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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think social media has had a hugely negative influence on the world…..

33 replies

Battical · 29/09/2025 22:13

….. and it would be better if it disappeared.

I’m not blind to the positives but the negatives vastly outweigh them. Hateful, inane content, served up by algorithms that encourage a skewed view of the world. Epidemic of narcissistic behaviour. Damaging comparison-culture based on dishonest posting of “perfect” lives and bodies.

Or am I being unreasonable?

OP posts:
arethereanyleftatall · 29/09/2025 22:44

It has been an absolute disaster for children.

BoredZelda · 29/09/2025 22:43

Sure. Looking at what other people are doing and saying on the internet then commenting about it is a really stupid thing to be doing. 👍

InterestedDad37 · 29/09/2025 22:42

Dudgeon · 29/09/2025 22:26

Well, you can influence your algorithm. My SM presence, apart from fri3nds, is pretty much entirely arts-based (theatres, galleries, arts festivals, general cultural stuff, artists I like or have night work from etc), so what I see is pleasant and interesting, and useful in terms of planning stuff. I’m not seeing any hateful content, or purportedly perfect lives and bodies.

This 👆
My experience has always been almost entirely positive. I've found work, genuine irl friendships, education and love through social media. 😊

FuzzyWolf · 29/09/2025 22:39

If there is something that’s had a negative effect on the world then it’s humans!

BatchCookBabe · 29/09/2025 22:37

YABU. It's what you make it, and I enjoy it.

Original poster
Battical · 29/09/2025 22:32

Dudgeon · 29/09/2025 22:26

Well, you can influence your algorithm. My SM presence, apart from fri3nds, is pretty much entirely arts-based (theatres, galleries, arts festivals, general cultural stuff, artists I like or have night work from etc), so what I see is pleasant and interesting, and useful in terms of planning stuff. I’m not seeing any hateful content, or purportedly perfect lives and bodies.

Nor me, because I don’t seek that content. However, you surely aren’t denying it exists and that some people get it shovelled up repeatedly, and it’s not great for them or society in general?

OP posts:
Dudgeon · 29/09/2025 22:26

Well, you can influence your algorithm. My SM presence, apart from fri3nds, is pretty much entirely arts-based (theatres, galleries, arts festivals, general cultural stuff, artists I like or have night work from etc), so what I see is pleasant and interesting, and useful in terms of planning stuff. I’m not seeing any hateful content, or purportedly perfect lives and bodies.

Robertplantgoddess · 29/09/2025 22:17

Social media and the Internet. I read somewhere once that the Internet was like a baby then a toddler and we have grown it up to be this young person (and it is awful). I would miss parts of it of course but I remember surviving happily without it. I know I'm an old fart but I would if possible go back to pre Internet. I would miss the 100,000 people to talk to that ill never meet but I would end up actually knowing 30 people.