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Argumentative Essay About Social Media : Topics, Tips & Examples

Are you struggling to come up with a topic for your argumentative essay about social media?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

With so many different opinions about social media, it can be difficult to know where to start. But fear not!

In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to craft a great topic for your essay, as well as how to start your essay and some examples of argumentative essay topics about social media.

How to choose a topic for your argumentative social media essay

Choosing the right topic is the foundation of a successful argumentative essay . Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect topic for your social media essay:

  • Identify the hot-button issues: Look for the topics that are currently generating the most attention and debate on social media. For instance, the issue of online privacy has been a hot-button issue for some time now.
  • Analyze current events: Keep an eye on current events and trending topics on social media platforms. For example, the recent controversy surrounding Facebook’s role in the 2016 US Presidential election is an excellent topic to explore.
  • Identify your audience: Consider the demographics of your audience, and choose a topic that will resonate with them. For instance, if you are writing for a younger audience, you may want to consider a topic related to the impact of social media on mental health.
  • Personal experience: Consider your own experiences with social media and the impact it has had on your life. You may be able to identify a unique perspective that will make for a compelling argumentative essay.

Argumentative essay about social media

How to craft a title for your argumentative essay about social media

Now that you know what topic you want to write on, let’s talk about how to craft a title that will grab your reader’s attention and accurately reflect your argument. Here are some tips:

  • Use descriptive language: Your title should give your reader a good idea of what your essay is about. Use descriptive language that accurately reflects your argument. For example, if you’re writing about the advantages and disadvantages of social media, you might use a title like “Navigating the Pros and Cons of Social Media.”
  • Keep it short and sweet: Your title should be concise and easy to remember. Avoid long titles that are difficult to read or remember. A good rule of thumb is to keep your title under 10 words.
  • Make it provocative: A provocative title can grab your reader’s attention and make them want to read more. However, be careful not to be too sensationalistic or misleading. Your title should accurately reflect your argument.

Examples of Argumentative Essay Topics about Social Media

  • Should social media platforms be held accountable for the spread of misinformation and fake news?
  • The Social Dilemma: Navigating the Pros and Cons of Social Media
  • Scrolling to Depression: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
  • Fake News, Real Consequences: Holding Social Media Platforms Accountable
  • Swipe Left on Toxic Relationships: The Impact of Social Media on Modern Dating
  • The Future of Work in the Social Media Age: Opportunity or Threat?
  • Hooked on Social Media: The Addictive Nature of Online Engagement
  • Lost in Translation: How Social Media Affects Cross-Cultural Communication
  • The Algorithms Behind the Screen: The Need for Transparency on Social Media Platforms
  • Democracy in Danger? Examining the Impact of Social Media on Political Discourse
  • Growing Up Online: The Impact of Social Media on the Development of Young Minds
  • Is social media addiction a real problem, and if so, what steps should be taken to address it?
  • Should social media companies be required to collect and store data about their users’ online activities?
  • Are social media platforms responsible for the rise of cyberbullying and harassment, and what measures should be taken to prevent it?

How to Start an Argumentative Essay about Social Media

Starting an argumentative essay about social media can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can create a compelling and engaging introduction that hooks your reader’s attention. Here are some tips and examples to help you get started:

  • Start with a hook that relates to your argument about social media
  • Use a surprising statistic or fact: “Did you know that more than 60% of people have witnessed online harassment on social media platforms?”
  • Use a provocative question: “Is social media a tool for positive social change or a threat to democracy?”
  • Use a personal anecdote: “When I was in high school, I witnessed firsthand the negative impact of social media on my friend’s mental health.”
  • Provide background information
  • Define social media: “Social media refers to a variety of online platforms that allow users to share information, connect with others, and engage in social networking.”
  • Explain the history of social media: “Social media has its roots in early online communities like Usenet and bulletin board systems, but it wasn’t until the rise of platforms like Facebook and Twitter that it became a mainstream phenomenon.”
  • Outline the different types of social media: “There are a variety of social media platforms available, including social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, microblogging sites like Twitter and Tumblr, and image-sharing sites like Instagram and Snapchat.”
  • Present your thesis statement
  • Focus on a specific aspect of social media: “While social media can be a useful tool for communication and entertainment, its addictive qualities and pressure to present a perfect image can have detrimental effects on mental health and well-being.”
  • Take a stance: “Social media is a net positive for society, providing a platform for marginalized voices to be heard and allowing for greater social connection and community building.”
  • Preview your main arguments: “In this essay, I will argue that social media is both a blessing and a curse, providing many benefits while also creating new challenges and problems that need to be addressed.”

How to Write the Body of a Social Media Argumentative Essay

The next section to write after the introduction is the body of your argumentative essay. Here are some tips on how to structure and write the body of your essay:

  • Develop your arguments: In the body of your essay, you will need to develop the arguments that support your thesis statement. Each argument should be presented in a separate paragraph, and you should use evidence and examples to support your claims. For example, if you are arguing that social media has a negative impact on mental health, you could provide studies or articles that support your position.
  • Address counterarguments: It is important to address counterarguments in your essay. This shows that you have considered different perspectives on the issue and strengthens your overall argument. For example, if you are arguing that social media has a negative impact on mental health, you could address the counterargument that social media can be a source of social support for some individuals.
  • Use transitional phrases: Use transitional phrases to move smoothly from one argument to the next. This helps your essay to flow and makes it easier for your reader to follow your argument. Examples of transitional phrases include “in addition,” “moreover,” and “furthermore.”
  • Provide a conclusion: Your conclusion should summarize your main arguments and restate your thesis statement. It should also provide some final thoughts or recommendations on the issue. Avoid introducing new information or arguments in your conclusion.

Example of an Argumentative Essay about Social Media

Title: Should social media platforms be held accountable for the spread of misinformation and fake news?

Did you know that your social media feed may be feeding you lies? In recent years, social media platforms have come under fire for their role in spreading fake news and misinformation. As more people turn to social media for their news and information, the potential impact of these falsehoods has become a growing concern. With debates raging about who should be held responsible for this spread of misinformation, this essay will argue that social media platforms must be held accountable for the consequences of the content they allow to spread. Social media has become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, and with the increasing amount of information shared on these platforms, the potential for the spread of misinformation and fake news has become a significant concern. It is no longer a question of whether social media platforms should be held accountable for the spread of such content, but how they should be held accountable. Firstly, social media platforms must take responsibility for the accuracy and truthfulness of the content that is published on their platforms. Social media platforms are no longer mere conduits for information; they actively curate the content that is presented to users through algorithms and other tools (Allcott & Gentzkow, 2017). As such, they have the ability and the responsibility to ensure that the content that is presented to users is accurate and truthful. Social media platforms must be held accountable for any content that is found to be false, misleading or harmful to public health, safety, and well-being. Moreover, the impact of social media on public opinion and discourse cannot be understated. Studies have shown that the spread of fake news and misinformation can have a significant impact on public opinion and even influence election outcomes. As such, social media platforms have a responsibility to ensure that they are not facilitating the spread of false information that could influence important decision-making processes. They must ensure that their content policies and moderation practices are stringent enough to prevent the spread of harmful and false information. Some may argue that social media platforms should not be held accountable for the spread of misinformation and fake news as it can be difficult to determine what is true and false. However, this argument overlooks the fact that social media platforms have the resources and tools to combat the spread of false information(Allcott & Gentzkow, 2017). For example, these platforms can employ fact-checking mechanisms and algorithms that can detect false information and flag it for review. According to a study by Haim and Graefe (2018), social media platforms have the capability to implement these measures effectively. While it is true that detecting false information on social media platforms can be challenging, it is not an impossible task. In fact, social media platforms can improve their algorithms to better identify and flag false information. For instance, they can use machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyze patterns of behavior, source credibility, and language used to identify potentially false information. Moreover, social media platforms can collaborate with independent fact-checkers and news organizations to verify the accuracy of information before it is posted on their platforms (European Commission, 2018). By working with reputable sources, social media platforms can reduce the spread of misinformation and promote the sharing of accurate information. In conclusion, social media platforms should be held accountable for the spread of misinformation and fake news. As powerful gatekeepers of information, social media platforms have a responsibility to ensure that the content that is presented to users is accurate and truthful. They also have a legal obligation to remove illegal content, which may include false or misleading information. By taking these steps, social media platforms can help to mitigate the impact of misinformation and fake news on public opinion and discourse. References: Allcott, H., & Gentzkow, M. (2017). Social media and fake news in the 2016 election. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 31(2), 211-236. European Commission. (2018). Code of conduct on countering illegal hate speech online. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/11507-Code-of-conduct-on-countering-illegal-hate-speech-online-/public-feedback Haim, M., & Graefe, A. (2018). In a world of alternative facts, social media algorithms and crowdsourcing can help verify news. The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/in-a-world-of-alternative-facts-social-media-algorithms-and-crowdsourcing-can-help-verify-news-83503

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Argumentative Essay About Social Media

Last updated on: Mar 25, 2024

Tips and Examples for Writing an Engaging Argumentative Essay About Social Media

By: Nova A.

12 min read

Reviewed By: Betty P.

Published on: Mar 7, 2023

Argumentative Essay About Social Media

Writing argumentative essays can be a daunting task, especially when the topic is as complex and controversial as social media. You want to make sure your argument is well-researched, persuasive, and stands out from the rest of your peers’ work. 

But how do you go about doing that? 

Our comprehensive guide on argumentative essay writing will show you exactly what steps to take. This way you can write a standout argumentative essay about social media. 

We'll provide tips on research, structure, evidence gathering, and more!

So without further ado, let's get started!

Argumentative Essay About Social Media

On this Page

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a written piece of work in which the student argues a case, putting forward evidence. 

The use of persuasive language is important to convince readers that their point of view is valid. 

In argumentative essays, it's important to consider both sides of an argument before coming to a conclusion. This will help you build your argument more effectively.

Unlock the secrets to constructing compelling arguments with our argumentative essay guide.

Purpose of Writing an Argumentative Essay About Social Media

When it comes to argumentative essays about social media, the purpose is to provide a comprehensive argument. It addresses both sides of the debate. 

We need to discuss how social media can help us and how it can harm us. 

We also need to consider the ways in which social media has changed our lives, for better or worse. And whether or not it has a place in our society. 

By exploring both sides of the argument, we can come to an informed conclusion about social media. 

This way we can begin to consider ways in which it can be used more effectively and responsibly. 

How to Write an Argumentative Essay About Social Media?

Now that we understand the purpose of writing argumentative essays, let's look at how to go about writing them. 

Here are some tips to help you write a standout argumentative essay:

Research To Collect Data and Material

The key to writing any successful argumentative essay is doing your research first. 

Make sure you are well-versed in the subject matter so that you can make well-informed arguments. 

You will need to use reliable sources such as articles, books, and studies. These sources must be published by experts in the field of social media.

Pick an Engaging Title for Your Essay

Your title should be intriguing enough for readers to want to learn more about it. It should also accurately reflect the content of your essay in a few words. 

Choose something catchy that will draw people into reading what you have written!

Form a Descriptive Outline 

To help keep your thoughts organized throughout the writing process, create a descriptive outline for your argumentative essay about social media. 

This should include the main points you plan on discussing in each paragraph. Also, add relevant evidence from reliable sources that will back up those claims. 

Additionally, make sure that each point flows logically from one other. Do this while still maintaining its own unique perspective on the topic at hand.

Writing an Introduction 

The introduction lays the groundwork for your essay. It is where you introduce your topic and state your thesis statement. 

The thesis statement should be one sentence that clearly states your position on the issue at hand. 

For example, you were writing about the impact of social media on society. Your thesis statement could be something like this:

“Social media has had both positive and negative effects on society” 

“The use of social media can have serious consequences for individuals and society as a whole”. 

Connecting the Body Paragraphs 

The body paragraphs are where you will present evidence to support your position . 

Make sure to include multiple pieces of evidence to back up each point you make. This could include facts, statistics, quotes from experts, or even personal anecdotes. 

Also, make sure to refute any opposing opinions with counterarguments that address those points directly. 

You can still remain consistent with your own stance on the issue at hand. 

Writing a Compelling Conclusion 

Your conclusion should be a brief summary of your main points as well as a restatement of your thesis statement. 

This is also where you can tie everything together by suggesting solutions. Or you can offer guidance for further research into the topic at hand. 

Keep in mind that this is not just another opportunity to reiterate what has already been said. Instead, focus on how readers can learn from what has been discussed. 

This will help to better understand a particular issue and how it affects them personally and/or society as a whole.

Watch the video to gain all the necessary wisdom for crafting a compelling argumentative essay!

Examples of Argumentative Essay About Social Media

Samples are a great way to get some inspiration for your argumentative essay. 

Here are a few examples of argumentative essays about social media:

Argumentative essay about social media addiction

Argumentative essay about social media and mental health

Argumentative essay about social media disadvantages

Argumentative essay about social media negative impact

Need more examples? Check out these argumentative essays about social media written by our argumentative writing experts. 

Argumentative essay about social media influencers

Short argumentative essay about social media

Three paragraph argumentative essay about social media

Argumentative essay about social media advantages and disadvantages

Need some encouragement to write your essay? Check out our blog of inspiring argumentative essay examples !

Argumentative Essay About Social Media Topics

If you're still stuck for argumentative essay topics on social media, here are a few ideas to get you started: 

  • Is social media beneficial or harmful to our social network? 
  • Should there be restrictions on social media platforms like Facebook & Twitter? 
  • How has social media changed the way businesses operate? 
  • What is the effect of social media usage on mental health? 
  • Has social media had a positive or negative impact on our relationships? 
  • How can we use social media every day to promote more responsible behavior? 
  • Is censorship for young people of content on social media justified? 
  • Are privacy rights in danger with the growth of social media?  
  • Has social media changed the way we consume news? 
  • Should organizations have strict policies when it comes to employees' social media use? 

Our blog is full of exciting and engaging argumentative essay topics that are sure to get everyone talking. Check it out today!

In conclusion,  argumentative essays about social media are an important way to explore both sides of a complex argument. When writing these essays, it's important to research and brainstorms argument points. Make an outline of an argument structure, and provide examples. 

We've also provided some argumentative essay topics related to social media that you can use when writing your own argumentative essay.

Still, if you find the task daunting, you can always take help from an argumentative essay writing service like MyPerfectPaper.net!

We have the best argumentative essay writer to help you ace your essay. 

Our essay writing service guarantees high-quality argumentative essays written according to the customer's requirements. 

So, get in touch with us! Let our essay writer help you with your " do my paper " requests! 

Nova A.

Marketing, Literature

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

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free argumentative essay on social media

Social Media Essay: A Full Guide

free argumentative essay on social media

In an era where a single tweet can spark a global conversation and an Instagram post can redefine trends, it's fascinating to note that the average person spends approximately 2 hours and 31 minutes per day on social media platforms. That's more than 900 hours a year devoted to scrolling, liking, and sharing in the vast digital landscape. As we find ourselves deeply intertwined in the fabric of online communities, the significance of understanding and articulating the dynamics of social media through the written word, particularly in an essay on social media, becomes increasingly apparent. So, why embark on the journey of crafting an essay on this ubiquitous aspect of modern life? Join us as we unravel the layers of social media's impact, explore its nuances, and discover the art of conveying these insights through the written form.

Short Description

In this article, we'll explore how to write an essay on social media and the purpose behind these narratives while also delving into a myriad of engaging topics. From the heartbeat of online connections to the rhythm of effective storytelling, we'll guide you organically through the process, sharing insights on structure, approach, and the creative essence that makes each essay unique. And if you're seeking assistance, pondering - ' I wish I could find someone to write my essay ,' we'll also furnish example essays to empower you to tackle such tasks independently.

Why Write a Social Media Essay

In a world buzzing with hashtags, filters, and the constant hum of notifications, the idea of sitting down to craft an essay about social media might seem as out of place as a cassette tape in a streaming era. Yet, there's something oddly therapeutic, almost rebellious, about pausing in the midst of 280-character wisdom to delve deeper into the why behind our digital existence.

So, what is social media essay, and what's the purpose of writing it? Well, it's more than just an exercise in intellectual curiosity. It's a personal journey, a reflective pause in the ceaseless scroll. While writing the essay, we gain the power to articulate the intangible, to breathe life into the pixels that dance across our screens. It's an opportunity to make sense of the chaos, to find meaning in the memes, and perhaps, in the process, to uncover a bit more about ourselves in this digital wilderness.

Let's face it - our online lives are a fast-paced carousel of memes, viral challenges, and carefully curated selfies. So, why bother wrestling with words and paragraphs in a world where brevity is king? The answer lies in the art of unraveling the digital tapestry that envelops us.

There's a magic in articulating the dance between the profound and the mundane that occurs within the confines of our screens. An essay becomes a lens, focusing our attention on the subtleties of social media dynamics – the inside jokes that become global phenomena, the ripple effect of a well-timed retweet, and the silent conversations unfolding in the comment sections.

6 Key Tips for Crafting a Social Media Essay

Now that we've set sail into the realm of essays on the digital landscape, it's only fair to equip ourselves with a few trusty tools for the journey. Think of these tips as your compass, helping you navigate the sometimes choppy, often unpredictable waters of crafting an essay on social media.

tips social media essay

  • Embrace Your Authentic Voice: Just like your favorite Instagram filter can't hide the real you, your essay should reflect your genuine thoughts and feelings. Don't be afraid to let your unique voice shine through – whether it's witty, contemplative, or a delightful blend of both.
  • Dive into the Details: Social media isn't just about the grand gestures; it's the small, often unnoticed details that weave the most compelling narratives. Explore the minutiae of your online experiences – the peculiar hashtags, the quirky bios, and the unexpected connections that leave a lasting imprint.
  • Craft Your Hashtag Haiku: Much like poetry, brevity can be your ally in social media essays. Think of hashtags as haikus – succinct, impactful, and capable of conveying a universe of meaning in just a few characters. Choose them wisely.
  • Engage with the Comments Section: The comments section is the lively pub where digital conversations unfold. Dive in, clink glasses, and engage with the diverse perspectives swirling around. It's in these interactions that the real magic happens – where ideas collide, evolve, and sometimes, transform.
  • Navigate the Memescape: Memes are the folklore of the digital age, carrying tales of humor, irony, and cultural resonance. Don't shy away from exploring the memescape in your essay. Unravel the layers, decipher the symbolism, and appreciate the humor that often holds up a mirror to society.
  • Be Mindful of the Clickbait Pitfalls: While clickbait might be the flashy neon sign on the digital highway, it's essential to tread carefully. Ensure your essay isn't just a sensational headline but a thoughtful exploration that goes beyond the surface.

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Social Media Essay Structure

In the age of viral tweets and digital conversations, tackling the essay format is more than just stringing words together—it's about creating a roadmap. As we navigate this landscape of likes and retweets, understanding the structural foundations becomes key. So, let's cut through the noise and explore the practical aspects of how to write a social media essay that mirrors the rhythm of our online experiences.

social media essay outline

Form an Outline

Now that we've acknowledged the importance of structure in your essay, the next step is to build a solid roadmap. Think of it like planning a road trip; you wouldn't hit the highway without a map or GPS, right? Similarly, creating an outline for your essay gives you a clear direction and ensures your thoughts flow smoothly.

So, whether you decide to order an essay online or tackle it yourself, here's a simple way to go about it:

Introduction (Where You Start):

  • Briefly introduce the topic.
  • State your social media essay thesis or main idea.
  • Example: 'Let's begin by introducing the impact of social media on modern communication, focusing on its role in shaping opinions and fostering connections.'

Body Paragraphs (The Journey):

  • Each paragraph should cover a specific social media essay argument and point.
  • Use examples or evidence to support your ideas.
  • Example: 'The first aspect we'll explore is how social media amplifies voices. For instance, hashtags like #ClimateAction mobilize a global audience around environmental issues.'

Transitions (Smooth Turns):

  • Guide your readers from one point to the next.
  • Ensure a logical flow between paragraphs.
  • Example: 'Having discussed the amplification of voices, let's now shift our focus to the influence of social media in spreading information.'

Counter Arguments (Addressing Detours):

  • Acknowledge different perspectives.
  • Counter Arguments with evidence or reasoning.
  • Example: 'While social media can be a powerful tool for connectivity, critics argue that it also contributes to the spread of misinformation. Let's explore this counterargument and analyze its validity.'

Conclusion (The Destination):

  • Summarize your main points.
  • Restate your thesis and leave a lasting impression.
  • Example: 'In conclusion, social media serves as both a bridge and a battleground of ideas. Understanding its nuances is crucial in navigating this digital landscape.'

Creating an outline for your essay not only streamlines the writing process but also ensures your readers embark on a clear and organized journey through your insights on social media. If you're exploring more options, you might even want to buy thesis for more convenience.

Make a Social Media Essay Introduction

Begin your introduction by presenting a concise overview of the key theme or topic you're addressing. Clearly state the main purpose or argument of your essay, giving readers a roadmap for what to expect. Integrate social media essay hooks like a relevant statistic, quote, or provocative question to capture attention.

For instance, if your essay is about the impact of social media on personal relationships, you might start by mentioning a statistic on the percentage of couples who met online.

Social Media Essay Body Paragraph

Structure each social media essay body paragraph around a specific aspect of your chosen topic. Start with a clear topic sentence that encapsulates the main idea of the paragraph. Provide concrete examples, data, or case studies to support your points and strengthen your argument. Maintain a logical flow between paragraphs by using effective transitions.

If your essay focuses on the positive effects of social media on business marketing, dedicate a paragraph to showcasing successful campaigns and how they leveraged different platforms.

Social Media Essay Conclusion

In your conclusion, succinctly recap the main points discussed in the body paragraphs. Reinforce your thesis statement and emphasize its broader implications. Rather than introducing new information, use the conclusion to leave a lasting impression on your readers. Consider prompting further thought or suggesting practical applications of your findings.

For instance, if your essay examined the impact of social media on political discourse, conclude by encouraging readers to critically evaluate the information they encounter online and actively engage in constructive conversations.

Proofread and Revise

In the process of writing social media essay, proofreading and revising are indispensable steps that can significantly enhance the overall quality of your work. Begin by meticulously checking for grammatical errors, ensuring that your sentences are clear and concise. Pay attention to the flow of your ideas, confirming that each paragraph seamlessly transitions into the next.

During the proofreading phase, keep an eye out for any inconsistencies in tone or style. This is an opportunity to refine your language and ensure that it aligns with the intended voice of your essay. Look for repetitive phrases or unnecessary words that might detract from the clarity of your message.

As you revise, consider the effectiveness of your hook. Does it still resonate as strongly as you intended? Can it be tweaked to better captivate your audience? A compelling hook sets the tone for your entire essay, so invest time in perfecting this crucial element.

Furthermore, don't hesitate to seek feedback from peers or mentors. Another perspective can provide valuable insights into areas that may need improvement. Fresh eyes often catch nuances that the writer might overlook. Alternatively, you might also explore the option to buy coursework for additional support.

Social Media Essay Topics

In the vast realm of social media, where every like and share contributes to the digital narrative, choosing the right essay topic becomes a crucial compass for exploration. Let's explore thought-provoking topics that not only capture attention but also invite insightful discussions on the intricacies of our interconnected world.

