Social media giants respond to amplified criticism of the dangers of their services
Implications - Social media giants have come under scrutiny for some years now as they increasingly become vessels for the spread of false information, the incitement of violence, for tech addiction and for negatively impacting mental health. Such scrutiny has resulted in small changes in the way these companies operate, some of which can go so far as to affect their bottom line by reducing the amount of time spent on their own services, or by inciting consumer backlash. Such initiatives aim to reduce the negativity that social media giants have done little to address in the past, as more consumers demand change.
Workshop Question - How could your brand reduce some of its negative social, environmental, or political impacts?
Trend Themes
1. Fake News Filters - The trend of fake news filters is important in curbing the spread of harmful false information on social media platforms.
2. Happiness-focused Social Media Departments - Building wellbeing teams to help negate the negative mental health consequences associated with social media platforms provides a positive disruption for personal and professional responsibility.
3. Mobile Message-limiting Features - Implementing message limits on social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, is crucial in stopping the spread of harmful information and related violence due to mass hysteria.
4. Time-monitoring App Tools - Helping manage screen time through time-monitoring app tools, such as the Activity Dashboard feature on Facebook and Instagram, provides an effective way to help combat screen addiction and related anxiety and depression.
Industry Implications
1. Social Media - The social media industry needs to continuously innovate their platforms to prioritize user wellbeing, mental health and accountability.
2. Media - Media outlets need to fact-check news stories and accurately report them, while ensuring digital images are not altered, in order to promote ethical journalism and minimize the spread of fake news.
3. Technology - The technology industry has a responsibility to implement features and tools to manage and limit phone and screen time, and to safeguard its users from negative psychological consequences associated with social media use.
4 Featured, 36 Examples:
28,555 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Feb 17 — Aug 18
Trending:
Mild
Consumer Insight Topics:
