinski et al). In the conclusion of the paper, they state: “We show that a wide variety of people’s personal attributes, ranging from sexual orientation to intelligence, can be automatically and accurately inferred using their Facebook Likes” (Kosinski et al). Their dimension reduction model was able to find if the subjects are satisfied with life or are emotionally stable and whether they are introverts or extraverts (Kosinski et al). This information is what gives Facebook enough intelligence to drive the prices of targeted advertisements up. The researchers also state that since this information is “inferred” from the user, it is not legally required to request individual consent or notify the users (Kosinski et al). As for the behavior modification, in a large-scale study, “The spread of emotion via Facebook,” a data scientist claims that the social media platform can alter its users’ emotions (Kramer). The study found a statistically strong link between exposure to what the scientist labels an “emotional post” to the users’ subsequent behavior exposed to said content (Kramer). Additionally, the article highlights that emotions can also be suppressed or affected negatively via the use of “Negative words” (Kramer). The algorithms extract as much profit as possible from human attention on a global scale. Sooner or later, these practices will change how humans behave and interact with one another. Chamath Palihapitiya, a former executive of growth at Facebook, stated in an interview that “Your behaviors, you do not realize it, but you are being programmed. It was unintentional, but now you got to decide how much you are willing to give up” (“Money as an Instrument of Change”).
Many social media users are not aware of their addiction because they are “in the loop” – social networks become an integral part of their lives. Their new behavior becomes the norm as they are constantly checking for updates, liking other users’ content, and posting pictures. In a way, their behavior is impulsive and is shaped by the design of social networks. Some experts from the field of human sociology publish their work on the adverse effects of social media, hoping that it will help those addicted to the internet without knowing it. They conduct studies on a substantial amount of people, over three hundred thousand at times, and perform many statistical causality experiments. Nevertheless, some critics still argue against this notion of the intentional addictive design of social networks. They claim that many articles on social network addiction are fictitious and are used to lure readers with their headlines.
In the article “Why ‘Social Media Addiction’ Makes Absolutely Zero Sense,” Adam Singler, a social PR expert, expresses his viewpoints on what he calls a hysteresis in the modern world (Singler). In “The Future Buzz” blog, he highlights a study that was aimed at analyzing addictive properties of the social networks, and then quickly refutes it by saying: “That aside, these additional data points point not to addiction, but to a shifting of behavior” (Singler). Without any argumentation, he says that the study’s data does not prove that social media is addictive (Singler). The statistic reported that “56%: Social media users check Facebook at least once a day. 12%: Social media users check Facebook every couple of hours” (Singler). For Adam, these numbers are not high enough to be considered addiction – “Some other stats from the article don’t even point to addiction” (Singler). His opinion is very subjective and stands no ground. He is being hasty and is generalizing the issues without understanding much about the classical definition of addiction. The subject is more nuanced, requiring evaluation of many factors such as “Conflict, Mood Modification, Relapse, Salience, Tolerance, and Withdrawal ” (Mazhar et al). The study that Adam used for his argument concluded that every tenth person who uses social media checks it hourly. On the contrary, in my opinion, the percentage is very high and is actually indicative of Facebook’s addicting design.
Furthermore, Adam stacks the deck by ignoring the significant factor that encourages social media companies to create addictive products – money. Meanwhile, he does mention that opinions for the addictiveness of social media have anterior motives: “The idea of framing technology as addiction is sensationalistic and done to grab headlines, pageviews and links” (Singler). Interestingly, Adam is employed as is an industry speaker in social PR and online marketing areas. His livelihood is in online advertisements, which, as discussed previously, is the primary reason for the addictive design of these social giants. It is plain and simple – social media depends on the user’s attention to generate its revenue.
Another article that deems social networks as harmless was published by Pamela Rutledge in Psychology Today. It tries to clear the bad rep media platforms get for their ways of retaining user attention. Like Adam, she highlights the potential attention-grabbing ulterior motives of proponents of the idea that social media causes addiction. She is convinced that the entire argument of addiction is just blown up for likes and clicks. In her article, she cites many studies and undermines links found between human behavior and social networks. She states that “sometimes things that are only correlated get reported as being a ’cause’” (Rutledge). Indeed, statistical correlation does not mean causation, but it is a potential indication of it. Simply dismissing many studies as irrelevant due to this prenotion of causality is very unprofessional. She then later attacks those who try to raise awareness of the issue by stating: “First of all, it concerns me that, as a society, we are very cavalier tossing around the concept of ‘addiction.’ addiction is a serious psychological diagnosis based on specific and seriously life-impairing criteria” (Rutledge). According to Mazhar and researchers’ excellent and professional study, addiction can be mild or strong. There is no “cutoff point” for when someone is deemed addicted, as each patient and their condition are different (Mazhar et al). Maybe social media is less addictive than drugs, but dismissing it as harmless because it is not as potent as, for example, opium, is a logical fallacy .
Another argument present in both articles against the addictive nature of social networks is that it is not the network’s fault; instead, it is the users. Both Adam and Pamela dismiss that social networks are the cause of the addition by passing the blame on lone internet users instead. “It is people who already have problems, which are then only displayed through addiction to Facebook” (Rutledge). But, Adam states, “ that would be a manifestation of a real problem and not the actual problem in and of itself. It’s a symptom, not a cause” (Adam).
All and all, social networks are nothing of a miracle. They can allow communication with anyone instantly. Society had changed and adjusted to this technology, but our primitive monkey brains have not. We still chase the reward above everything else, and we are being cheated by having it for free. The price we pay, as a collective, is enormous. Freedom of information, regardless of its correctness, doubt of the established beliefs, and privacy, are what drives human progress forward. With social networks, we partly lose the means to progress and develop. Instead, we get addiction, hyper-personalized information, censorship, and observation of every move we make on the app. The issues are not apparent at the moment, as they do not have immediate implications. Social networks already have a global presence and are in control of information. As humans depend more on them, their adverse side effects will affect the vast majority of the population, permanently altering the next generation.
Works cited
Kosinski, Michael, et al. “Private Traits and Attributes Are Predictable from Digital Records of Human Behavior.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 110, no. 15, 2013, pp. 5802–5805., doi:10.1073/pnas.1218772110.
Kramer, Adam.” The Spread of Emotion via Facebook” Facebook Research , 16 May 2012, research.fb.com/publications/the-spread-of-emotion-via-facebook/. Accessed 3 Oct. 2016.
Kruger, Daniel. “Social Media Copies Gambling Methods ‘to Create Psychological Cravings.’” IHPI News, 8 May 2018, ihpi.umich.edu/news/social-media-copies-gambling-methods-create-psychological-cravings. Accessed 21 Oct. 2020.
Mazhar, Nauman, et al. “A Study of Components Of Behavioral Addiction To Social Media Use In Current Generation Of Pakistani Youth.” The Professional Medical Journal , vol 27, no. 08, 2020, pp. 1680-1685. Independent Medical Trust , doi:10.29309/tpmj/2020.27.08.4494. Accessed 7 Oct. 2020.
Palihapitiya, Chamath. “Money as an Instrument of Change.” YouTube, Stanford Graduate School of Business, 17 Nov. 2017, youtube.com/watch?v=PMotykw0SIk. Accessed 3 Oct. 2020.
Rutledge, Pamela. “Social Media Addiction: Engage Brain Before Believing.” Psychology Today , 22 May 2010, http://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/positively-media/201005/social-media-addiction-engage-brain-believing . Accessed 2 Nov. 2020.
Singler, Adam. “Social Media Addiction Makes Absolutely Zero Sense.” The Future Buzz , 18 Apr. 2010, http://www.thefuturebuzz.com/2010/04/18/social-media-addiction . Accessed 2 Nov. 2020.
Roman Volovoy is a Russian student majoring in mechanical engineering at the American University in Dubai. Throughout his years in this major, he has written many scientific reports, but what he enjoys most is writing about contemporary issues in a simple and down-to-earth manner. He has developed an understanding of modern technology and the issues they bring to society. He hopes to shed light on some of these issues with this publication.
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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Social Media — Dangers Of Social Media
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Dangers of Social Media
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Published: Mar 13, 2024
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Table of contents
Impact on mental health, spread of misinformation and fake news, impact on privacy and security, societal implications.
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The Negative Effects of Social Media - Speech Essay Sample
Outlining Worksheet for Communication Issues Speech
I want to tell my audience about the negative effects of social media has affected teenagers. Also, I will be mentioning how social media has affected communication and interaction between people in the current generation. These two topics will be my point of discussion and I will clearly bring out the negative effects of social media in both aspects. With that in mind, you will all understand that despite the fact that social media helps us to pass information quickly, it also has some negativity in our lives, especially for the teenagers.
Introduction
Attention Getter: Have you ever wondered why someone gets too addicted to social media once they start engaging their selves in them? This is a very crucial question one has to ask themselves so that they can understand what I will be discussing. Social media might have brought so much positivity in our day to day life, but also it has so many negatives, especially to teenagers and how they are interacting and communicating.
Credibility Statement: I have done deep research about the effects of Social media, both the positive and the negative. I got so much fascinated by how social media is negatively affecting the teenagers and how they communicate and interact.
2. I hope you will all enjoy listening to me as I give you the detailed research I came across about the negative effects of the social media.
Preview Statement:
1. First, I will discuss how social media affects the teenagers negatively
2. Secondly, I will discuss how social media affect communication and interaction negatively.
Main point 1: Negative effects of social media on teenagers.
Treyvaud, Robyn. "The Negative Effects Of Social Media On Teens." Family Insights (2017).
1. Brain development. Social media affect the teenagers’ brain development by slowing their activities. Too much use of social media impacts teenagers’ brains how they react to situations, process events and also how they remember events. They tend to multitask in activities which takes away their concentration from each activity.
2. Self-image and self-esteem. Most of the models who are beautiful with soft skin, long hair, and white teeth always display their pictures on social media. Due to this, they affect those teenagers who see their body as if it’s not in good shape, they think they are not like those beautiful models. That affects them such that, they lower their self-esteem and see their image as if it is not worth it.
3. Sleep. Most of the teenagers are always on their phones or computers till late at night just to get updates from social media since they do not want to be left behind. Due to this, they sleep fewer hours, which affects their body functioning. They get difficult learning and concentration, always feeling anxious and stressed due to lack of enough sleep.
Main point 2: Effects of social media in communication and interaction
Corcoran, Dr. Mary. “THE IMPACT OF NEW SOCIAL MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES.” SO303H Electronic Culture and Social Change (2012).
Main point 2. Decreases the amount of face-to-face interaction. Social media have negatively affected communication and interaction. Most people are always on their gadgets to get updates and socialize online. This decreases the one on one interaction between people, thus, making it hard for them to communicate well and interact intensively.