Impact on Society:

  • The Role of Social Media in Redefining Friendship and Social Bonds
  • How Has TikTok Influenced Global Pop Culture Trends?
  • The Impact of Social Media on Political Polarization
  • Social Media and Mental Health: Exploring the Connection
  • The Evolution of Language on Social Media Platforms
  • Examining the Influence of Social Media on Body Image
  • Fake News and Its Proliferation on Social Media
  • Social Media and the Rise of Influencer Marketing
  • The Intersection of Social Media and Dating Apps
  • Has Social Media Narrowed or Expanded Cultural Perspectives?
  • The Role of Social Media in Fostering Global Communities
  • The Influence of Social Media on Consumer Behavior
  • Analyzing the Impact of Social Media on News Consumption
  • The Rise of 'Cancel Culture' on Social Media Platforms
  • Social Media and Its Role in Spreading Disinformation
  • The Impact of Social Media on Language and Communication Skills
  • Social Media and its Influence on Political Movements
  • The Relationship Between Social Media Use and Sleep Patterns
  • Social Media and the Accessibility of Educational Resources
  • The Cultural Significance of Memes on Social Media

Individual and Identity:

  • The Impact of Social Media Addiction on Personal Relationships and Intimacy
  • Self-Expression and Authenticity on Social Networking Sites
  • Social Media and Its Influence on Teenage Identity Formation
  • The Role of Social Media in Shaping Beauty Standards
  • Navigating Online Dating and Relationships in the Social Media Age
  • The Impact of Social Media on Parenting Styles
  • Social Media and Its Influence on Body Positivity Movements
  • The Perception of Success: Social Media's Role in Achievement Culture
  • Social Media and the Construction of Online Persona vs. Real Self
  • Social Media and Its Influence on Lifestyle Choices
  • The Role of Social Media in Shaping Career Aspirations
  • The Intersection of Mental Health Narratives and Social Media
  • The Impact of Social Media on Self-Esteem and Well-Being
  • How Social Media Influences Gender Identity and Expression
  • Exploring the Concept of Digital Detox in the Social Media Era
  • The Role of Social Media in Shaping Cultural Identity
  • The Connection Between Social Media and Impulse Buying
  • Social Media and Its Influence on Dietary Choices
  • Balancing Privacy and Self-Disclosure on Social Media
  • The Impact of Social Media on Friendships Over Time

Digital Activism and Advocacy:

  • The Effectiveness of Hashtag Movements in Promoting Social Change
  • Social Media and Its Role in Amplifying Underrepresented Voices
  • The Impact of Social Media on Global Environmental Activism
  • Online Activism: The Evolution from Clicktivism to Concrete Action
  • The Role of Social Media in Advancing LGBTQ+ Rights
  • Social Media and Its Impact on Anti-Racism Movements
  • Analyzing the Challenges of Digital Advocacy in Authoritarian Regimes
  • Social Media and the Global Fight Against Cyberbullying
  • The Intersection of Social Media and Mental Health Advocacy
  • Examining the Role of Social Media in Humanitarian Campaigns
  • Crowdsourcing for Change: How Social Media Fuels Fundraising
  • The Challenges of Digital Activism in the Age of Information Overload
  • Social Media and Its Impact on Disability Advocacy
  • The Role of Social Media in Combating Gender-Based Violence
  • Online Petitions and Their Influence on Policy Change
  • Exploring the Intersection of Social Media and Animal Rights Activism
  • The Impact of Social Media on Indigenous Rights Advocacy
  • Digital Advocacy and Its Role in Healthcare Reform
  • Social Media's Influence on Youth Activism
  • Navigating Challenges in Allyship on Social Media Platforms

Privacy and Ethics:

  • The Implications of Facial Recognition Technology on Social Media
  • Social Media Platforms and the Ethics of User Data Collection
  • The Role of Social Media in Combating Deepfakes
  • Balancing Freedom of Speech and Moderation on Social Media
  • Social Media and the Challenges of Regulating Disinformation
  • Ethical Considerations in Targeted Advertising on Social Media
  • The Impact of Social Media Algorithms on User Behavior
  • Social Media and the Right to Privacy: Where to Draw the Line?
  • The Influence of Social Media on Political Manipulation and Propaganda
  • Data Security Concerns in the Era of Social Media
  • The Ethics of Social Media Influencer Marketing
  • Social Media and Its Role in Combating Cyberbullying
  • The Impact of Social Media on Juror Bias in Legal Cases
  • Exploring the Ethics of Incorporating Social Media Usage in Hiring Decisions by Employers
  • Social Media and Its Role in Combating Hate Speech
  • Balancing Personalization with Privacy in Social Media Websites
  • The Influence of Social Media on Public Perceptions of Law Enforcement
  • Social Media and the Challenges of Content Moderation
  • Addressing Online Harassment: Ethical Considerations for Platforms
  • The Responsibility of Social Media Platforms in Protecting User Privacy

Future Trends and Innovations:

  • The Future of Social Media: Emerging Platforms and Trends
  • The Role of Augmented Reality (AR) in Shaping the Future of Social Media
  • Virtual Reality (VR) and Its Potential Impact on Social Media Engagement
  • The Rise of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) and Social Media
  • Social Media and the Evolution of Live Streaming Culture
  • The Impact of Voice Search and Voice Assistants on Social Media
  • Social Commerce: The Future of E-Commerce Through Social Media
  • Exploring the Influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Social Media
  • The Role of Blockchain Technology in Enhancing Social Media Security
  • Social Media and the Integration of Virtual Influencers
  • The Future of Social Media Content: Short-Form vs. Long-Form
  • The Influence of User-Generated Content on Future Social Media Trends
  • Social Media and the Adoption of 5G Technology
  • The Potential of Gamification in Shaping Social Media Engagement
  • The Impact of Social Media on the Future of Work and Remote Collaboration
  • Exploring the Relationship Between Social Media and Mental Health Apps
  • The Influence of User Privacy Concerns on Future Social Media Developments
  • Social Media and the Role of Ephemeral Content in Communication
  • The Intersection of Social Media and Virtual Events
  • Predicting the Next Wave of Social Media Influencer Trends

If these topics piqued your interest, you'll likely find persuasive essay topics equally fascinating! Dive into our article for a variety of options that might just spark your curiosity and inspire your next writing venture.

Social Media Essay Example

Crafting a standout essay isn't just about the words; it's about weaving a narrative that grabs your reader's attention. Before we say our goodbyes, why not take a peek at our sample essays? Our seasoned writers poured their expertise into creating persuasive pieces, offering you insights into both how to write an essay on social media and the kind of polished language that can elevate your own writing.

Wrapping Up

As our college essay service experts conclude this article, we've journeyed through the emotional complexities, societal reflections, and transformative potentials embedded in our digital narratives. An essay on social media is a portal into the intricate dance of our online lives, urging introspection, empathy, and an awareness of diverse stories. Let your essays authentically reflect, sparking conversations that enrich our collective experience in this ever-evolving digital realm.

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Argumentative Essay Writing

Argumentative Essay About Social Media

Barbara P

Learn How To Write an Intriguing Argumentative Essay About Social Media

Published on: Mar 7, 2023

Last updated on: May 19, 2023

argumentative essay about social media

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Do you have an essay assignment due tomorrow and no idea how to start it? Writing essays is not easy especially when the topic is as controversial and complex as social media. 

You might be feeling stuck, scratching your head, and wondering where to start. Don't worry - the right idea is out there somewhere and we are here to help you find it!

With this guide, you'll learn to craft an argument on social media that will keep readers engaged from start to finish. We'll provide tips for effective research, structuring your paper, and using persuasive language throughout. 

By reading this guide you will be able to create an argumentative essay that stands out from the crowd!

Let's get started on the fundamentals and dive right in!

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a type of writing that requires you to research and present an argument about a certain topic.

Argumentative essays are written to answer the question, “What is the best way to tackle this problem?” or “Which side should we take on this issue?” 

In simple words, you will be taking a stance on a particular issue and arguing for it. Your essay should include evidence in the form of facts, statistics, and quotes to support your argument.

Purpose of Writing an Argumentative Essay About Social Media

An argumentative essay on social media allows you to explore different sides of the topic. It requires a deep understanding of the subject and the ability to think critically. Furthermore, it helps you develop your writing skills as well as your research skills. 

It also gives you an opportunity to express yourself in your writing. Moreover, you can come away with a better understanding of the topic and how it affects people in today's society.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay About Social Media?

Writing an argumentative essay about social media can be interesting to tackle. It presents the opportunity to explore a relevant and highly debated issue. 

