Social Media = brain rotting? I don't think so...

But... The Church of England apparently thinks so…

So .... It was interesting to be asked as

Dan Sodergren to be a media guest on BBC Radio to discuss The Times report on how the Church of England is apparently claiming social media is making people stupider. It was interesting for a number of reasons…

One, my father is a vicar, so I feel a little connected to the church and its tradition of seemingly blaming technology for dumbing down the world or being related to the evils of the time.

Two, with myself and my partner starting the non for profit, the AI Teacher Course, and having trained in over 30 different schools and universities, I work in education. Often at the forefront of it. And it’s something I believe in. Better education makes the world a better place.

And then thirdly, and the reason they asked me to comment on this story is that I have worked in social media and trained people in digital marketing for almost 20 years with Great Marketing Works.

And I have now have launched the AI Marketing Course to help people use AI to do their digital marketing with them…

So blaming social media for making the world more stupid - cuts me pretty deeply….

Why is social media often blamed for everything?

Social media has become a central part of modern life, leading to debates about its impact on society. While many, including the Church of England, argue that social media is making people more stupid, it's crucial to explore its multifaceted role.

Despite its potential drawbacks, social media can significantly benefit society by supporting small businesses, fostering community engagement, and combating loneliness.

The Concerns About Social Media

Critics often argue that social media diminishes our cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that heavy social media use can correlate with lower academic performance and reduced political knowledge. For instance, research has indicated that university students with high Facebook usage tend to have lower grades and spend less time studying compared to their peers. Additionally, platforms like Facebook and Twitter may contribute to societal "structural stupidity," where the quality of public discourse deteriorates due to superficial engagement.

Moreover, the nature of social media promotes multitasking, which has been proven to be detrimental to our cognitive processing. Frequent multitaskers often struggle with focusing on single tasks, processing information efficiently, and maintaining organized thought processes.

This can lead to a superficial engagement with information, reinforcing the notion that social media is dumbing us down. Recent studies also suggest a decline in IQ levels in various countries since the mid-1970s, attributed to environmental factors such as changes in education systems, media consumption, and technology use.

The Positive Impact of Social Media

However, it is essential to acknowledge the significant benefits social media offers. One of the most notable advantages is its support for small businesses. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter provide entrepreneurs with cost-effective marketing tools, enabling them to reach broader audiences and engage with customers in real-time. This democratization of marketing allows small businesses to compete with larger corporations without requiring substantial advertising budgets.

Community events also thrive on social media. Facebook Events and local community groups facilitate the organization and promotion of events, fostering a sense of belonging and participation. This increased civic engagement strengthens community bonds as people come together to support local causes and activities.

As I talked about on the radio interview - which is here….  

Is Social Media Making Us Stupider? (youtube.com)

Combating Loneliness

Another critical benefit of social media is its role in combating loneliness. The World Health Organization has identified loneliness as a significant health concern, comparable to smoking in terms of its negative health impacts. Social media platforms offer a way for individuals, especially those who are isolated or introverted, to connect with others and find support communities. These platforms provide avenues for people to share experiences, seek advice, and maintain connections with friends and family, offering a crucial lifeline for those experiencing loneliness.

Research has highlighted the potential positive effects of social media on mental health among adolescents. According to a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center, a majority of teenagers felt that social media helps them feel more accepted and supported through tough times, allowing them to express their creative side and stay connected with friends. Despite concerns about overuse and its potential negative effects, these platforms can provide essential support networks for young people.

Interestingly, this loneliness piece was also something brought up at the HR Richmond Forum the other week in the great keynote talk by Bruce Diasley. And something I mentioned in my AI Training on the same day. The anecodoate reasoning that remote working is making people more lonely - simple isn’t true. But as a society we are getting more lonely but whether you work from home, work in an office, or do a mixture of the two.

Your work has nothing to do with your loneliness. However, one of the key indicators of a happy work life is having a best friend at work. This is also key to whether you stay in the same job or at the same company…

And this has NOTHING to do with social media.

Balancing the Scales

The impact of social media on intelligence and societal well-being is complex. While there are clear drawbacks, particularly in terms of cognitive engagement and public discourse quality, the benefits cannot be overlooked. The key lies in how these platforms are used.

By fostering positive engagement, encouraging critical thinking, and promoting responsible use, we can harness the power of social media to enhance rather than diminish our collective intelligence and societal health.

In conclusion, social media is not inherently making us stupider. It is a tool that, depending on its use, can either contribute to or detract from societal and individual well-being. By focusing on its positive applications, such as supporting small businesses, enhancing community events, and combating loneliness, we can leverage social media as a force for good in our lives.

Saying social media is making people more stupid - if like saying people reading makes us more stupid - which is ….

As you can guess.

Rather stupid.

But should you argue with the Church? Well - it so happens five hundred years ago - that wouldn't be very clever at all. But today - in the modern world - it is rather safer to do so...

Which is progress, which like some of social media... is a good thing,.

References for the blog

• Social Media is making us stupider says the Church
• BBC - IQ levels and the Flynn Effect
• BBC Future - Peak Intelligence
• HowStuffWorks - Are We Getting Dumber?
• VentureBeat - Social Media Impact
• Time - Social Media's Cognitive Impact
• McLean Hospital - Mental Health and Social Media
• Yale Medicine - Social Media and Teen Mental Health
• Mayo Clinic - Teen Social Media Use
• The Guardian - WHO on Loneliness