2. Decreases amount of personal relationships. These days, most relationships have been based on online platforms. You find members of the family are in the same house, but they are sending each other messages and comments through social media instead of talking to each other one on one. This has led to family break-up since they cannot solve their issues face-to-face.
3. Social media addiction. Too much focus on social media leads to addiction. Most people who are always on social media is because they don’t want to be left behind with what is happening out there. Due to that, they find themselves, they cannot stay even a minute without checking what stranding on social media. This has negatively affected communication and interaction because these people are so poor at personal communication since they are not interacting with others.
As you have seen how deep I did my research, it is clear, now to all of you that social media does not only bring positive impact to our lives but also negative impacts.
1. Social media damages our brain developing
2. It reduces our self-image and self-esteem
3. Lack of sleep due to always wanting to get updates from social media
4. It makes us get addicted
5. It decreases our personal relationships
6. Lowers the time of face-to-face interactions.
Strong ending: My fellow brothers and sisters, it is my hope that the speech was benefitable to you. Thank you all
Corcoran, Dr. Mary. "THE IMPACT OF NEW SOCIAL MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES." SO303H Electronic Culture and Social Change (2012).
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Persuasive Essays About Social Media
Last updated on: Jul 12, 2024
Learning From Pros To Write Persuasive Essays About Social Media
By: Donna C.
Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.
Published on: Jan 26, 2023
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Writing a persuasive essay about social media can be tough. Most people want to make sure they convince their readers of their argument without coming across as aggressive.
We’ve gathered some examples you can use to write a persuasive essay about social media.
They will show you how to structure your argument, choose evidence, and avoid common mistakes.
With our help, you'll be able to write a convincing essay that will get your reader's attention.
Let’s get started!
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On this Page
What is a Persuasive Essay?
A persuasive essay tries to convince readers to accept your point of view or opinion on a particular topic.
You must take a stand, support it with facts and evidence, and explain why it's the right viewpoint.
It's not enough to just give an opinion; you need to back it up with data and research.
Persuasive essays are usually written as argumentative essays, so you must develop a thesis statement and support it with evidence.
Writing a persuasive essay can be difficult. Using strong logic and careful arguments can convince your readers to see things from your perspective.
How to start a Persuasive essay about social media?
Here’s how you can start a persuasive essay:
- Start your persuasive essay about social networking sites by introducing the issue and outlining why it matters.
- Explain the potential implications of unrestricted access to social media and how that could affect our society.
- Take a stance on the issue, supporting it with evidence from reliable sources.
- Discuss ways social media can be used to benefit our lives, as well as possible risks associated with its use.
- End your persuasive essay with a call to action, encouraging readers to make informed decisions about social media usage.
Need help in starting your essay? See how you can create a persuasive essay outline .
Remember, the main goal of your essay is to persuade readers to consider your point of view.
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Here is an example to show you how to write an introduction:
Persuasive essay about social media introduction
Not sure on how to write the intro? Watch this video to write a perfect introduction.
Persuasive Essay Examples About Social Media
Social media has become an integral part of our lives. It's time to understand its power and impact.
Let’s start with a simple persuasive essay about social media.
Social media has become an undeniable presence in our lives. From how we communicate to how we consume news and entertainment, it's hard to imagine life without some form of social platform. But too much of a good thing can have its drawbacks, and social media is no exception. On the one hand, social media allows us to stay connected with friends and family, share ideas, and even keep up to date on current events. But on the other hand, it can be a distraction from real-life activities and be used for cyberbullying or malicious gossip. It’s important to know how much time we spend online and who we interact with to ensure we benefit from social media. That being said, there is no doubt that social media has the power to be used for good. It can provide a platform to share positive messages, organize movements and campaigns, or simply spread joy through funny videos and pictures. We must remember to use it mindfully and responsibly so it can continue to be an impactful tool for connecting us all. So, the next time you open a social media app, take a moment to reflect and see how you want to use it. Is it to stay engaged with friends and family or another form of procrastination? In either case, remember that social media can be a powerful tool, so let’s ensure we use it for good. It’s up to us to make sure that social media is used in a way that benefits us all! Let’s make sure we take advantage of this amazing platform and use it to do something positive. After all, with great power comes great responsibility. |
Here are a few persuasive essay examples that showcase the potential of social media positively and negatively.
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Examples Of Argumentative Essay About Social Media
It's clear that social media has changed how we interact and communicate with others. So it's no surprise that this topic makes for an excellent argumentative essay.
Here are some examples of argumentative essays about social media that you can use as inspiration to get started:
Argumentative essay about social media advantages and disadvantages
Argumentative essay about social media addiction
Argumentative essay about social media on students
Looking for more sample PDFs? Take a look at these persuasive essay examples !
Persuasive Essay Topics About Social Media
Here are some ideas for persuasive essay topics about social media:
- Should governments be able to control the content that appears on social networks?
- How can companies protect their data from hackers and other malicious actors on social media platforms?
- How has social media impacted real-life relationships between individuals and groups?
- Are influencers a powerful tool of persuasion, or are they a threat to democracy?
- How can schools and universities use social media responsibly in the classroom?
- Should employers be allowed to monitor their employees' use of social media during work hours?
- Is the current data privacy landscape sufficient to protect individual users on social networks?
- Should businesses be held accountable for their social media content?
- How have the algorithms used by social media companies impacted our lives?
- What are the ethical implications of using targeted advertising based on user data collected from social networks?
Need more options? Here are some more persuasive essay topics for you!
Let’s sum it up!
Social media isn't going away anytime soon, and lots of people need to understand the benefits and dangers of using it.
By writing a persuasive essay about social media, you can help others become more aware of both sides of the issue.
Our examples make it easier for people to make an informed decision about how to use it responsibly.
Make your voice heard and write a persuasive essay about social media today.
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SharkPapers.com has got you covered!
Our essay writing service is designed to help you create the perfect argument supported by expert-level research and compelling evidence.
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Let our persuasive essay writer craft the perfect argument for you today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good persuasive essay topics.
When choosing a topic, you need something interesting that grabs the reader’s attention.
Here are some great topics for your next persuasive essay:
1. Should schools have mandatory uniforms? 2. Should students be allowed to use cell phones in class? 3. Should we get rid of teacher tenure? 4. Is gun control an effective way to reduce crime rates? 5. Do video games lead to violence among teens?
How do you write an introduction for social media essay?
The main purpose of an introduction is to provide a general overview of the topic and spark interest in readers. So it should be concise yet intriguing.
To give you an idea, here are some advice and tips on how to write an effective introduction:
1. Start with a hook 2. Provide background information 3. Include relevant research studies 4. Mention central points
What is a good title for a social media essay?
If you're looking for a great title for a social media essay, why not consider this:
"The Impact of Social Media on Our Lives: A Detailed Analysis".
![persuasive speech on the dangers of social media Donna C.](https://assets.sharkpapers.com/writers/donna-c-4288.png)
Law, Education
Donna writes on a broad range of topics, but she is mostly passionate about social issues, current events, and human-interest stories. She has received high praise for her writing from both colleagues and readers alike. Donna is known in her field for creating content that is not only professional but also captivating.
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Persuasive Speech Topics about Social Media
Bob cardens.
- September 10, 2022
- Essay Topics and Ideas
In recent years, social media has become an increasingly popular topic of conversation. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that social media has a big impact on our lives. In this article, we’ll take a look at some persuasive speech topics about social media so that you can get some ideas for your own speeches.
What You'll Learn
The following is a list of fifty persuasive speech topics about social media. This list is not exhaustive but it will give you a good idea of the range of topics that you could choose from:
- The impact of social media on society
- The advantages and disadvantages of social media
- The implications of social media for businesses
- The use of social media in marketing
- The benefits and drawbacks of using social media for communication
- The role of social media in education
- The potential of social media for political engagement
- The use of social media in the news industry
- The impact of social media on our personal relationships
- How social media is changing the way we interact with each other
- Is social media making us more or less socially connected?
- How does social media affect our mental health?
- Can we trust the information we find on social media?
- Should there be limits on what we can post on social media?
- Is social media creating a generation of narcissists?
- Do we need to be worried about the amount of time we spend on social media?
- Is social media desensitising us to violence and suffering?
- Should we be worried about the amount of personal information we share on social media?
- Is social media making us less able to concentrate and pay attention?
- How is social media affecting the way we think and process information?
- Is social media creating a generation of shallow thinkers?
- How does social media affect our memory and recall?
- Is social media making it harder for us to empathise with others?
- Should parents be concerned about what their children are doing on social media?
- What are the dangers of cyberbullying on social media?
- What are the risks of sharing too much information on social media?
- How can we protect our privacy on social media?
- Can social media be addictive?
- What are the consequences of spending too much time on social media?
- Should employers be allowed to access employee’s social media accounts?
- Can employers discriminate against employees based on their social media activity?
- What are the implications of social media for employees’ rights to privacy?
- Should schools be monitoring students’ social media accounts?
- Can social media be used to cheat in exams?
- What are the academic benefits of using social media?
- What are the risks of using social media in academic research?
- Should universities be using social media to recruit students?
- How can we use social media to create a more inclusive society?
- What are the implications of social media for democracy?
- Can social media be used to combat racism and sexism?
- How does social media affect our ability to have meaningful conversations?
- What are the dangers of echo chambers on social media?
- How can we use social media to promote open and honest dialogue?
- Is it possible to have a healthy relationship with social media?
- What are the benefits of taking a break from social media?
- How can we make sure that we are using social media in a positive way?
- What are the risks of using social media while driving?
- What are the risks of using social media while walking or cycling?
- How can we make sure that we are not addicted to social media?
- How can we use social media in a way that is beneficial to our mental health?
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65+ Social Media Persuasive Essay Topics to Spark Your Debate
Explore our list of unique and thought-provoking social media persuasive essay topics. From the impact of social media on mental health to the role of social media in political movements, there’s something for everyone!
Social media has become an integral part of our lives, and its impact on society cannot be overstated. It has revolutionized the way we communicate, interact, and share information with each other. However, the rise of social media has also raised concerns about its negative effects on mental health, privacy, and society as a whole. In this blog post, we have compiled a list of 65+ social media persuasive essay topics that will help you explore the various aspects of social media and spark your debate.
![persuasive speech on the dangers of social media Persuasive Essay Topics about social](https://studyparagraphs.co/wp-content/uploads/Social-Persuasive-Essay-Topics-500x281.png)
Table of Contents
List of Social Media Persuasive Essay Topics
- The impact of social media on mental health
- Social media and its effects on self-esteem
- The role of social media in cyberbullying
- Social media and its impact on relationships
- The influence of social media on political activism
- The impact of social media on news consumption
- The role of social media in shaping public opinion
- Social media and the rise of fake news
- The effect of social media on privacy
- The benefits and drawbacks of social media in education
- The impact of social media on youth culture
- The role of social media in modern marketing
- The impact of social media on the entertainment industry
- The ethics of social media algorithms
- Social media and its impact on free speech
- The impact of social media on social movements
- The role of social media in creating online communities
- The impact of social media on body image
- The effects of social media on language and communication
- The role of social media in shaping cultural trends
- The impact of social media on peer pressure
- Social media and its impact on public health campaigns
- The role of social media in the spread of misinformation
- Social media and the rise of influenced culture
- The impact of social media on activism
- Social media and its impact on political polarization
- The role of social media in shaping political opinions
- The impact of social media on small businesses
- Social media and its effect on traditional journalism
- The impact of social media on the music industry
- The role of social media in changing social norms
- The effects of social media on travel and tourism
- The impact of social media on social justice movements
- Social media and its impact on democracy
- The role of social media in creating online celebrities
- The impact of social media on mental health in adolescents
- Social media and its impact on the job market
- The role of social media in advertising
- The impact of social media on the environment
- The impact of social media on political campaigns
- Social media and its impact on public opinion
- The role of social media in the rise of nationalism
- The effects of social media on family dynamics
- The impact of social media on the film industry
- The role of social media in promoting consumerism
- The impact of social media on the fashion industry
- Social media and its impact on activism in developing countries
- The role of social media in the rise of extremist ideologies
- The effects of social media on dating and relationships
- The impact of social media on privacy laws
- The role of social media in the 2016 US Presidential
- The impact of social media on mental health: A persuasive essay
- The influence of social media on body image: A persuasive essay
- Why we should regulate social media usage: A persuasive essay
- The role of social media in modern-day politics: A persuasive essay
- Social media and cyberbullying: A persuasive essay on the need for stricter laws
- The effects of social media on relationships: A persuasive essay
- The potential dangers of social media addiction: A persuasive essay
- Should employers be allowed to monitor employees’ social media? A persuasive essay
- Social media and freedom of speech: A persuasive essay on balancing the two
- The use of social media in education: A persuasive essay on the pros and cons
- The impact of social media on the music industry : A persuasive essay
- The use of social media for business marketing: A persuasive essay
- Social media and its effect on fashion trends : A persuasive essay
- The effects of social media on sleep patterns: A persuasive essay
- Social media and privacy: A persuasive essay on the need for stricter regulations
- The role of social media in promoting social justice : A persuasive essay
- The ethics of social media: A persuasive essay on the need for responsible use
- The impact of social media on journalism: A persuasive essay
- The future of social media: A persuasive essay on potential developments and challenges
As social media continues to play a significant role in our lives, it is essential to critically examine its impact on various aspects of society. With these 65+ social media persuasive essay topics, we hope to spark thoughtful discussions and encourage students to explore these complex issues in their academic writing. Whether you choose to argue for or against a particular topic, it is crucial to back up your arguments with credible sources and evidence. By doing so, you can contribute to a more nuanced and informed conversation about the role of social media in our lives.
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Just How Harmful Is Social Media? Our Experts Weigh-In.
A recent investigation by the Wall Street Journal revealed that Facebook was aware of mental health risks linked to the use of its Instagram app but kept those findings secret. Internal research by the social media giant found that Instagram worsened body image issues for one in three teenage girls, and all teenage users of the app linked it to experiences of anxiety and depression. It isn’t the first evidence of social media’s harms. Watchdog groups have identified Facebook and Instagram as avenues for cyberbullying , and reports have linked TikTok to dangerous and antisocial behavior, including a recent spate of school vandalism .
As social media has proliferated worldwide—Facebook has 2.85 billion users—so too have concerns over how the platforms are affecting individual and collective wellbeing. Social media is criticized for being addictive by design and for its role in the spread of misinformation on critical issues from vaccine safety to election integrity, as well as the rise of right-wing extremism. Social media companies, and many users, defend the platforms as avenues for promoting creativity and community-building. And some research has pushed back against the idea that social media raises the risk for depression in teens . So just how healthy or unhealthy is social media?
Two experts from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia Psychiatry share their insights into one crucial aspect of social media’s influence—its effect on the mental health of young people and adults. Deborah Glasofer , associate professor of psychology in psychiatry, conducts psychotherapy development research for adults with eating disorders and teaches about cognitive behavioral therapy. She is the co-author of the book Eating Disorders: What Everyone Needs to Know. Claude Mellins , Professor of medical psychology in the Departments of Psychiatry and Sociomedical Sciences, studies wellbeing among college and graduate students, among other topics, and serves as program director of CopeColumbia, a peer support program for Columbia faculty and staff whose mental health has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. She co-led the SHIFT research study to reduce sexual violence among undergraduates. Both use social media.
What do we know about the mental health risks of social media use?
Mellins : Facebook and Instagram and other social media platforms are important sources of socialization and relationship-building for many young people. Although there are important benefits, social media can also provide platforms for bullying and exclusion, unrealistic expectations about body image and sources of popularity, normalization of risk-taking behaviors, and can be detrimental to mental health. Girls and young people who identify as sexual and gender minorities can be especially vulnerable as targets. Young people’s brains are still developing, and as individuals, young people are developing their own identities. What they see on social media can define what is expected in ways that is not accurate and that can be destructive to identity development and self-image. Adolescence is a time of risk-taking, which is both a strength and a vulnerability. Social media can exacerbate risks, as we have seen played out in the news.
Although there are important benefits, social media can also provide platforms for bullying and exclusion, unrealistic expectations about body image and sources of popularity, normalization of risk-taking behaviors, and can be detrimental to mental health. – Claude Mellins
Glasofer : For those vulnerable to developing an eating disorder, social media may be especially unhelpful because it allows people to easily compare their appearance to their friends, to celebrities, even older images of themselves. Research tells us that how much someone engages with photo-related activities like posting and sharing photos on Facebook or Instagram is associated with less body acceptance and more obsessing about appearance. For adolescent girls in particular, the more time they spend on social media directly relates to how much they absorb the idea that being thin is ideal, are driven to try to become thin, and/or overly scrutinize their own bodies. Also, if someone is vulnerable to an eating disorder, they may be especially attracted to seeking out unhelpful information—which is all too easy to find on social media.
Are there any upsides to social media?
Mellins : For young people, social media provides a platform to help them figure out who they are. For very shy or introverted young people, it can be a way to meet others with similar interests. During the pandemic, social media made it possible for people to connect in ways when in-person socialization was not possible. Social support and socializing are critical influences on coping and resilience. Friends we couldn’t see in person were available online and allowed us important points of connection. On the other hand, fewer opportunities for in-person interactions with friends and family meant less of a real-world check on some of the negative influences of social media.
Whether it’s social media or in person, a good peer group makes the difference. A group of friends that connects over shared interests like art or music, and is balanced in their outlook on eating and appearance, is a positive. – Deborah Glasofer
Glasofer : Whether it’s social media or in person, a good peer group makes the difference. A group of friends that connects over shared interests like art or music, and is balanced in their outlook on eating and appearance, is a positive. In fact, a good peer group online may be protective against negative in-person influences. For those with a history of eating disorders, there are body-positive and recovery groups on social media. Some people find these groups to be supportive; for others, it’s more beneficial to move on and pursue other interests.
Is there a healthy way to be on social media?
Mellins : If you feel social media is a negative experience, you might need a break. Disengaging with social media permanently is more difficult—especially for young people. These platforms are powerful tools for connecting and staying up-to-date with friends and family. Social events, too. If you’re not on social media then you’re reliant on your friends to reach out to you personally, which doesn’t always happen. It’s complicated.
Glasofer : When you find yourself feeling badly about yourself in relation to what other people are posting about themselves, then social media is not doing you any favors. If there is anything on social media that is negatively affecting your actions or your choices—for example, if you’re starting to eat restrictively or exercise excessively—then it’s time to reassess. Parents should check-in with their kids about their lives on social media. In general, I recommend limiting social media— creating boundaries that are reasonable and work for you—so you can be present with people in your life. I also recommend social media vacations. It’s good to take the time to notice the difference between the virtual world and the real world.
A business journal from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
Biased News Can Be More Dangerous Than Fake News on Social Media
June 25, 2024 • 5 min read.
Researchers from Wharton, Penn, and MIT found that misleading, but factual, Facebook posts about COVID-19 vaccines were more persuasive than fake news.
![persuasive speech on the dangers of social media Illustration of people staring at bright screens and being drawn in by misinformation on social media](https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/duncan-watts-misinformation-vaccine-hesitancy-facebook-GettyImages-1772511520-900x612.jpg)
The following article was originally published by Penn Engineering Today .
What threatens public health more, a deliberately false Facebook post about tracking microchips in the COVID-19 vaccine that is flagged as misinformation, or an unflagged, factual article about the rare case of a young, healthy person who died after receiving the vaccine?
According to Duncan J. Watts , Stevens University Professor in Computer and Information Science at Penn Engineering and Director of the Computational Social Science (CSS) Lab , along with David G. Rand , Erwin H. Schell Professor at MIT Sloan School of Management , and Jennifer Allen , 2024 MIT Sloan School of Management PhD graduate and incoming CSS postdoctoral fellow, the latter is much more damaging. “The misinformation flagged by fact-checkers was 46 times less impactful than the unflagged content that nonetheless encouraged vaccine skepticism,” they conclude in a new paper in Science .
Historically, research on “fake news” has focused almost exclusively on deliberately false or misleading content, on the theory that such content is much more likely to shape human behavior. But, as Allen points out, “When you actually look at the stories people encounter in their day-to-day information diets, fake news is a minuscule percentage. What people are seeing is either no news at all or mainstream media.”
“Since the 2016 U.S. presidential election, many thousands of papers have been published about the dangers of false information propagating on social media,” says Watts. “But what this literature has almost universally overlooked is the related danger of information that is merely biased. That’s what we look at here in the context of COVID vaccines.”
In the study, Watts, one of the paper’s senior authors, and Allen, the paper’s first author, used thousands of survey results and AI to estimate the impact of more than 13,000 individual Facebook posts. “Our methodology allows us to estimate the effect of each piece of content on Facebook,” says Allen. “What makes our paper really unique is that it allows us to break open Facebook and actually understand what types of content are driving misinformed-ness.”
One of the paper’s key findings is that “fake news,” or articles flagged as misinformation by professional fact-checkers, has a much smaller overall effect on vaccine hesitancy than unflagged stories that the researchers describe as “vaccine-skeptical,” many of which focus on statistical anomalies that suggest that COVID-19 vaccines are dangerous.