Here are steps to help you write a successful essay about social media:

Step 1: Research To Collect Data and Material

Before you can start writing an argumentative essay on social media, it is important to do some research. Read up on articles and reports that discuss how social media affects people. 

For example the impact of social media on communication, relationships, mental health, privacy, etc.

Along with reading up on the topic, make sure to collect relevant data that can be used to support your argument. This could include statistics, quotes from experts, surveys and polls, etc. 

Step 2: Pick an Engaging Title for an Argumentative Essay About Social Media

Now that you have gathered all the required information, it’s time to come up with a catchy title. It’s important to pick a title that is not only engaging but also accurately reflects the content of the essay. 

The best titles are straight to the point and clearly state the main argument you will be making in your essay. 

Examples of good titles could be: “An Argument for Regulating Social Media”, “Social Media Is Not as Beneficial as We Think”, or “The Dangers of Social Media Usage".

With that said, let’s move on to the next step - making an outline for your essay!

Step 3: Form a Descriptive Outline

Writing an outline helps structure your thoughts and organize the information you have gathered in a logical order.

Start by writing your thesis statement, which summarizes your main argument. Make sure to include any evidence and the research material you have found. 

From there, begin crafting the introduction, followed by body paragraphs that provide more evidence for your argument. Finally, write the conclusion which should restate your main points and end with an impactful statement.

Step 4: Write an Introduction of an Argumentative Essay About Social Media

Now it's time to start writing the introduction ! Beginning with this section will set up the tone for the entire paper. 

Start off strong with catchy words that will draw in readers and make them want to continue reading. This can be done by using a rhetorical question, statistic, or quote that is relevant to the topic. 

Once you have their attention, provide an overview of your argument and why it is important. Conclude with your thesis statement.

Write and Connect the Body Paragraphs of Your Essay

Writing the body paragraphs is where you really delve into your argument and provide substantial evidence for it. Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence. 

You should then present evidence in support of your argument. After that wrap up the paragraph by connecting all of the evidence back to your main argument. Make sure to state how the evidence proves your point.

Write a Compelling Conclusion

Your conclusion should be just as impressive as the introduction! Begin by restating your main points. Then provide a brief summary of any research or data that you presented throughout the paper. 

Conclude with an impactful statement that will leave readers with something to think about. You could even suggest an action plan for readers.

Take the hassle out of learning how to write an argumentative essay! Just watch this quick video and get the help you need.

Examples of Argumentative Essay About Social Media

Examples are one of the most effective ways to learn something new and complex! To help you grasp the concept of writing a captivating essay, we have compiled some examples that will serve as an ideal guide. 

Take a look at the sample essays below!

Argumentative Essay About Social Media Pdf

Argumentative Essay About Social Media Addiction

Argumentative Essay About Social Media Influencers

Argumentative Essay About Social Media And Mental Health

Short Argumentative Essay About Social Media

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Argumentative Essay About Social Media Disadvantages

Are you in need of argumentative essay examples ? Click the link and get access to countless resources!

Argumentative Essay About Social Media Topics

Here are some great topics to consider when writing an argumentative essay about social media: 

  • The Impact of Social Media on the Perception of "Lots of People" in Society 
  • The Impact of Facebook and Twitter on Political Campaigning
  • What are the effects of social media on mental health? 
  • Is it Ethical to Spend Most of Your Time on Social Media?
  • Is Social Media Misleading and Promoting False Information Narratives? 
  • How Does Increased Social Media Connectivity Impact Mental Wellness? 
  • How Does Social Media Play a Huge Role in Our Lives?
  • Examining the Negative Effects of Social Networking Platforms on Mental Health 
  • What are the Pros and Cons of Spending More Time on Social Media Every Day? 
  • How does social media benefit society and what are the risks? 
  • Are there any risks associated with replacing face-to-face interactions with online communication via social media platforms?
  • How have online social networking sites changed the way people interact on a global scale?
  • Analyzing the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
  • The Benefits and Drawbacks of Posting on Social Media
  • Is it ethical to censor the content posted on a company’s own social media account?

If you're in need of a creative and thought-provoking topic, simply click on the link provided to explore an endless list of argumentative essay topics !

We hope these examples will help you write a captivating argumentative essay about social media! Don’t forget that researching your topic and finding sufficient evidence is key to making your paper convincing for readers. 

Through this blog post, we have given you the knowledge and tools to start your social media argumentative essay writing. With the outline of the process and samples provided, we have hopefully helped give you a clear idea of how to begin your essay. 

The WriteMyEssay.help team is more than willing to provide any further help. We provide our reliable write my essay service for students all over the world. We work with the most professional essay writer. 

Take advantage of our argumentative essay writing service regarding any topic today and join thousands of successful students who trust us! 

We guarantee that you will be satisfied with the result and our argumentative essay writer will add new value to your life! Don’t hesitate and get the best help you can find now!

Barbara P, Literature, Marketing

Barbara's qualifications include a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university and extensive experience working practically in the medical field. With her research experience on various health issues, she is skilled in writing papers that offer new perspectives on healthcare topics. Many of her works have been published across multiple renowned publications.

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Argumentative Essay on Social Media

Argumentative Essay on Social Media

Nowadays, social media has become an integral part of our lives, shaping how we communicate, gather information, and interact with the world around us. However, its pervasive influence has sparked heated debates regarding its impact on society, mental health, privacy, and more. Crafting an argumentative essay on social media requires a nuanced understanding of its complexities and a balanced exploration of its pros and cons.

Argumentative Essay on Social Media

Understanding the Controversy of Argumentative Essay on Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have revolutionized how we connect with others, share our thoughts, and consume content. On the one hand, proponents argue that social media fosters global connectivity, facilitates activism, and provides a platform for marginalized voices to be heard. It has also revolutionized marketing, allowing businesses to reach a broader audience and engage with consumers in real-time. On the other hand, critics raise concerns about the negative effects of social media, including addiction, cyberbullying, privacy breaches, and the spread of misinformation. The addictive nature of social media can lead to decreased productivity, poor mental health, and feelings of inadequacy fueled by comparing oneself to curated online personas. Moreover, the echo chambers created by algorithm-driven content feeds can exacerbate polarization and contribute to the spread of fake news and conspiracy theories.

Crafting Your Argument for Argumentative Essay on Social Media

When writing an argumentative essay on social media, it is essential to choose a specific aspect of the topic to focus on. Here are some potential areas of exploration:

  • Impact on Mental Health: Examine research studies and personal anecdotes to argue whether social media has a positive or negative impact on mental well-being. Consider factors such as addiction, anxiety, depression, body image issues, and self-esteem.
  • Influence on Relationships: Evaluate how social media affects interpersonal relationships, including romantic partnerships, friendships, and familial bonds. Discuss topics such as communication patterns, jealousy, trust issues, and the blurring of boundaries between public and private life.
  • Role in Politics and Activism: Explore the ways in which social media platforms shape political discourse, activism, and social movements. Discuss the power of hashtags, viral campaigns, and online petitions in mobilizing communities and effecting change.
  • Privacy and Data Security: Analyze the implications of sharing personal information on social media platforms and the risks associated with data breaches and online surveillance. Consider the ethical dilemmas surrounding data collection, targeted advertising, and algorithmic manipulation.
  • Solutions and Regulation: Propose potential solutions to address the negative aspects of social media, such as implementing stricter privacy regulations, promoting digital literacy and critical thinking skills, or advocating for responsible platform design.

Building Your Argument

Regardless of the chosen topic, a compelling argumentative essay on social media should be supported by credible evidence, including research studies, expert opinions, and real-life examples. Use statistics, case studies, and quotes from reputable sources to strengthen your claims and counterarguments.

Additionally, consider the perspectives of various stakeholders, including users, policymakers, tech companies, and advocacy groups. Acknowledge the complexity of the issue and demonstrate empathy towards different viewpoints while advocating for your position.

