The Dilemma of Social Media Engagement

When news broke about Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, my first reaction was disappointment; I wished he would redirect his efforts towards combating climate change. Musk, a controversial figure, has undeniably contributed positively to the environment through his work in electric vehicles, solar energy, and reusable rockets. However, it seems he may devote even more time to social media—a prospect that feels frustrating. But this concern extends beyond Musk; it encompasses all of us.

The adverse effects of social media on mental well-being, body image, harassment, and democratic discourse have been extensively documented. This news about Musk's deal sparked a deeper contemplation: could there be a significant drain on our intellectual resources as well?

Statistics from Statista reveal that in 2021, the average internet user spent about two and a half hours daily on social media, marking a nearly 65% increase since 2012. This trend isn’t solely a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; even in 2019, the average usage was only two minutes less. Additional data from the Pew Research Center shows that most Americans who engage with social media do so at least once a day, with over 30% checking multiple times.

While these figures are mere averages, they highlight a troubling reality: collectively, we invest a considerable amount of time on social media platforms. Each time I log into Twitter, I am struck by how many professionals—scientists, entrepreneurs, and politicians—are actively posting. It makes me ponder what other innovative endeavors they might pursue instead.

A study published in the American Journal of Economic Review in 2020 by researchers from Stanford and MIT analyzed the state of innovation across various sectors. Their findings suggested that "ideas, and the exponential growth they suggest, are increasingly difficult to uncover." Moreover, research from Rand Corporation in 2021 indicates that American entrepreneurship has been on a decline since 1990, with a noticeable drop-off beginning in 2006. A study by educational psychologist Kyung Hee Kim in 2017, involving over 270,000 Americans, identified a significant downturn in creative thinking over the past few decades.

In a 2021 survey, when internet users aged 16 to 64 were asked about their motivations for using social media, the second most common response—after "keeping in touch with family and friends"—was "filling spare time." This is concerning, as research indicates that idleness and daydreaming are vital for creativity, particularly for the kind of transformative insights essential for innovation.

Adam Alter, a professor at NYU's Stern School of Business and author of "Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology," notes, "We are losing our ability to endure boredom. The moment we feel even slightly bored, we reach for our phones and jump from one social media feed to another." He argues that without confronting and pushing past mental barriers, we risk losing the capacity to think differently and creatively about challenges in our personal and professional lives.

The Impact on Future Generations

Subsection 1.1.1: The Effects on Adolescents

Sherry Turkle, an MIT professor and author of "Reclaiming Conversation," has studied adolescents and their relationship with the internet. She observes that boredom has become intolerable for even young children. "Baby bouncers equipped with iPad slots are not helping," she argues, asserting that adults are suppressing a crucial developmental skill.

Turkle's research reveals that by high school, many modern teenagers avoid face-to-face conversations because "they feel endless and expose their vulnerability." She emphasizes that boredom and vulnerability are essential developmental skills we cannot afford to lose. "Without these, empathy cannot flourish," she warns, highlighting that while many seek to create an app to foster empathy, the true solution lies within ourselves.

The Broader Consequences of Social Media

The decline in innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity is undoubtedly influenced by multiple factors. While research on social media's direct effects is still emerging, it is crucial to consider the possibility that we may be amusing ourselves to death.

The time spent on social media goes beyond just clocking hours on the platforms; it also encompasses the pervasive distractions they introduce to our lives. This includes constant notifications, the thought patterns shaped by tweet-sized thoughts, the effort spent crafting the ideal Instagram image, and the emotional toll of online disagreements. Nicholas Carr discussed this phenomenon of diminished attention spans in his 2010 book, "The Shallows."

In discussions with Lee Rainie, the director of internet and technology research at the Pew Research Center, he acknowledged that social media significantly impacts various aspects of life, including productivity and progress. However, he noted the challenge of quantifying opportunity costs. "Determining the balance sheet is complicated," he remarked.

Nevertheless, Rainie, who has researched this field for over two decades, indicated that people often express concern about their social media usage, reflecting a desire for more meaningful engagement.

The Dual Nature of Social Media

It’s important to recognize that social media can be used constructively. For instance, during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the "Cajun Navy," a group of civilian rescuers, organized their efforts primarily through social media. Additionally, social media has facilitated collaborations and friendships, and it allows me to test ideas for essays and books.

Yet, even when people leverage social media positively, they often feel "productively whipsawed." One moment may be spent discovering information that would have taken hours in a library, while the next may lead to feeling distressed over a negative post or engaging in a heated debate. Rainie highlights a "negativity bias," where people are more likely to focus on what's not working rather than recognizing the good that social media can bring.

A Metaphor for Our Time

Social media can be likened to a massive cocktail party. Attending a party once a week for a short duration can be invigorating. However, if one spends hours at a cocktail party daily, it can lead to significant problems. Perhaps we are overindulging in the social media cocktail party, to the detriment of both individuals and society.

While there is potential for Elon Musk to enhance Twitter’s positive features and reduce its negative aspects, and perhaps other platforms will follow suit, I remain hopeful. In the meantime, I am committed to establishing personal boundaries regarding social media. I will eliminate apps from my phone, disable notifications, and limit my usage to thirty minutes a day. There are too many books to read and ideas to write about. I encourage everyone to consider making similar trade-offs; our shared progress may depend on it.

Brad Stulberg’s latest book is "The Practice of Groundedness: A Transformative Path to Success that Feeds — Not Crushes — Your Soul." He also authors the Growth Equation newsletter.