“What this literature has almost universally overlooked is the related danger of information that is merely biased.” —Duncan Watts
“Obviously, people are misinformed,” says Allen, pointing to the low vaccination rates among U.S. adults, in particular for the COVID-19 booster vaccine, “but it doesn’t seem like fake news is doing it.” One of the most viewed URLs on Facebook during the time period covered by the study, at the height of the pandemic, for instance, was a true story in a reputable newspaper about a doctor who happened to die shortly after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
That story racked up tens of millions of views on the platform, multiples of the combined number of views of all COVID-19-related URLs that Facebook flagged as misinformation during the time period covered by the study. “Vaccine-skeptical content that’s not being flagged by Facebook is potentially lowering users’ intentions to get vaccinated by 2.3 percentage points,” Allen says. “A back-of-the-envelope estimate suggests that translates to approximately 3 million people who might have gotten vaccinated had they not seen this content.”
Despite the fact that, in the survey results, fake news identified by fact-checkers proved more persuasive on an individual basis, so many more users were exposed to the factual, vaccine-skeptical articles with clickbait-style headlines that the overall impact of the latter outstripped that of the former.
“Even though misinformation, when people see it, can be more persuasive than factual content in the context of vaccine hesitancy,” says Allen, “it is seen so little that these accurate, ‘vaccine-skeptical’ stories dwarf the impact of outright false claims.”
As the researchers point out, being able to quantify the impact of misleading but factual stories points to a fundamental tension between free expression and combating misinformation, as Facebook would be unlikely to shut down mainstream publications. “Deciding how to weigh these competing values is an extremely challenging normative question with no straightforward solution,” the authors write in the paper.
Allen points to content moderation that involves the user community as one possible means to address this challenge. “Crowdsourcing fact-checking and moderation works surprisingly well,” she says. “That’s a potential, more democratic solution.”
With the 2024 U.S. Presidential election on the horizon, Allen emphasizes the need for Americans to seriously consider these tradeoffs. “The most popular story on Facebook in the lead-up to the 2020 election was about military ballots found in the trash that were mostly votes for Donald Trump,” she notes. “That was a real story, but the headline did not mention that there were nine votes total, seven of them for Trump.”
This study was conducted at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Annenberg School for Communication, and the Wharton School, along with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management, and was supported by funding from Alain Rossmann.
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Essay on Social Media for School Students and Children
500+ words essay on social media.
Social media is a tool that is becoming quite popular these days because of its user-friendly features. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more are giving people a chance to connect with each other across distances. In other words, the whole world is at our fingertips all thanks to social media. The youth is especially one of the most dominant users of social media. All this makes you wonder that something so powerful and with such a massive reach cannot be all good. Like how there are always two sides to a coin, the same goes for social media. Subsequently, different people have different opinions on this debatable topic. So, in this essay on Social Media, we will see the advantages and disadvantages of social media.
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Advantages of Social Media
When we look at the positive aspect of social media, we find numerous advantages. The most important being a great device for education . All the information one requires is just a click away. Students can educate themselves on various topics using social media.
Moreover, live lectures are now possible because of social media. You can attend a lecture happening in America while sitting in India.
Furthermore, as more and more people are distancing themselves from newspapers, they are depending on social media for news. You are always updated on the latest happenings of the world through it. A person becomes more socially aware of the issues of the world.
In addition, it strengthens bonds with your loved ones. Distance is not a barrier anymore because of social media. For instance, you can easily communicate with your friends and relatives overseas.
Most importantly, it also provides a great platform for young budding artists to showcase their talent for free. You can get great opportunities for employment through social media too.
Another advantage definitely benefits companies who wish to promote their brands. Social media has become a hub for advertising and offers you great opportunities for connecting with the customer.
Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas
Disadvantages of Social Media
Despite having such unique advantages, social media is considered to be one of the most harmful elements of society. If the use of social media is not monitored, it can lead to grave consequences.
![persuasive speech on the dangers of social media](https://d1whtlypfis84e.cloudfront.net/guides/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/22063224/61.jpg)
Thus, the sharing on social media especially by children must be monitored at all times. Next up is the addition of social media which is quite common amongst the youth.
This addiction hampers with the academic performance of a student as they waste their time on social media instead of studying. Social media also creates communal rifts. Fake news is spread with the use of it, which poisons the mind of peace-loving citizens.
In short, surely social media has both advantages and disadvantages. But, it all depends on the user at the end. The youth must particularly create a balance between their academic performances, physical activities, and social media. Excess use of anything is harmful and the same thing applies to social media. Therefore, we must strive to live a satisfying life with the right balance.
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FAQs on Social Media
Q.1 Is social media beneficial? If yes, then how?
A.1 Social media is quite beneficial. Social Media offers information, news, educational material, a platform for talented youth and brands.
Q.2 What is a disadvantage of Social Media?
A.2 Social media invades your privacy. It makes you addicted and causes health problems. It also results in cyberbullying and scams as well as communal hatred.
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Social media brings benefits and risks to teens. Psychology can help identify a path forward
New psychological research exposes the harms and positive outcomes of social media. APA’s recommendations aim to add science-backed balance to the discussion
Vol. 54 No. 6 Print version: page 46
- Social Media and Internet
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This was the year that social media itself went viral—and not in a good way. In March, President Joe Biden threatened to ban the Chinese-owned video-sharing site TikTok. In April, a bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation to ban kids under 13 from joining social media. In May, the U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory urging action to protect children online ( Social Media and Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory , 2023 ). Just days earlier, APA issued its first-ever health advisory, providing recommendations to protect youth from the risks of social media ( Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence , 2023 ).
As youth mental health continues to suffer, parents, teachers, and legislators are sounding the alarm on social media. But fear and misinformation often go hand in hand. APA’s recommendations aim to add science-backed balance to the discussion. “There’s such a negative conversation happening around social media, and there is good reason for that. However, it’s important to realize there can be benefits for many teens,” said Jacqueline Nesi, PhD, an assistant professor of psychology at Brown University who studies technology use in youth, and a member of the APA panel that produced the health advisory. “Teens (and adults) obviously get something out of social media. We have to take a balanced view if we want to reach teens and help them use these platforms in healthier ways.”
[ Related: What parents should know to keep their teens safe on social media ]
In 2023, an estimated 4.9 billion people worldwide are expected to use social media. For teens who grew up with technology, those digital platforms are woven into the fabric of their lives. “Social media is here to stay,” said Mary Alvord, PhD, a clinical psychologist in Maryland and adjunct professor at George Washington University, and a member of the APA panel. That doesn’t mean we have to accept its dangers, however. “Just as we decide when kids are old enough to drive, and we teach them to be good drivers, we can establish guidelines and teach children to use social media safely,” Alvord said.
Social media charms and harms
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide in young people were climbing. In 2021, more than 40% of high school students reported depressive symptoms, with girls and LGBTQ+ youth reporting even higher rates of poor mental health and suicidal thoughts, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( American Economic Review , Vol. 112, No. 11, 2022 ).
Young people may be particularly vulnerable to social media’s charms—as well as its harms. During adolescent development, brain regions associated with the desire for attention, feedback, and reinforcement from peers become more sensitive. Meanwhile, the brain regions involved in self-control have not fully matured. That can be a recipe for disaster. “The need to prioritize peers is a normal part of adolescent development, and youth are turning to social media for some of that longed-for peer contact,” said clinical psychologist Mary Ann McCabe, PhD, ABPP, a member-at-large of APA’s Board of Directors, adjunct associate professor of pediatrics at George Washington University School of Medicine, and cochair of the expert advisory panel. “The original yearning is social, but kids can accidentally wander into harmful content.”
[ Related: Potential risks of content, features, and functions: The science of how social media affects youth ]
The potential risks of social media may be especially acute during early adolescence when puberty delivers an onslaught of biological, psychological, and social changes. One longitudinal analysis of data from youth in the United Kingdom found distinct developmental windows during which adolescents are especially sensitive to social media’s impact. During those windows—around 11 to 13 for girls and 14 to 15 for boys—more social media use predicts a decrease in life satisfaction a year later, while lower use predicts greater life satisfaction ( Orben, A., et al., Nature Communications , Vol. 13, No. 1649, 2022 ).
One takeaway from such research is that adults should monitor kids’ social media use closely in early adolescence, between the ages of 10 and 14 or so. As kids become more mature and develop digital literacy skills, they can earn more autonomy.
The cost of connection
The internet is at its best when it brings people together. Adults can help kids get the most out of social media by encouraging them to use online platforms to engage with others in positive ways. “The primary benefit is social connection, and that’s true for teens who are connecting with friends they already have or making new connections,” Nesi said. “On social media, they can find people who share their identities and interests.”
Online social interaction can promote healthy socialization among teens, especially when they’re experiencing stress or social isolation. For youth who have anxiety or struggle in social situations, practicing conversations over social media can be an important step toward feeling more comfortable interacting with peers in person. Social media can also help kids stay in touch with their support networks. That can be especially important for kids from marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ adolescents who may be reluctant or unable to discuss their identity with caregivers ( Craig, S. L., et al., Social Media + Society , Vol. 7, No. 1, 2021 ). In such cases, online support can be a lifeline.
“We know from suicide prevention research that it’s critical for people to know they aren’t alone,” Alvord said.
Kids also learn about themselves online. “Social media provides a lot of opportunities for young people to discover new information, learn about current events, engage with issues, and have their voices heard,” Nesi added. “And it gives them an opportunity to explore their identities, which is an important task of the adolescent years.”
Yet all those opportunities come at a cost. “There is a lot of good that can come from social media. The problem is, the algorithms can also lead you down rabbit holes,” Alvord said. Technology is expertly designed to pull us in. Features such as “like” buttons, notifications, and videos that start playing automatically make it incredibly hard to step away. At the extreme, social media use can interfere with sleep, physical activity, schoolwork, and in-person social interactions. “The risk of technologies that pull us in is that they can get in the way of all the things we know are important for a teen’s development,” Nesi said.
Research suggests that setting limits and boundaries around social media, combined with discussion and coaching from adults, is the best way to promote positive outcomes for youth ( Wachs, S., et al., Computers & Education , Vol. 160, No. 1, 2021 ). Parents should talk to kids often about social media and technology and also use strategies like limiting the amount of time kids can use devices and removing devices from the bedroom at night. Caregivers should also keep an eye out for problematic behaviors, such as strong cravings to use social media, an inability to stop, and lying or sneaking around in order to use devices when they aren’t allowed.