Creating an argumentative essay on social media requires careful research, critical thinking, and persuasive writing skills. By exploring the multifaceted nature of social media’s impact on society, you can contribute to a deeper understanding of this complex and evolving phenomenon. Whether you’re advocating for greater regulation, promoting digital well-being, or highlighting the positive aspects of social media, your essay has the power to provoke thought, spark dialogue, and inspire positive change in how we engage with technology.

The Structure of Argumentative Essay on Social Media

To present your arguments effectively, you must follow a well-structured essay format. Here’s a classic structure that works for most argumentative essays:

1. Introduction

The introduction is your opportunity to grab the reader’s attention. Start with a compelling hook related to technology and state the issue you’ll be discussing. Provide some context and background information, and conclude with a clear thesis statement that outlines your stance on the topic.

The body of your essay is where you present your arguments and evidence. Divide this section into several paragraphs, each focusing on a single point. Remember to use topic sentences to guide the reader through your essay. Let’s take the example of discussing the impact of social media on society:

  • Paragraph 1: Social Media and Communication   Discuss how social media has revolutionized communication and connection among people.
  • Paragraph 2: Social Media as Platform of self-expression and activity Explore the potential negative effects of excessive social media use on mental well-being.
  • Paragraph 3: Educational Benefit Address the positive impacts of social media on education.

3. Counterarguments and Refutation 

To strengthen your essay, acknowledge opposing viewpoints and provide a counterargument. After presenting the counterargument, offer a compelling refutation to demonstrate the weaknesses in the opposing view.

4. Conclusion

Summarize your main points, restate your thesis, and leave the reader with a compelling closing thought. Encourage them to think critically about the topic.

Argumentative Essay on Social Media Sample

Do you know that there are more social media accounts than people? A plethora of people use social media platforms nowadays, and many of them create more than one account. Despite their popularity, there has been an argument about whether social media platforms have positive or negative impacts on teenagers’ lives. I strongly believe that they will surely have positive impacts on teenagers by fostering connectivity and communication, giving them a platform for self-expression, and offering them educational benefits.

First, social media fosters connectivity and facilitates communication among teenagers. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok allow them to stay in touch with friends, share experiences, and build supportive communities. Through messaging apps and group chats, teenagers can easily collaborate on school projects, discuss shared interests, and seek advice from peers, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

Secondly, social media serves as a platform for self-expression and creativity. Teenagers can showcase their talents, whether it’s through posting artwork, sharing original music, or expressing themselves through fashion and style. Platforms like YouTube provide opportunities for aspiring content creators to produce and share videos, gaining recognition and support from a global audience. This avenue for creative expression not only boosts confidence but also encourages teens to explore their passions and talents.

Thirdly, social media offers educational benefits by providing access to vast amounts of information and resources. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook serve as channels for sharing news articles, educational videos, and academic research, allowing teenagers to stay informed about current events and expand their knowledge on various subjects. Additionally, platforms like LinkedIn provide networking opportunities and career advice, helping teenagers explore future educational and career pathways.

However, it’s important to acknowledge the negative impact social media can have on some teenagers’ lives. Excessive use of social media has been linked to issues such as cyberbullying, poor mental health, and decreased self-esteem. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the negative impact of social media can be mitigated through responsible use and education. By promoting digital literacy and teaching teenagers how to navigate social media safely, parents, educators, and policymakers can help mitigate the negative effects while maximizing the positive opportunities that social media platforms offer.

In conclusion, social media platforms have a lot of positive impacts on teenagers’ lives. They provide opportunities for connectivity, self-expression, and education. By fostering responsible use and digital literacy, society can harness the potential of social media to empower and enrich the lives of teenagers while minimizing its detrimental effects.

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Argumentative Essay on Social Media

Argumentative Essay on Social Media

Introduction

In the modern era, the surge of social networks is virtually irresistible, enveloping society in a cocoon of interconnected digital networks. An argumentative essay about social media often dives into this complex web, exploring the multifaceted issues interwoven with online platforms. This essay will navigate through the controversial sea of social media, underscoring its positive and negative impacts on society.

Formulating the Problem

Social media, as an accessible platform for individuals of various ages and backgrounds, brings about not just advantages like global connectivity and information dissemination, but also palpable challenges such as privacy invasion, cyberbullying, and misinformation spread. The core issue here is discerning whether the benefits of social media outweigh its drawbacks, essentially necessitating an exploration of various social media argumentative essay examples to delineate comprehensive insights.

Commentary on the Problem

The extensive reach and influence of social media indisputably carve both constructive and destructive pathways in society. Examples of the latter include the rampant dissemination of fake news, fostering polarization, and impairing interpersonal relationships with the illusion of connectedness, all of which feed into the intricacies of an argumentative essay on social media . Conversely, the positive aspects, like enhanced communication, awareness, and a platform for social change, cannot be discounted.

Author’s Position

This essay posits that while social media harbours potential for immense societal benefit, its perils, if left unchecked and unregulated, could overshadow its positives. Consequently, an argumentative stance herein insists on meticulous regulatory frameworks and educational initiatives to safeguard users while maximizing the platform's advantageous elements.

Agreement/Disagreement and Argumentation

  • Promotion of Information and Awareness: Social media notably excels in swiftly disseminating information on a global scale, enabling users to remain abreast of worldwide occurrences and innovations.

Disagreement:

  • Psychological Impact: Various social media argumentative essay sources highlight its psychological impacts, including anxiety and depression, attributed to online harassment and the perpetuation of unrealistic standards.
  • Misinformation: Argument essay about social media often spotlight the proliferation of misinformation as a pressing concern. False data and fake news can propagate rapidly, fueling discord, panic, and uninformed decision-making among users.
  • Privacy Concerns: Social media argument essay narratives frequently underline the incessant erosion of user privacy, with personal data often being misused for profit or manipulative endeavors.

Social media stands at a juxtaposition of being a boon and a bane, intricately entwining diverse global narratives, making the topic a compelling subject for an argumentative essay social media . Despite the numerous advantages it presents, the detriments of social media cannot be understated or ignored. Striking a balance through regulatory frameworks, digital literacy, and ethical usage is imperative to harness its potential effectively while mitigating associated risks.

1. Ice Bucket Challenge: A Beacon of Positive Potential

In 2014, the Ice Bucket Challenge became an exemplar of how social media can serve as a vessel for widespread positivity, charitable action, and education on global health issues. By challenging individuals to pour a bucket of iced water over themselves and subsequently nominate others to do the same or donate to ALS research, it ingeniously melded entertainment, camaraderie, and philanthropy. With celebrities and common folk alike participating, the challenge not only raised an astonishing $115 million for ALS research in the United States but also significantly enhanced global awareness regarding the disease. Here, social media manifested as a formidable force for good, underlining its potential to elevate charitable causes and promote global solidarity.

2. Pizzagate Conspiracy Theory: Navigating through the Abyss of Misinformation

Conversely, the Pizzagate Conspiracy Theory provides a grim glimpse into the detrimental potentials of social media when pervaded by misinformation. Emerging during the 2016 United States presidential election, the theory falsely claimed that a Washington D.C. pizzeria was the nexus of a child-trafficking ring, allegedly linked to high-profile politicians. Propagated through social media channels, it not only sowed seeds of distrust towards democratic institutions and individuals but also resulted in a perilous real-world incident, wherein an armed individual sought to 'investigate' the matter, endangering lives. This highlights an exigent need to combat the unchecked dissemination of misinformation and the pivotal role of regulatory and educative interventions in mitigating such instances.

3. Rise of Influencer Culture: Redefining Marketing and Consumer Behavior

The ascension of influencer culture exemplifies another intriguing dimension of social media. With platforms such as Instagram and TikTok spearheading a new age of marketing, influencers have become pivotal in shaping consumer behavior, lifestyle choices, and brand preferences among followers. While this has democratized fame and offered new avenues for business and individuals to prosper, it also beckons a scrutiny of ethical marketing, the impact of materialistic pursuits, and the psychological implications among followers, especially younger audiences, ensuing from continuous exposure to curated and often, unrealistic portrayals of life and success.

In threading through the variegated aspects of social media, this essay endeavours to prompt reflection, advocating for a nuanced approach to its utilization and regulation. This not only ensures its optimal use but also safeguards the mental and societal health of its vast user base.

