Global Youth Speak Out: Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have become integral to the daily lives of young people worldwide. A recent Amnesty International survey involving youth aged 13 to 24 from 45 countries reveals that 59% spend over two hours daily immersed in these digital spaces. While acknowledging the positive aspects of social media, such as access to diverse viewpoints, creative expression, and opportunities for activism, the survey highlights two dominant concerns: the detrimental impact of harmful content and the “addictive” design of these platforms, both of which contribute to mental health challenges and a sense of powerlessness against the pervasive data collection practices of tech giants.
The Illusion of Choice: Privacy Concerns in the Digital Age
The study emphasizes a prevailing sense of lost control over online privacy among young users. Three-quarters of respondents struggled to comprehend the complex and technical language of social media terms of service, feeling coerced into accepting them to avoid social isolation. This echoes previous calls by Amnesty International for a ban on targeted advertising, a practice heavily reliant on intrusive user tracking. While the EU has taken steps to protect minors from profiling for advertising, the majority of the world lacks such safeguards, leaving young people vulnerable to exploitation of their personal data. This lack of control extends to content moderation, with many respondents reporting dissatisfaction with the handling of their complaints about harmful content, often feeling their reports are ignored, and they continue to be exposed to similar material.
The Algorithmic Grip: Addictive Design and Mental Health Impacts
A significant finding of the survey is the pervasive sense of being “stuck” in a cycle of excessive social media consumption. An overwhelming 74% of respondents admitted to checking their accounts more frequently than desired, attributing this to the addictive nature of constant updates and personalized recommendations. This constant barrage of information leads to feelings of overstimulation, distraction, and a loss of control. Beyond the addictive design, young people expressed concerns about the negative impact of social comparison and the amplification of harmful content on their mental health. The curated realities presented on social media contribute to feelings of anxiety, self-consciousness, and body image issues, with some respondents linking their social media usage to low self-esteem, depressive thoughts, and eating disorders.
From Exploitation to Empowerment: Youth envision an Ideal Social Media Landscape
Despite the negative experiences, young people are not advocating for abandoning social media altogether. Instead, they envision a digital space where their rights are respected, privacy is protected, and harmful content is effectively moderated. Their vision for an ideal social media landscape centers around greater transparency and less intrusive privacy policies, with an emphasis on positive content, education, creativity, and accurate information dissemination. They call for a move away from unrealistic, photoshopped portrayals and towards authentic representations of real people and experiences, free from violence, pornography, and the glamorization of suicide.
Amnesty International’s Call for Change: Amplifying Youth Voices
The Amnesty International survey serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for greater accountability and regulation within the social media landscape. The experiences shared by young people underscore the importance of addressing the addictive design of platforms, strengthening privacy protections, and effectively moderating harmful content. The survey results are not merely a collection of complaints but a call to action, demanding a shift towards a more ethical and rights-respecting digital environment.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Social Media and Youth Advocacy
As part of its RIGHTS Click programme, Amnesty Tech will continue to investigate the human rights concerns raised in this study. Working alongside young people in focus countries like Kenya, Argentina, and the Philippines, Amnesty International aims to develop campaigns advocating for regulatory change. This collaborative approach ensures that youth voices are not only heard but also play a central role in shaping a future where social media empowers rather than exploits, and where digital spaces foster well-being instead of exacerbating mental health challenges. The ultimate goal is to create a digital environment that reflects the hopes and aspirations of young people, one that prioritizes their rights, privacy, and mental well-being.