[ Related: How much is too much social media use: A Q&A with Mitch Prinstein, PhD ]
In helping to set boundaries around social media, it’s important that parents don’t simply limit access to devices, Alvord added. “Removing devices can feel punitive. Instead, parents should focus on encouraging kids to spend time with other activities they find valuable, such as movement and art activities they enjoy,” she said. “When kids are spending more time on those things, they’re less likely to be stuck on social media.”
Dangerous content
Spending too much time on social media is one cause for concern. Dangerous content is another. Despite efforts by caregivers and tech companies to protect kids from problematic material, they still encounter plenty of it online—including mis- and disinformation, racism and hate speech, and content that promotes dangerous behaviors such as disordered eating and self-harm.
During the first year of the pandemic, when kids were spending more time at home and online, McCabe saw a flurry of new diagnoses of eating disorders in her teen patients and their friends. “These kids often reported that they started by watching something relatively benign, like exercise videos,” she said. But their social media algorithms doubled down on that content, offering up more and more material related to body image and weight. “It was an echo chamber,” McCabe added. “And several of my patients attributed their eating disorders to this online behavior.”
Unfortunately, McCabe’s observations seem to be part of a common pattern. A large body of research, cited in APA’s health advisory, suggests that using social media for comparisons and feedback related to physical appearance is linked to poorer body image, disordered eating, and depressive symptoms, especially among girls.
Other research shows that when youth are exposed to unsafe behaviors online, such as substance use or self-harm, they may be at greater risk of engaging in similar behaviors themselves. In a longitudinal study of high school students, Nesi and colleagues showed that kids who saw their peers drinking alcohol on social media were more likely to start drinking and to binge drink 1 year later, even after controlling for demographic and developmental risk factors ( Journal of Adolescent Health , Vol. 60, No. 6, 2017 ).
Cyberbullying is another source of worry, both for young people and their caregivers. Indeed, research shows that online bullying and harassment can be harmful for a young person’s psychological well-being. APA’s health advisory cited several studies that found online bullying and harassment can be more severe than offline bullying. The research showed it can increase the risk of mental health problems in adolescents—with risks for both perpetrators and victims of cyberhate.
Ingrained racism
Search engines and social media algorithms can expose adolescents to other types of cyberhate, including racism. In fact, online algorithms often have structural racism and bias baked in, in ways that White users might not even notice. Sometimes, the algorithms themselves churn out biased or racist content. TikTok, for instance, has come under fire for recommending new accounts based on the appearance of the people a user already follows—with the inadvertent effect of segregating the platform. In addition to this form of “algorithmic bias,” people of color are frequently subjected to what some researchers call “filter bias.” In one common example, the beauty filters built into sites like Instagram or Snapchat might apply paler skin or more typically White facial features to a user’s selfies.
Like microaggressions in offline life, online racism in the form of algorithmic and filter bias can take a toll on mental health, said Brendesha Tynes, PhD, a professor of education and psychology at the University of Southern California, and a member of the APA advisory panel. In an ongoing daily diary study with adolescents, she is finding evidence that people who are exposed to algorithmic and filter bias are at increased risk of next-day depression and anxiety symptoms.
“I’m an adult who studies these issues and who has a lot of strategies to protect myself, and it can still be really hard” to cope with online racism, she said. Impressionable teens who haven’t learned such strategies are likely to experience even greater psychological impacts from the racism they encounter every day on social media. “We’re just beginning to understand the profound negative impacts of online racism,” Tynes said. “We need all hands on deck in supporting kids of color and helping them cope with these experiences.”
Despite the drawbacks of technology, there is a silver lining. Tynes has found Black youth receive valuable social support from other Black people on social media. Those interactions can help them learn to think critically about the racism they encounter. That’s important, since her research also shows that youth who are able to critique racism experience less psychological distress when they witness race-related traumatic events online ( Journal of Adolescent Health , Vol. 43, No. 6, 2008 ).
Tynes said more research is needed to understand how online racism affects youth and how best to protect them from its harms.
“Different groups have vastly different experiences online,” she said. “We need more detailed recommendations for specific groups.”
A role for psychology
How to protect kids from online racism is just one of a long list of questions on researchers’ wish lists. Digital technologies evolve so quickly that kids are off to a new platform before scientists can finish collecting data about yesterday’s favorite sites. “There’s so much we still don’t know about this topic. That’s understandably frustrating for people because social media is impacting people’s lives as we speak,” Nesi said.
It’s likely some groups, and some individuals, are more susceptible than others to the negative effects of social media, she added. “We need more information about who is more vulnerable and who is more resilient, and what it is they’re doing online that’s healthy versus harmful.”
While there is a lot of work to be done, Nesi said, “we’re getting closer.” As APA’s recommendations make clear, there is ample evidence some types of content and online behaviors can harm youth. Adult role models can work together with teens to understand the pitfalls of technology and establish boundaries to protect them from dangerous content and excessive screen time.
Psychological research shows children from a young age should be taught digital literacy skills such as identifying misinformation, protecting privacy, understanding how people can misrepresent themselves online, and how to critically evaluate race-related materials online. One way to promote those skills may be to lean into teens’ inherent skepticism of grown-ups. “You can teach kids that a lot of people want something from them,” Alvord said—whether it’s a stranger trying to message them on Instagram, or TikTok earning money by collecting their data or showing them branded content.
That’s not to say it’s easy to help kids develop a healthy relationship with social media. “By necessity, adolescents disagree more with their parents—and they are formidable when they insist on having something, like phones or social media, that all their friends have,” McCabe said. “But parents are eager for guidance. There is an appetite for this information now,” she added—and psychological scientists can help provide it.
That scientific research can inform broader efforts to keep children safe on social media as well. “Parents can’t do this alone,” Nesi said. “We need larger-scale changes to these platforms to protect kids.”
There are efforts to make such changes. The Kids Online Safety Act, a bipartisan bill introduced in April, establishes a duty of care for social media companies to protect minors from mental health harms, sex trafficking, narcotics, and other dangers. Additionally, the bill requires social media companies to go through independent, external audits, allows researcher access to platform data assets, and creates substantial youth and parental controls to create a safer digital environment. Even as legislators and tech companies consider those and other policies, researchers can continue their efforts to determine which actions might be most protective, said Nesi, who is currently leading a study to understand which features of social media are helpful versus harmful for kids at high risk of suicide. “For some kids, being able to connect with others and find support is really important. For others, social media may create more challenges than it solves,” Nesi said. “The key is making sure we don’t accidentally do any harm” by enacting restrictions and legislation that are not backed by science.
While researchers forge ahead, clinical psychologists, too, can add valuable insight for teens and their families. “Screens are a central part of adolescents’ lives, and that needs to be integrated into assessment and treatment,” Nesi said. “Clinicians can help families and teens take a step back and look at their social media use to figure out what’s working for them and what isn’t.”
Someday, McCabe said, digital literacy may be taught in schools the same way that youth learn about sexual health and substance use. “I hope we’ll come to a point where teaching about the healthy use of social media is an everyday occurrence,” she said. “Because of this dialogue that we’re having now among families and policymakers, we may see a new generation of kids whose entry into the digital world is very different, where we can use social media for connection and education but minimize the harms,” she added. “I hope this is the beginning of a new day.”
Social media recommendations
APA’s Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence makes these recommendations based on the scientific evidence to date:
- Youth using social media should be encouraged to use functions that create opportunities for social support, online companionship, and emotional intimacy that can promote healthy socialization.
- Social media use, functionality, and permissions/consenting should be tailored to youths’ developmental capabilities; designs created for adults may not be appropriate for children.
- In early adolescence (i.e., typically 10–14 years), adult monitoring (i.e., ongoing review, discussion, and coaching around social media content) is advised for most youths’ social media use; autonomy may increase gradually as kids age and if they gain digital literacy skills. However, monitoring should be balanced with youths’ appropriate needs for privacy.
- To reduce the risks of psychological harm, adolescents’ exposure to content on social media that depicts illegal or psychologically maladaptive behavior, including content that instructs or encourages youth to engage in health-risk behaviors, such as self-harm (e.g., cutting, suicide), harm to others, or those that encourage eating-disordered behavior (e.g., restrictive eating, purging, excessive exercise) should be minimized, reported, and removed; moreover, technology should not drive users to this content.
- To minimize psychological harm, adolescents’ exposure to “cyberhate” including online discrimination, prejudice, hate, or cyberbullying especially directed toward a marginalized group (e.g., racial, ethnic, gender, sexual, religious, ability status), or toward an individual because of their identity or allyship with a marginalized group should be minimized.
- Adolescents should be routinely screened for signs of “problematic social media use” that can impair their ability to engage in daily roles and routines, and may present risk for more serious psychological harms over time.
- The use of social media should be limited so as to not interfere with adolescents’ sleep and physical activity.
- Adolescents should limit use of social media for social comparison, particularly around beauty- or appearance-related content.
- Adolescents’ social media use should be preceded by training in social media literacy to ensure that users have developed psychologically-informed competencies and skills that will maximize the chances for balanced, safe, and meaningful social media use.
- Substantial resources should be provided for continued scientific examination of the positive and negative effects of social media on adolescent development.
Read the full recommendations and see the science behind them .
Further reading
Algorithms of oppression: How search engines reinforce racism Noble, S. U., New York University Press, 2018
Family Online Safety Institute
An updated agenda for the study of digital media use and adolescent development: Future directions following Odgers & Jensen (2020) Prinstein, M. J., et al., The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry , 2020
From Google searches to Russian disinformation: Adolescent critical race digital literacy needs and skills Tynes, B., et al., International Journal of Multicultural Education , 2021
How social media affects teen mental health: A missing link Orben, A., & Blakemore, S.J. Nature , Feb. 14, 2023
Techno Sapiens
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Harris was fully herself in DNC acceptance speech. That should worry Trump.
It's the final day of the democratic national convention in chicago – and harris is the main event. here's what our columnists are watching..
Vice President Kamala Harris officially becomes the Democratic nominee for president on Thursday. After a week of Democratic National Committee festivities in Chicago, voters will get the last option finalized, and the 2024 election will continue to pick up steam as we head to November.
Thursday's DNC events come the morning after Minn. Gov. Tim Walz officially accepted his vice presidential nomination to join Harris and after a full week of campaigning by Republicans and Democrats alike.
There are 75 days to go until Election Day, and USA TODAY Opinion columnists have a lot to say about the shake-up on the Democratic ticket . We'll bring you live commentary and analysis alongside on-the-ground coverage from the convention at the United Center.
Harris accepts the Democratic nomination while reminding voters Trump supported Jan. 6
Vice President Kamala Harris took the United Center stage Thursday night to accept the Democratic presidential nomination with a smile and an air of self-assurance that left no question: She is ready to meet this moment.
