Before COVID-19 became the grim story of the day, every day, Common Sense Media surveyed young people about social media and found that:
- 56% said tech and social media “are tearing us apart more than they are bringing people together.”
- About 25% agreed that “it’s okay that, when with friends, they’re all on their phones;” 60% disagreed.
- 31% said” it’s okay to share something on social media even if it’s not true or if it’s funny and you like what it says.”
- 43% said that, when it comes to “mean, hateful, or abusive content online, it’s best to ignore it.”
- 33% said, “People should accept that seeing offensive or threatening content is just a part of being online.”
- 80% said, “Some people think too much about their social media posts and are always trying to be perfect.”
- 33% said it’s “okay to post a version of yourself on social media that’s not 100% real.”
- Every one of them said that they can’t live without their phones.
Then in mid-March, an IZEA Worldwide, Inc. survey found that:
- 66% of social media users believe their social media usage habit will increase in the event they are confined to their home due to the Coronavirus.
- 64% expect their usage of YouTube to increase, only 2% expect a decrease.
- 63% expect their usage of Facebook to increase, only 2% expect a decrease.
And lo and behold, here we are, hunkered down, the predictions a reality, especially for housebound kids glued to their phones to stay connected to friends…
Take heed.
With my thanks, well wishes, and prayers, Carol