Note: This essay is a general guideline and should be expanded upon for a detailed, comprehensive exploration of the topic. It offers a structured overview and can be enhanced with specific details, data, and further discussions per section.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can an argumentative essay about social media address the psychological impacts on users?

Answer: An argumentative essay might explore the psychological repercussions by diving into various studies and real-life incidents, illustrating the stark realities and cascading effects of social media on mental health.

  • What role does misinformation play in the framework of a social media argumentative essay?

Answer: Misinformation takes a central role in a social media argumentative essay, highlighting how false narratives and deceptive information can distort public opinion, endanger public health, and even compromise the integrity of democracies.

  • How does an argumentative essay on social media evaluate the platform’s potential as a tool for social justice and change?

Answer: The essay could dissect several instances, such as social movements and campaigns that have leveraged social media for visibility and mobilization, exploring its viability and limitations as a conduit for social transformation.

  • In what way does an argumentative essay social media delve into the aspects of privacy invasion and data misuse?

Answer: The essay might scrutinize numerous instances of data breaches and the exploitation of personal information, weaving a narrative that elucidates the gravity and breadth of privacy issues spawned by social media platforms.

  • Can you cite a few social media argumentative essay examples that illuminate both the positive and negative facets of these platforms?

Answer: Certainly, essays might focus on varied instances like the global connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic, amplifying social causes like Black Lives Matter, or delve into the darker facets like the Cambridge Analytica scandal and widespread cyberbullying, offering a multi-dimensional viewpoint on the spectrum of impacts rendered by social media.

These questions and the entailing discussions are pivotal, embodying the core of numerous debates surrounding social media and its varied implications on contemporary society. They underscore not just its evident advantages but also the covert, often insidious repercussions that necessitate astute scrutiny and deliberation, aspects crucial to any compelling argumentative essay social media.

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Argumentative Essay on Social Media

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Social media is the cause of many problems and solutions in the world. It can raise awareness of an important reason, but it can also spread hatred, especially among teenagers. As a young person, I would be the first to say that social media is a way for many young people to make a living, but is it the right way to go? “Social media has allowed kids to kill their lives online and instead of saying farewell to friends at school and,” writes Austen McCann in his article. I’ll see them tomorrow … “has a much higher suicide rate among young people in the 21st century. Online communication, social media does not have to be a significant source of youth.

Effects of Social Media

The average teenager spends at least 2 hours and 20 minutes on social media every day. In an article, Austin McCann’s Impact of Social Media on Teens points out that “social media becomes more than half of their world.” Young people complain of ongoing stress over homework, but perhaps homework is not the primary source of stress. Everyday Health magazine states that, statistically, a teenager who spends most of their time outside often becomes a happy, healthy child. However, since 2000, the amount of time young people spend outdoors has decreased significantly, resulting in increased stress and obesity. Not only does it affect health, but social networks also prevent parents from communicating with their children without looking at their phones. While the positive effect of having a social media profile is communication with friends/family, they do not even have the dignity to rise ahead and participate in the conversation. Enjoying the little things around them becomes a difficult task for the average teenager when he is too busy writing in a tweet about it. Its contradictions indicate that forums are not all that matter.

 Social media promote false images of how everything should be in a perfect world. This result is the cause of insecurity and questions in girls and boys. These are misleading pictures of bodies, relationships, houses, cars, etc. they should be the ones that lower self-esteem and lead to depression and suicide. Without communication, social media is focused on who “rewritten” who’s “selfie” and “how many favorites that photo was.” It is frustrating to know that teenagers often have uncertainties about their lot in life. Misconceptions about life expressed in social media are misleading the youth and are not worth the effort. Not only are social media misleading, but they are also less critical.

Outside of the site news section, most posts are irrational and irrelevant to our world. The kind of information “Becky just found inside a new car” doesn’t always work. Nicholas Wapshott states in his book Buying Into Big Brother on social media: “We may feel sorry for the stupid schoolboy who used to swear on Twitter or post a picture of himself at a party and find himself looking for a job, that HR department fishing has kept him unemployed.” Withdrawal can help you realize that nothing you say to your pals will affect your life in the long run. Instead of ruining the drama and trivialities on social media, connect with your friends and family by calling them and avoiding problems and malfunctions of websites.

Avoiding social media can be very difficult. Especially in a situation where one uses it daily and changes during the week. It is a very challenging job, but in the long run, you will not have to worry about wasting your time, false ideas, and unnecessary information! Encouraging teens and friends to spend less time on social media and more time on social media can change your life for the better.

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Argumentative Essay on Social Media

Today our world is full of a whole lot of opinionated people. Everyone loves to share what they think about almost any topic. Whether the topic is very important or completely irrelevant. Although everyone has opinions on things that are somewhat unimportant, some topics are worth discussing our opinions on. One of which that most definitely has some of the most diverse opinions on is social media. Many people think that social media is distracting, negative, and harmful, while others think it is one of the best things that has ever happened and are addicted to it. Some people love to scroll through Instagram or talk to people on Snapchat; However, they still think that the majority of the time social media is much more harmful than helpful. While Social media can provide a place to catch up with friends and things going on in the world, it also has the ability to completely tear lives apart and in some cases lead to depression or anxiety. People with social media should limit their time on these apps or even in some cases, delete the apps altogether due to the negative effects and all of the drama. 

How It Really Is

In contrast to what some people think, Social media is far more harmful than helpful. There are numerous reasons as to why social media is harmful, to start with, there is entirely too much drama and false information that spreads quickly all over social media apps. As a result of this, a whole lot of people are substantially more unhappy with themselves and with their lives. In some cases, social media is even likely to encourage people to do things they should not do and will regret later on in their lives. 

One example of this could be whenever somebody is bullying someone through Instagram and the pressure of being like everyone else could possibly make someone go along with it just because everyone else is doing it. Although a great deal of people claim they would never bully anyone, it is surprising how quickly social media can change a person and cause them to do things they wouldn’t expect to ever do. In the article “Social media websites can harm and help kids” by Nanci Hellmich, she states that “Facebook and other social media websites can enrich children’s lives, but they could also be hazardous to their mental and physical health” (Hellmich). 

This statement is completely agreeable because at first social media can be fun, but eventually it can become addictive and affect people negatively without them even realizing it. In quite a few instances, social media gets so awful to the point where people should delete it, however, it can be remarkably addicting, so people want to stay on it just to continue to see the drama and negative things happening instead of simply deleting the apps.

Not only does social media cause unhappiness and even depression in some cases, it can also be extremely distracting. For many people, social media is the most distracting out of everything in their lives. Not only does it prevent several important things, like doing chores or homework, it can even prevent spending time with friends and family, or even getting enough sleep at night. To start out, being on social media is mostly fun, however, the more time spent on it the more it gets to the point of taking over a tremendous part of people's lives. One example of this being a distraction is stated in the article “Social Networking: Helpful or Harmful”, “A lot of my friends and I spend a lot of time on Facebook, and it is often a big distraction from our work.” (Winkler), This is one of the various instances of somebody being distracted by and affected negatively by social media apps. This shows that social media being distracting is a problem many people with the apps face. 

Social media is quite a controversial topic in the world today. Some people believe it truly does have a negative impact on the world, while others may argue that social media is very entertaining and allows an opportunity to maintain connections with friends and family. Reports even say these sites and other technology can be useful to kids for staying in touch, socializing, entertainment, and even doing homework and that they can enhance kids’ creativity and help them develop technical skills (Hellmich). Although technology can be useful in some ways like for homework, it is more common that people will become distracted and end up on some other app while trying to do homework, which can lead to too much time spent online can squeeze out other important activities (Hellmich).

In conclusion, people with social media who believe that it is good for them should look around and see all of the various other ways it negatively affects others. Maybe if people who think social media is good and are not addicted to it start to encourage others to limit their time on the apps, our world today could become somewhat better with the relief of a little less negative effects caused by social media. With social media being as big of a deal as it is in our society, it is obvious that it is in all probability not going to come to an end. Although this will not happen, our society can prevent things like bullying and drama caused by social media by limiting our time on apps such as Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter. 