Like her running mate, the affable Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris was fully herself – inescapably authentic – as she spoke about her upbringing and the prototypically American story that led her to be one election away from the highest office in the land.
“ With this election , our nation has a precious fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles of the past,” Harris said. “A chance to chart a new way forward.”
Switching into prosecutor mode, Harris began to make her case against GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, highlighting his actions on Jan. 6, 2021: “ Donald Trump tried to throw away your votes , when he failed he sent an armed mob to the United States Capitol where they assaulted law enforcement officers. When politicians in his own party begged him to call off the mob and send help, he did the opposite. He fanned the flames.”
She rattled off the GOP’s focus on restricting reproductive rights and the changes that might come if Trump is reelected, saying: “Simply put, they are out of their minds.”
Pivoting to the middle class, Harris said: “This is personal for me, the middle class is where I come from. My mother kept a strict budget , we lived within our means, yet we wanted for little. And she expected us to make the most of the opportunities that were available to us and be grateful for them.”
Harris and Walz have humble beginnings that stand in stark contrast to Trump’s life of wealth. And throughout the week at the DNC, that contrast and many others were strategically highlighted.
Republicans spoke at the DNC, showing how toxic Trump has made the GOP and making the Democratic Party seem like an open tent. Where Trump is all ego and cruelty, the DNC and Harris focused on humility and inclusion.
We are seeing – in the polls, in Trump’s smaller rally crowds and in the increasingly unhinged nature of his public and social media comments – a wave of Trump exhaustion.
Harris put it quite perfectly: “Everywhere I go and everyone I meet, I see a nation that is ready to move forward , ready for the next step.”
Amen to that.
Harris’ speech Thursday night, before a massive crowd enthralled, undoubtedly took us one step closer to that next step.
— Rex Huppke, USA TODAY
Harris' DNC acceptance speech should worry Republicans
Vice President Kamala Harris’ acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention was the best I have ever heard from her.
I don’t agree with her policies and, as a woman, I’m not swayed by the fact that if elected, she would be the first female president. But I know a formidable, persuasive politician when I see one and Harris became that woman Thursday night.
Harris spoke passionately yet with a measured tone that Donald Trump would be lucky to find. From her childhood growing up with a single mom to becoming the attorney general of California and then a U.S. senator, Harris showed Americans a unique but familiar rags-to-riches story that feels warm and hopeful.
Harris’ policy agenda leaves much to be desired: She boasts tax cuts for the middle class and promises to fix the border – typical “I’m for the working class” mantras. But her delivery was so sound, it may not matter. Americans are oftentimes so easily persuaded by good ideas, they don’t even realize they never come to fruition.
If Harris was this serious about getting her to-do list done, she’d have done it the past four years while she was vice president. The Democratic Party’s amnesia is its greatest weakness.
Trump should magnify this as much as possible. But the Republican Party’s greatest weakness might be Harris’ ability to inspire audiences. The GOP ignores this at its peril.
— Nicole Russell, USA TODAY
Harris focuses on abortion in DNC speech. It's still a main issue this election.
Earlier Thursday, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled against putting an abortion rights measure on the November ballot. Because of this, the state's abortion ban will remain in effect, and thousands of people in the state will continue going without access.
So far, voters in eight states will decide whether abortion will be codified into state law. There are 14 states with total abortion bans and eight with partial bans .
More than 60% of Americans say abortion should be legal in all or most cases .
It can't be understated: This has the potential to be the biggest issue of the election. I hope Kamala Harris stresses this urgency in her acceptance speech.
— Sara Pequeño, USA TODAY
Harris accepts Democratic nomination for president, evoking prosecutor past
Everyone at the Democratic National Convention has been talking about Vice President Kamala Harris’ history as a prosecutor and her record of being tough on crime. That’s because Democratic leaders know Americans are worried about crime . And as a female candidate for president, she needs to show she’s just as tough as any man – as dumb as that is.
The storyline she has quickly perfected of the prosecutor vs. the criminal is a useful one. She does well to pit her experience prosecuting sex crimes cases against Donald Trump being found civilly liable for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll.
That wasn’t the case in the 2020 election, however. Harris’ background as a prosecutor hurt her with progressives in her first presidential run – especially her controversial approach to using state truancy laws to prosecute parents whose children regularly missed school.
But now, as Trump attempts to attack her as “ pro-crime ” and “ inspired by progressive prosecutors ,” Harris is facing the opposite problem she faced in 2020.
Violent crime is down around the country, but Americans still think it’s up. And they’re worried about it.
So instead of leaning into her image as a progressive, Harris would do well to continue to emphasize her “tough on crime” tenure as a prosecutor and attorney general, as she did Thursday night. Not only does she have to convince independents and undecided voters that Democrats aren’t soft on crime, but she also has to convince all those people who aren’t sure whether we’re ready for a woman president .
— Carli Pierson, USA TODAY
Kamala Harris finishes off a big night for Democrats
Thursday’s the big night: Vice President Kamala Harris is addressing the nation at the Democratic National Convention. It's really important to Democrats that this goes well, as it's the first time most voters will be hearing from her directly.
Harris − the first Black woman and the first Asian woman to lead a presidential ticket − is going to talk about how she got to this point , what it will take to beat Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and some of the things she wants to accomplish if elected president. I hope to see a clear vision for her goals.
This is the time for Harris − who would be America’s first female president − to sell young voters on the future of the Democratic Party, and she can do that by talking about issues that we care about: affordable housing, gun violence prevention, abortion access and climate change.
I also hope to hear her advocate for a cease-fire in Gaza, especially considering that no Palestinian American has been given DNC stage time to talk about the impact of the Israel-Hamas war on their families. It's still an important issue for young voters, and avoiding the topic is only going to work for so long.
— Sara Pequeño, USA TODAY
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper's place in the DNC shows the South is in play this election
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper spoke right before Harris on Thursday night. He has had a relationship with Harris dating back to their days as the attorneys general of their respective states. He spoke about their experience taking on Wall Street banks after the 2008 financial crisis.
“Even if you don’t agree with her on everything, Kamala Harris will fight for you until the very end,” Cooper told the crowd.
North Carolina’s top Democrat was initially in the running for the VP position, but he withdrew himself from the process.
North Carolina is becoming more of a toss-up the closer we get to the election. The placement of Cooper right before the nominee signals that the Democratic Party knows the southern state is once again at play.
— Sara Pequeño, USA TODAY
Former Republican lawmaker says Trump is a ‘weak man pretending to be strong’
Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, an Illinois Republican and avowed critic of former President Donald Trump, called Wednesday night from the stage of the Democratic National Convention for voters from his party to support Vice President Kamala Harris.
“I never thought I’d be here,” Kinzinger said , drawing laughter, “but listen, you never thought you’d see me here, did you?”
He said he has learned that Democrats are as patriotic as Republicans, but also that his political party “is no longer conservative” because it has switched allegiance to Trump, who only cares about himself.
“Donald Trump is a weak man pretending to be strong,” Kinzinger said. “He is a small man pretending to be big. He’s a faithless man pretending to be righteous. He’s a perpetrator who can’t stop playing the victim.”
Kinzinger, one of only two Republicans who served on the House committee to investigate Jan. 6, 2021, blamed Trump’s “ deceit and dishonor ” for the U.S. Capitol riot.
“That day, I stood witness to a profound sorrow, the desecration of our sacred tradition of peaceful transition of power, tarnished by a man too fragile, too vain, and too weak to accept defeat,” Kinzinger said.
His prime-time speech on the convention’s biggest night served as a capstone for Democratic outreach from the podium from Republicans to voters in their party swayable for Harris.
The convention also heard Wednesday from former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan , a Republican who spoke about Trump’s failed bid to overturn the 2020 election in that state, and on Tuesday from former Trump White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham , who said her former boss used to mock his loyal supporters as “basement dwellers.”
Kinzinger said Harris “shares my allegiance to the rule of law, the Constitution and democracy.” He called on Republican voters “ who still pledge allegiance to those principles ” to back Harris.
— Chris Brennan, USA TODAY
Whitmer must be thinking about what could have been
Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer got a Thursday night speaking spot (much better than President Joe Biden, by the way, who was stuck with giving his swan song on Monday).
The crowd in Chicago loved Whitmer, just as she got a big reaction when she introduced herself on Tuesday during the Democrats’ roll call.
I live in Michigan, so I’m familiar with Whitmer. And I remember very well when she was in the running in the summer of 2020 for Biden’s vice presidential pick . Whitmer went through several rounds of the process before it became obvious it wasn’t going to be sufficient that she was a woman ( Biden had promised earlier that year to pick a woman as his running mate).
Biden also needed to choose a woman of color, as party leaders made clear .
Now, I disagree with almost everything Whitmer has done on policy, and the decisions she made during the COVID-19 pandemic were especially damaging to Michigan.
But Whitmer’s a savvy politician, and as someone with experience as a governor, she would have been in a better position than Harris if Whitmer were currently the vice president.
I can’t help but assume Whitmer’s thinking about that, too.
— Ingrid Jacques, USA TODAY
Pink was great, but Democrats’ obsession with celebrities won’t pay my bills
The Democratic Party has always attracted more celebrities than the Republican Party. The reasons why are for another day. But the Democratic National Convention this week has showcased star power even more than usual, trotting out celebrities like Stevie Wonder, The Chicks, Pink and Oprah.
But if Democrats are so great, why does it feel like they’re using celebrities to sell me something I don’t want to buy?
After the pop stars and TV celebrities go back to their mansions, the rest of us will still be stuck with high grocery prices, high mortgage rates and soaring rent costs.
If Kamala Harris and Tim Walz get elected, they won’t extend Donald Trump’s tax cuts that are about to expire. The rich and famous weren’t the only ones who benefited, by the way. About 65% of taxpayers got a Trump tax cut.
Maybe the stars who performed on stage at the DNC will share some of their wealth with the rest of us, when we're all paying more taxes thanks to Harris and Walz.
Kerry Washington, D.L. Hughey were a little cringe. But at least the left has a sense of humor.
Democrats have a secret sauce: a sense of humor. Not that cruel sense of humor that bullies like Trump or Vance have − you know, the kind that’s not actually funny. I mean a sense of humor like D.L. Hughley , who spoke on the DNC’s final night, or Mindy Kaling , who hosted part of Wednesday night.
There weren’t any comedians at the RNC unless you count Russell Brand, who, like Trump, is accused of sexual assault by multiple women , but unlike Trump has yet to be found liable for that conduct.
Sure, some of the humor was cheesy. Kerry Washington’s selfie moment made me cringe. Not all of Hughley’s jokes landed the way he probably hoped (hazard of the job).
