Are you addicted to social media? Do you ever feel isolated and depressed as you scroll endlessly through an overload of information on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter? If yes, you are not alone in your struggle. Tech giants use a variety of tactics to ensnare many of us and keep us engaged with their platforms. While all this may seem like a gruesome portrait of today’s digital world reality, there is a glimmer of hope. The current trends in subscription services show that people are willing to pay for quality when they have personal control and can choose what they spend their money on.
Social Media and Loneliness
Studies have shown that social media contributes to feelings of loneliness and alienation. According to the Pew Research Center study, 28% of adults have reported feeling disconnected from their local community. For example, a different 2018 study found that limiting social media usage to 30 minutes per day resulted in significant reductions in loneliness and depression among young adults. According to another UPenn study, there is a causal link between time spent on the platforms and decreased well-being.
Research conducted over the years has highlighted several major reasons why traditional social media promotes a toxic culture of social comparison, where we are constantly bombarded with images of other people’s seemingly perfect lives. This leads to feelings of inadequacy and despair as we struggle to keep up with the unrealistic standards set by Big Tech companies that control social media.
Another reason social media can contribute to feelings of loneliness is that it robs us of our precious time and energy. These platforms want nothing more than to distract us from the real issues facing our country and disconnect us from the world around us.
Furthermore, these platforms have become breeding grounds for online harassment and abuse. They promote anonymity and encourage people to hide behind fake profiles, which only emboldens those who seek to bully and intimidate others. In fact, the Pew Research Center found that social media is the most popular place for online harassment.
Despite the findings that highlight the negative impacts of social media, it’s difficult for people to disconnect from social media or decrease their social media consumption. According to GlobalWebIndex, 42% of social media users are trying to cut back. However, social media companies continue to rely on engagement metrics and ad revenue to generate profits, which means they have a strong incentive to keep us scrolling for as long as possible.
One way they do this is by using algorithms to keep us hooked, showing content that is controversial, sensational, or emotionally charged. They know that this is the best way to keep us scrolling and generating ad revenue, and they do not care about the negative impact it has on our mental health.
Trends in Subscription Services
There is hope on the horizon, as more and more people reject the toxic culture of traditional social media and seek out alternatives. A recent survey by consulting firm Simon-Kucher & Partners found that nearly 40% of respondents would be willing to pay for a social media platform that provided more meaningful connections. This shows that people are done with the biased social media and mindless scrolling that dominate the social media landscape.
The rise of citizen journalism and small, subscription-based media platforms is a welcome sign of the growing distrust in the mainstream media. But now, with the help of alternative sources of news and information, we can finally discover a more diverse and authentic perspective on the world.
Citizen journalism has emerged as a beacon of hope in the battle against mainstream media. Unlike mainstream media, citizen journalists are driven by a passion for the truth and a desire to expose real stories.
These individuals use social media platforms and other tools to provide a unique perspective on events that the mainstream media would never cover. They are the true voices of the people, unencumbered by traditional media.One of the biggest advantages of citizen journalism is its authenticity. Unlike mainstream media, which is often criticized for its corporate interests and political biases, citizen journalists are driven by their passion for truth and justice. They are free from the shackles of corporate and political interests, which enables them to report on stories that the mainstream media would rather ignore.
In addition to citizen journalism, small, monthly subscription-based media platforms are also on the rise. By relying on subscription fees instead of ad revenue, these platforms can offer their subscribers content that isn’t tainted by corporate interests or political biases. This means their content is more reliable, more truthful, and more representative of the interests of their audience. With the rise of these platforms, we are seeing a shift away from the mainstream media’s agenda, towards a media landscape that is more diverse and accountable to the people.
Personal Choice Matters
As Americans, we have freedom of choice. We can choose to limit our social media use or embrace alternative platforms that prioritize genuine relationships and meaningful connections. That’s where NESTSocial comes in.
NESTSocial is a proudly American social media platform that emphasizes community-building and local connections. Users are encouraged to connect with others in their local area and attend in-person events and activities. This focus on real-world connections sets NESTSocial apart from traditional social media platforms, which often prioritize fake virtual connections over real-world interactions.
While it might be challenging, we should take ownership of our digital lives and reclaim our freedom from traditional exploitative social media platforms. At NESTSocial, we are dedicated to reaching a new level of privacy, community connections, and relevant relationship building. Contact us to join our journey or to learn more about our values and vision.