Everyone Agrees That Social Media Is Divisive, So Why Do We Keep It?
By Movieguide® Staff
A recent NBC News survey revealed that most participants believe social media in America is more divisive than it is unifying.
NBC News surveyed 1,000 American adults with different political views and diverse backgrounds. The majority of young adults and seniors said that social media is divisive—61% and 71%, respectively.
Politically, 77% of Republicans, 54% of Democrats, and 65% of independents said that social media sites like Twitter and Facebook promote disunity. Ethnically, 70% of white individuals and 65% of Latinos agreed.
Around 40% of black participants said that the media helped unify America. Only 42% said that it hurts unifying as a country.
For frequent social media users, at least once per day, just below 50% said that it bettered their life and 37% said it harmed their lives.
More recently, many actors and celebrities have called out the divisive nature of social media sites.
Read Also: 10 Surprising Celebs Who Have Rebuked Cancel Culture
Movieguide® previously reported:
In a recent interview with PragerU, Hollywood actor Kevin Sorbo expressed his concern with the lack of conversation between people who have differing views.
“It makes me really sad that we’ve gotten so angry and so divided,” Sorbo said. “Why can’t we have a civil talk about our disagreements? You can’t do that today, especially in Hollywood.”
As a conservative Christian in Hollywood, Sorbo recognized the growing silence and hypocrisy in Hollywood.
“The difference today, I think you got to play even more of a game now. You got to be ready to bite your lip, more than ever in the climate that’s going on in America,” Sorbo said. “Because you’ve got this whole woke thing, this cancel culture where people come after you, and it can tear you down for something you said 30 years ago which is insane to me.”
He added: “Now we live in a culture where it’s you’re guilty until proven innocent. We used to be the other way around. It’s crazy the damage they can do to your career and how they can destroy people’s lives right now.”
“We got to find a way to get some sort of common ground,” Sorbo said. “I still have to hope and believe that we’re going to eventually reach across and find a way to shake hands and be sincere about it.”
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN’s Andrew Garfield, who appears in the new movie MAINSTREAM about a social media star, does not actually have social media.
“I don’t think [using social media] would be beneficial to my mental health. I think I’m too sensitive and permeable, and I want to stay that way,” Garfield said.
Furthermore, movies like THE SOCIAL DILEMMA prove the negative effects of social media.
According to the Movieguide® review,
THE SOCIAL DILEMMA is a compelling, timely look at some of the nefarious ways, or even involuntary ways, Big Tech controls its user base through provisions like instant information and search engines. The movie’s dramatic portion sometimes distracts from the interviews, but otherwise reinforces the interviews. However, THE SOCIAL DILEMMA still presents a revealing perspective on Big Tech and the addictive qualities that social media has on many children and adults. It provides several scientifically backed solutions to slow the tide of social media’s negative physiological and psychological effects. Due to some depictions of riots, a couple references to evolution, an obscenity, and a discussion of suicide in THE SOCIAL DILEMMA, MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for older children.
What about you? Why do you use or avoid social media?
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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