But instead of taking the stage for hours to make fun of names , spew ad hominem attacks and stoke fear – speakers at the DNC were hell-bent on talking about issues that matter to people: affordable child care, gun violence and hope for a better future for our kids.
And they did it with grace, and when they could, a sense of humor that was actually funny.
— Carli Pierson, USA TODAY
Ella Emhoff has tattoos. MAGA can't handle it.
Niece Meena Harris, stepdaughter Ella Emhoff and goddaughter Helena Hudlin spoke about their relationship to Harris.
“She’s never stopped listening to me, and she’s not going to stop listening to all of us,” Emhoff said.
Emhoff has been trending in right-wing circles this week as people dissect her appearance.
“Ella Emhoff being a part of the first family has the potential to radicalize American parents,” right-winger Richard Hanania tweeted on Tuesday. “I’m for women living the lives they want, but this is pretty much the nightmare scenario for most people with a daughter.”
As a Gen Zer with tattoos, it’s actually kind of funny to see other people get so worked up over Emhoff’s Brooklynesque aesthetic.
Who's missing from DNC?
Sherrod Brown isn't playing "Where's Waldo?"
The U.S. senator from Ohio won't be in the crowd cheering on the vice president during her speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. As Jessie Balmert and Haley BeMiller of the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau reported , Brown is one of the higher-profile Democratic leaders ducking and dodging the appointed " president of joy ."
That’s nothing against Harris. Brown also steered way clear of President Joe Biden.
The reason Brown is skipping the DNC: He’s fighting for his job in a state that Donald Trump carried in 2020 with 53% of the vote .
Brown's Republican rival, Cleveland area car salesman Bernie Moreno , has been anointed by the former president. Moreno spoke at last month's Republican National Convention.
Trump won Ohio in 2016 and 2020 by more than 8% . The 2024 GOP presidential nominee’s running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, is from Middletown .
A recent New York Times article mentions two private polls that indicate that Ohio may not be as MAGA red as it used to be, but Brown definitely isn't betting on it. The Democrat has long found supporters among Republicans. And while some may question his tactic of avoidance, it may work.
A Rasmussen Reports poll taken between Aug. 13 and 17 shows Brown with a 5-point lead over Moreno in the Senate race − 47% to 42%. Those results closely mirror polls by ActiVote , AARP and others . Trump leads Harris in Ohio by 10 percentage points , according to AARP's poll from July 23 through July 28.
— Amelia Robinson , The Columbus Dispatch
Elizabeth Warren takes jab at viral JD Vance 'couch' story
Massachusetts Senator and former presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren took the main stage at the DNC to talk about her relationship with Harris and stressed some of the issues the party was running on.
“We need to make life more affordable for working people,” Warren said . “Donald Trump, the felon, has no plans to lower costs for families.”
Her 2020 campaign overlaps a lot with the current progressive path the Democrats are on. Hopefully, the party will use her on the campaign trail. She certainly got a good one-liner in against Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio.
“I wouldn’t trust them to move my couch,” she said. Her comment was an apparent joke about a viral bit of misinformation that spread about Vance soon after he was named the Republican vice presidential nominee.
— Sara Pequeño, USA TODAY
Beyoncé or Taylor Swift at DNC? Rumors of mystery guest abound.
The final night of the Democratic National Convention quickly turned into an online guessing game as late-minute add was made to the speaker’s schedule.
There was no indication who the mystery guest would be , but thoughts immediately went to Beyoncé or Taylor Swift – or possibly both?
There was some speculation former President George W. Bush might make a surprise appearance and try to help push his party away from Donald Trump.
I, for one, suggested on social media that the special guest might be 1970s singer Jay Ferguson, who was performing his hit song, “Thunder Island.”
I’ve been told the surprise guest at tonight’s DNC is in fact 1970s recording artist Jay Ferguson performing his epic hit “Thunder Island”! (I’m allowed to have dreams too, folks.) pic.twitter.com/HWQfzTHHOV — Rex Huppke (@RexHuppke) August 22, 2024
My guess, quite frankly, was as reliable as anyone else’s.
— Rex Huppke, USA TODAY
Can Democrats pull off their Kamala Harris magic trick?
Here we are, the final day of the Democratic National Convention, which will culminate in Vice President Kamala Harris accepting her party’s nomination for president.
I’m still amazed at how Democrats in the past month, since President Joe Biden turned the election keys over to Harris, have succeeded in completely refashioning her image .
Last summer, an NBC News poll showed that 49% of registered voters had a negative view of Harris. Only 32% had a positive view. That level of negativity was the highest for a vice president in the history of the NBC poll.
And Harris consistently scored lower than Biden, who had low approval ratings himself.
Until the magic trick that Democrats ( and an accommodating media ) have pulled, that is.
I just wonder how long it can last. Harris is a known commodity, regardless of the makeover campaign.
She has avoided any serious interviews or news conferences , and the only thing of “substance” that we’ve heard so far is a loosely detailed economic plan.
Her plan includes big government giveaways and, more alarmingly, price controls of the grocery industry. Harris’ ideas are dangerous on multiple levels, which I discuss in detail in a recent column. You can read it in full here .
New York Rep. Pat Ryan speaks. Kamala Harris needs to do more to help military families
Vice President Kamala Harris is the most qualified candidate in the 2024 presidential election, but as a military spouse , I am worried her policies might fall short in addressing the unique challenges and needs of military families − just as past administrations have.
On Thursday night, Harris will take the stage to officially accept the nomination as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate. During her speech, we will likely hear about several of her policy plans. I hope to hear about how Harris as president would support military families better than past presidents.
Every election cycle, candidates talk about their plans to increase military pay, support military spouse employment and licensure, and provide more accessible and comprehensive health care to military families and veterans − but the reality is they often fall short.
In Harris' speech, I want to hear her talk about better health care options for military families. Currently, our families struggle to receive adequate care at our local duty stations either because the military health care system is overwhelmed or families live in a health care desert . Read the full column .
— Marla Bautista , USA TODAY
Gen Z has arrived and the DNC makes that clear
Gen Z has been getting quite a lot of attention at the DNC. It makes sense: Kamala Harris has spent a considerable amount of time speaking to our generation directly.
Mariah Cooley, a former White House intern, says she has seen Harris’ dedication to our generation firsthand.
“There’s a hyperfocus on mobilizing us, and engaging us to vote,” says Cooley, now a March For Our Lives board member .
That's half the battle with Generation Z, which spans from 1997 to 2012 . Now, the Zoomers in attendance are focused on mobilizing their peers.
In 2022, Olivia Julianna went viral for using a Matt Gaetz insult to raise $2 million for reproductive rights. On Wednesday, she took the stage at the DNC to speak to Gen Z viewers directly.
“ We will only be heard if we vote ,” Julianna said.
That's the right attitude to have.
Of course Ann Coulter made fun of Gus Walz for crying during his dad’s speech. That’s what bullies do.
Gus Walz loves his dad.
That should have been clear to anyone – Republican, Democrat or independent – who saw him sob as his dad, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, accepted the Democratic Party's vice presidential nomination Wednesday night.
It shouldn't matter that Gus Walz has ADHD, an anxiety disorder and a nonverbal learning disorder.
It shouldn't matter that he is just 17.
It shouldn't matter if his father is a Democrat or if he is Republican.
Gus was a son who was proud of his dad and not afraid to show it.
It was lovely.
Conservative commentator Ann Coulter apparently thought it was "weird."
That's the word that reportedly came to the former Fox News contributor's mind after she saw the moment so many others found heartwarming.
Nothing in her paused. She just pounced.
Coulter tweeted , "Talk about weird ..."
Coulter deleted the post, but not before it was screengrabbed. I am not surprised she went so low. Read the full column .
— Amelia Robinson , The Columbus Dispatch
The loudest voice at the DNC is the one that’s missing on stage: Palestinian Americans
On the third night of the Democratic National Congress, there was not a dry eye in the stadium watching Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin , the parents of Israeli American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, held in Gaza since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7.
No one would want to trade places with them right now.
But it’s now the final day of the DNC and a lot of people are asking, “ Where are the Palestinian American speakers ?” Where are the doctors who volunteered in Gaza and treated babies with shrapnel in their tiny hands? Where are the parents of the dead or missing Palestinian children? Why doesn’t the Democratic Party care enough to let their voices be heard, too? Are they not also parents?
With all the beautiful rhetoric of hope, integrity and decency that we’ve been hearing about all week at the convention, I have only one question: Where is the Democratic Party’s humanity?
It’s going to be a tight presidential race, and Democrats need progressives and Arab and Muslim communities to win in November.
Not giving airtime to the Palestinian American community won’t win them any uncommitted votes. It won’t win them progressive votes, or Muslim or Arab votes.
It might even cost them the election.
— Carli Pierson , USA TODAY
Somebody tell Tim Walz he never minded his own business as governor
Tim Walz wants to sell himself as a midwestern dad who wants everyone to “mind your own damn business.”
In his case, this is a jab at both pro-lifers and those who don't believe we ought to be allowing minors to undergo gender transition, but it's familiar to us conservatives who said the same thing about Democratic lockdown policies, some of the worst of which were spearheaded by Minnesota Gov. Walz .
In 2020, Walz set up a hotline you could call to snitch on your Minnesota neighbors who were not complying with lockdown policies. Where was the “mind your own damn business” then?
In reality, this administration would be one of the least likely to leave you to your own business in history, between infringement on your right to have firearms and instituting price controls , restricting how Americans can run their businesses. Walz has even expressed disdain for the freedom of speech under the guise of “misinformation” and “hate speech.”
If Democrats really wanted to be the party of “mind your own damn business,” they’d stop trying to get the government involved in every aspect of our lives and allow ordinary Americans to live their own lives.
— Dace Potas , USA TODAY
Tim Walz gave Democrats what they needed. Energy.
Tim Walz really brought the house down Wednesday night . He introduced himself to the country, got to call Republicans “weird” on the main stage and spoke on the issues the Democrats are focusing on this cycle.What really stood out to me, however, is how much Walz reminds me of the small town I grew up in and how his values reflect the America we could be.“That family down the road − they may not think like you do, they may not pray like you do, they may not love like you do, but they are your neighbors,” Walz said in his acceptance speech .
That's the kind of energy I've been hoping to see from the Democratic Party − and it definitely seems to have made an impression on the country.
— Sara Pequeño , USA TODAY
Trump promises to offer live reaction to Harris speech. I’m excited.
On the final night of the Democratic National Convention, GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump will continue his counterprogramming-via-nonsensical-rants strategy , offering Americans “a LIVE PLAY BY PLAY on TRUTH Social of Comrade Kamala Harris' Speech tonight.”
