Social media, once hailed as a platform empowering person to person open dialogue, activism, and community-building, is now facing a significant crisis. A new study conducted by The Syria Campaign, Data4Change, and RIWI has identified an alarming shift: users across the UK, France, and Germany are increasingly practicing self-censorship and disengaging online due to fears of toxic abuse, misinformation, and offline repercussions.
The comprehensive survey of over 4,000 social media users revealed several critical insights:
- Nearly half (48%) of young users aged 18-24 have seriously considered leaving social media entirely, highlighting severe safety concerns.
- In contrast, only 16% of users aged 65 and older shared the same sentiments, marking a stark generational divide in experiences and perceptions of online environments.
- Across demographics, the primary reasons cited for withdrawal included exposure to online harassment, misinformation, disinformation campaigns, and fears of real-world harm stemming from digital interactions.
- Respondents reported feelings of anxiety, stress, and frustration when engaging on social media, often driven by fears of being targeted or negatively impacted by misinformation.
- Many expressed emotional exhaustion and a sense of helplessness in navigating toxic and unsafe digital spaces, leading to reduced online participation and self-censorship.
This phenomenon reaches far beyond Europe’s borders, notably affecting activists and human rights defenders from regions experiencing ongoing conflict, such as Syria, Palestine, and Ukraine. These individuals face extreme forms of digital hostility, from targeted harassment campaigns to misinformation deliberately crafted to undermine their credibility and safety. The resulting self-censorship severely limits their capacity to document critical events, counter misleading narratives, and mobilize global support effectively.
To combat this troubling trend, the study highlights several key recommendations:
- Robust enforcement of new regulatory frameworks in the UK and Europe to ensure social media platforms are accountable for online safety.
- Enhanced responsiveness from platforms to swiftly address user complaints and adequately protect vulnerable groups, particularly human rights defenders.
- Improved digital literacy education to empower users in identifying and countering misinformation and online harassment.
At RIWI, we recognize the importance of open and inclusive digital spaces that encourage dialogue without fostering fear. By taking proactive measures to strengthen online safety and resilience, social media can continue to serve as a powerful platform for global engagement, informed advocacy, and meaningful change.
Read the complete report here: https://deadlydisinformation.org/tse/