If you’re not sure what Truth Social is, you’re in good company. It’s the social media site Trump launched, the one with the consistently falling stock prices and not very many users .
If Facebook and what used to be called Twitter make up our digital town square, Truth Social is the rat-filled alley behind a building a couple blocks back with a drunk guy barfing into a trash can.
All week, as the DNC has bounced with enthusiasm and star turns, Trump has tried to divert attention with campaign events. But they’ve been low-energy speeches where he invariably starts to ramble off whatever his campaign’s central message is supposed to be.
So Thursday I guess he’ll try a different tack — sitting at home typing angry screeds while he watches Harris accept the Democratic nomination in Chicago.
If you want a taste of what’s to come, here’s part of what Trump posted about Harris Thursday morning: “UNDER COMRADE KAMALA, AMERICA WILL BE THE MOST DANGEROUS COUNTRY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. IT WILL REVERT TO THIRD WORLD STATUS VERY QUICKLY !”
So, you know, we can expect a lot of cogent analysis from him Thursday night.
Maybe the dude just needs to scream-post his way through it.
— Rex Huppke , USA TODAY
Billionaires for Harris: Democrats’ wealthy elites tell the rest of us how to vote
For the party of the “everyman,” the Democratic National Convention has paraded a host of Hollywood stars and wealthy elites to tell regular Americans to support a ticket that won’t actually do what’s in many voters’ best interests.
Oprah Winfrey has a net worth of $3 billion , yet she had the audacity to tell the audience Wednesday night at the convention that she’s had hard times.
“I have seen racism and sexism and income inequality and division,” said Winfrey, who grew up in poverty and endured childhood sexual abuse . “I’ve not only seen it; at times, I’ve been on the receiving end of it.”
The television megastar went on to urge independents to vote for Kamala Harris, whose platform features tax policies that would hurt many Americans. Such a lecture seems ridiculous coming from a billionaire.
But Oprah wasn’t the only one with a duplicitous message.
Former first lady Michelle Obama gave a powerful speech Tuesday night in which she reminisced about her late mother’s legacy.
“She and my father didn’t aspire to be wealthy − in fact, they were suspicious of folks who took more than they needed,” Obama said. “They understood that it wasn’t enough for their kids to thrive if everyone else around us was drowning.”
I don’t doubt that was the case in her childhood, but it’s a little ironic now as she, along with her husband, former President Barack Obama, enjoy a net worth of $70 million , including several expensive homes.
From Oprah and John Legend to Stevie Wonder and Mark Hamill , it’s beyond hypocritical to see celebrity A-listers with sky-high net worths supporting Democrats who want to enact policies that hurt everyday Americans’ bottom lines. It’s disingenuous at best.
If anything, Oprah and the Obamas share a common story: They have achieved the epitome of the American dream.
Yet, when they implore Americans to vote for Harris, they fail to realize they are advocating for a ticket that won’t help other Americans climb the ladder of success they ascended.
— Nicole Russell , USA TODAY
Winning an election takes a coalition. That's why we heard from Barack Obama, Bill Clinton
Nobody wins the presidency in America with just support from their political party. It takes a coalition of voters. Former presidents know that better than most.
So the speeches delivered this week at the Democratic National Convention by Barack Obama on Tuesday and by Bill Clinton on Wednesday stood out not for their appeal to cheering crowds in a Chicago arena but for the eager and open outreach to voters who were not there but might have been listening.
That outreach is more vital now than ever to Vice President Kamala Harris and her bid for the presidency with the news that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is likely to drop his ill-fated independent bid Friday.
Kennedy is the best known – if for cringey, controversial reasons – of the third-party options in November’s election for voters unhappy with their choices and looking to cast a protest ballot.
Obama told an adoring crowd that they must recognize their own “blind spots and contradictions and prejudices” while appealing to undecided voters to back Harris.
“Our fellow citizens deserve the same grace we hope they’ll extend to us,” he said.
Clinton asked the crowd to show respect to people with different beliefs while trying to make a connection about why they support Harris.
“I urge you to meet people where they are,” he said. “I urge you not to demean them, but not to pretend you don’t disagree with them if you do. Treat them with respect, just the way you’d like them to treat you.”
That sort of mirror messaging from two different former presidents doesn’t happen accidentally. That’s the Harris campaign throwing back the flaps on a “big tent” party, eager to welcome support from voters uneasy with the notion of another presidential term for Donald Trump.
— Chris Brennan , USA TODAY
You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page , on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter .
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The Four Points That Harris’s Speech Needs to Emphasize
![Jonathan Alter Jonathan Alter](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2024/04/12/opinion/jonathan-alter/jonathan-alter-thumbLarge.png)
By Jonathan Alter
Contributing Opinion Writer, reporting from Chicago
The most important part of any convention is the acceptance speech. It wins the highest ratings and usually determines the size of the post-convention bounce in the polls. Donald Trump blew his speech at the Republican convention by rambling interminably. Kamala Harris isn’t likely to do that at the Democratic convention on Thursday. But to win the election she must successfully introduce herself to millions of Americans and stress themes that resonate. Here are four possibilities:
Opportunity: Harris will tell her life story — the child of a single mother, worked at McDonald’s — in the context of her offer to the American people of the same opportunities that she received. The slogan for this, which she road-tested in a speech last week, will be “The Opportunity Economy,” or perhaps some slight last-minute variation. This is a good frame for her policy ideas because it is self-explanatory and with enough repetition will signal to voters that she has a plan to help them get ahead in a challenging economy. By confronting the Democrats’ greatest vulnerability head-on, she can stay positive and forward-looking.
Responsibility: Americans like freebies for themselves but not for other people, a point that Democrats often fail to understand. The party remains vulnerable to the charge that it believes in equality of results as well as of opportunity. So if she’s smart, Harris will talk about the responsibilities of citizenship — for service and community-building — that come along with opportunities. This also would let her segue into a stinging critique of irresponsible Republicans.
Accountability: One of Harris’s biggest assets is her history as a prosecutor, which she will stress, with details of how she took down drug gangs, fraudsters and other bad guys. Holding Trump accountable for his crimes, his cruelty and his incompetence will be a memorable part of the speech, even if subordinate to more positive and visionary appeals. To appeal to the moderates and independents that she needs, Harris should also say that even the most well-intentioned government programs sometimes fail. By all accounts, her governing style is to ask hard questions and demand better performance. She should tell the voters about that.
Toughness: Americans need to know that their leaders can stand up to bullies and aggressors abroad as well as at home. Harris has a threshold of presidential toughness to cross before she will be trusted with the management of national security. She should stress the dangers posed by Russia, China and Iran, and match her humanitarian concerns in Gaza with stalwart support for NATO and our other allies, including Israel.
There’s every reason to believe we will hear these themes and more in what promises to be a pivotal address.
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The following is a list of fifty persuasive speech topics about social media. This list is not exhaustive but it will give you a good idea of the range of topics that you could choose from: The impact of social media on society. The advantages and disadvantages of social media. The implications of social media for businesses.
The potential dangers of social media addiction: A persuasive essay; Should employers be allowed to monitor employees' social media? A persuasive essay; Social media and freedom of speech: A persuasive essay on balancing the two; The use of social media in education: A persuasive essay on the pros and cons
First, set a good example by putting your own screens down when interacting with your children. Talk to your teen about the pros and cons of social media: while it can be fun, it can also become a distraction. Set limits on your child's social media use. Most importantly, talk to your children about their experiences, including who they are ...
In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. While it offers numerous benefits, it also comes with significant drawbacks th...
Many people do not realize the harmful effects of social media. With all the factors that can happen including cyberbullying, bad reputations, lower self-esteem, less confidence, and eye strain, these factors happen because of social media. Also, people should be doing other important things in life rather than spending 2 hours a day on their ...
As social media has proliferated worldwide—Facebook has 2.85 billion users—so too have concerns over how the platforms are affecting individual and collective wellbeing. Social media is criticized for being addictive by design and for its role in the spread of misinformation on critical issues from vaccine safety to election integrity, as ...
A study published in the journal Computers and Human Behaviour found that people who report using seven or more social media platforms were more than three times as likely as people using 0-2 ...
Additionally, studies have shown that excessive use of social media can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. In conclusion, there are both benefits and drawbacks to the use of social media. It is up to the user to make sure that it does not have a negative impact on their lives, and instead can be used ...
Despite the fact that, in the survey results, fake news identified by fact-checkers proved more persuasive on an individual basis, so many more users were exposed to the factual, vaccine-skeptical ...
That being said, social media should not be encouraged to the public. At first use, social media does not seem dangerous, but it is. These sites diminish its user's privacy to the point that it is accepted (Anderson 1). Not only do social networks hurt us, but users use it in a way for emotional self-harm.
Persuasive Speech On Social Media Essay. Purpose: To persuade my audience to minimize their phone usage. Thesis: Stay in the present moment, don't let yourself believe you're going to forget a memory because you didn't document it through social media. A. Attention Getter: Four Years of your life is wasted to what's sitting inside all ...
Social media apps on our phones are doing more than distracting us: as in Jasper and Amanda's stories, apps can change our behavior, what we think, how we feel, and ultimately how we understand ourselves. Persuasive technology is meant to drive profit for tech companies. But each of the features we've discussed has unintended consequences.
Advantages of Social Media. When we look at the positive aspect of social media, we find numerous advantages. The most important being a great device for education. All the information one requires is just a click away. Students can educate themselves on various topics using social media. Moreover, live lectures are now possible because of ...
Social media brings benefits and risks to teens. Psychology can help identify a path forward. New psychological research exposes the harms and positive outcomes of social media. APA's recommendations aim to add science-backed balance to the discussion. Weir, K. (2023, September 1).
Social Media Persuasive Speech. 985 Words4 Pages. The internet is great. More specifically, social media is great. Social media is a wonderful tool that our generation has been blessed with. These days, many people might tell you social media makes you less social, but nothing beats sharing different ideas with all your friends. In an instant ...
I, for one, suggested on social media that the special guest might be 1970s singer Jay Ferguson, who was performing his hit song, "Thunder Island." My guess, quite frankly, was as reliable as ...
The science on whether social media is to blame for the crisis in youth well-being remains open to interpretation and debate. But it's clear that s ome categories of smartphone use are harmful ...
In the grand scheme of things, the ongoing battle to preserve free speech and freedom of expression always falls short when bad actors wield it maliciously. Because of recent events, social media platforms have a difficult road ahead. The battle against misinformation. What began as a tragedy quickly shifted and took on a completely different form.
I've heard quite a few running mate speeches at conventions — John Edwards, Joe Biden, Sarah Palin, Mike Pence, Tim Kaine, Kamala Harris — but I've never heard one as values-driven and ...