Works cited

Hellmich, Nanci. “Social Media Websites Can Help and Harm Kids.” USA Today 

28 March 2011, pg. 1.

Winkler, Travis. “Social Networking: Helpful or Harmful.” The Daily 

Pennsylvania, 17 March 2009, pg. 2.

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Feb 15, 2023

6 Example Essays on Social Media | Advantages, Effects, and Outlines

Got an essay assignment about the effects of social media we got you covered check out our examples and outlines below.

Social media has become one of our society's most prominent ways of communication and information sharing in a very short time. It has changed how we communicate and has given us a platform to express our views and opinions and connect with others. It keeps us informed about the world around us. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn have brought individuals from all over the world together, breaking down geographical borders and fostering a genuinely global community.

However, social media comes with its difficulties. With the rise of misinformation, cyberbullying, and privacy problems, it's critical to utilize these platforms properly and be aware of the risks. Students in the academic world are frequently assigned essays about the impact of social media on numerous elements of our lives, such as relationships, politics, and culture. These essays necessitate a thorough comprehension of the subject matter, critical thinking, and the ability to synthesize and convey information clearly and succinctly.

But where do you begin? It can be challenging to know where to start with so much information available. Jenni.ai comes in handy here. Jenni.ai is an AI application built exclusively for students to help them write essays more quickly and easily. Jenni.ai provides students with inspiration and assistance on how to approach their essays with its enormous database of sample essays on a variety of themes, including social media. Jenni.ai is the solution you've been looking for if you're experiencing writer's block or need assistance getting started.

So, whether you're a student looking to better your essay writing skills or want to remain up to date on the latest social media advancements, Jenni.ai is here to help. Jenni.ai is the ideal tool for helping you write your finest essay ever, thanks to its simple design, an extensive database of example essays, and cutting-edge AI technology. So, why delay? Sign up for a free trial of Jenni.ai today and begin exploring the worlds of social networking and essay writing!

Want to learn how to write an argumentative essay? Check out these inspiring examples!

We will provide various examples of social media essays so you may get a feel for the genre.

6 Examples of Social Media Essays

Here are 6 examples of Social Media Essays:

The Impact of Social Media on Relationships and Communication

Introduction:.

The way we share information and build relationships has evolved as a direct result of the prevalence of social media in our daily lives. The influence of social media on interpersonal connections and conversation is a hot topic. Although social media has many positive effects, such as bringing people together regardless of physical proximity and making communication quicker and more accessible, it also has a dark side that can affect interpersonal connections and dialogue.

Positive Effects:

Connecting People Across Distances

One of social media's most significant benefits is its ability to connect individuals across long distances. People can use social media platforms to interact and stay in touch with friends and family far away. People can now maintain intimate relationships with those they care about, even when physically separated.

Improved Communication Speed and Efficiency

Additionally, the proliferation of social media sites has accelerated and simplified communication. Thanks to instant messaging, users can have short, timely conversations rather than lengthy ones via email. Furthermore, social media facilitates group communication, such as with classmates or employees, by providing a unified forum for such activities.

Negative Effects:

Decreased Face-to-Face Communication

The decline in in-person interaction is one of social media's most pernicious consequences on interpersonal connections and dialogue. People's reliance on digital communication over in-person contact has increased along with the popularity of social media. Face-to-face interaction has suffered as a result, which has adverse effects on interpersonal relationships and the development of social skills.

Decreased Emotional Intimacy

Another adverse effect of social media on relationships and communication is decreased emotional intimacy. Digital communication lacks the nonverbal cues and facial expressions critical in building emotional connections with others. This can make it more difficult for people to develop close and meaningful relationships, leading to increased loneliness and isolation.

Increased Conflict and Miscommunication

Finally, social media can also lead to increased conflict and miscommunication. The anonymity and distance provided by digital communication can lead to misunderstandings and hurtful comments that might not have been made face-to-face. Additionally, social media can provide a platform for cyberbullying , which can have severe consequences for the victim's mental health and well-being.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the impact of social media on relationships and communication is a complex issue with both positive and negative effects. While social media platforms offer many benefits, such as connecting people across distances and enabling faster and more accessible communication, they also have a dark side that can negatively affect relationships and communication. It is up to individuals to use social media responsibly and to prioritize in-person communication in their relationships and interactions with others.

The Role of Social Media in the Spread of Misinformation and Fake News

Social media has revolutionized the way information is shared and disseminated. However, the ease and speed at which data can be spread on social media also make it a powerful tool for spreading misinformation and fake news. Misinformation and fake news can seriously affect public opinion, influence political decisions, and even cause harm to individuals and communities.

The Pervasiveness of Misinformation and Fake News on Social Media

Misinformation and fake news are prevalent on social media platforms, where they can spread quickly and reach a large audience. This is partly due to the way social media algorithms work, which prioritizes content likely to generate engagement, such as sensational or controversial stories. As a result, false information can spread rapidly and be widely shared before it is fact-checked or debunked.

The Influence of Social Media on Public Opinion

Social media can significantly impact public opinion, as people are likelier to believe the information they see shared by their friends and followers. This can lead to a self-reinforcing cycle, where misinformation and fake news are spread and reinforced, even in the face of evidence to the contrary.

The Challenge of Correcting Misinformation and Fake News

Correcting misinformation and fake news on social media can be a challenging task. This is partly due to the speed at which false information can spread and the difficulty of reaching the same audience exposed to the wrong information in the first place. Additionally, some individuals may be resistant to accepting correction, primarily if the incorrect information supports their beliefs or biases.

In conclusion, the function of social media in disseminating misinformation and fake news is complex and urgent. While social media has revolutionized the sharing of information, it has also made it simpler for false information to propagate and be widely believed. Individuals must be accountable for the information they share and consume, and social media firms must take measures to prevent the spread of disinformation and fake news on their platforms.

The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health and Well-Being

Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with billions of people around the world using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay connected with others and access information. However, while social media has many benefits, it can also negatively affect mental health and well-being.

Comparison and Low Self-Esteem

One of the key ways that social media can affect mental health is by promoting feelings of comparison and low self-esteem. People often present a curated version of their lives on social media, highlighting their successes and hiding their struggles. This can lead others to compare themselves unfavorably, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

Another way that social media can negatively impact mental health is through cyberbullying and online harassment. Social media provides a platform for anonymous individuals to harass and abuse others, leading to feelings of anxiety, fear, and depression.

Social Isolation

Despite its name, social media can also contribute to feelings of isolation. At the same time, people may have many online friends but need more meaningful in-person connections and support. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression.

Addiction and Overuse

Finally, social media can be addictive, leading to overuse and negatively impacting mental health and well-being. People may spend hours each day scrolling through their feeds, neglecting other important areas of their lives, such as work, family, and self-care.

In sum, social media has positive and negative consequences on one's psychological and emotional well-being. Realizing this, and taking measures like reducing one's social media use, reaching out to loved ones for help, and prioritizing one's well-being, are crucial. In addition, it's vital that social media giants take ownership of their platforms and actively encourage excellent mental health and well-being.

The Use of Social Media in Political Activism and Social Movements

Social media has recently become increasingly crucial in political action and social movements. Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have given people new ways to express themselves, organize protests, and raise awareness about social and political issues.

Raising Awareness and Mobilizing Action

One of the most important uses of social media in political activity and social movements has been to raise awareness about important issues and mobilize action. Hashtags such as #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter, for example, have brought attention to sexual harassment and racial injustice, respectively. Similarly, social media has been used to organize protests and other political actions, allowing people to band together and express themselves on a bigger scale.

Connecting with like-minded individuals

A second method in that social media has been utilized in political activity and social movements is to unite like-minded individuals. Through social media, individuals can join online groups, share knowledge and resources, and work with others to accomplish shared objectives. This has been especially significant for geographically scattered individuals or those without access to traditional means of political organizing.

Challenges and Limitations

As a vehicle for political action and social movements, social media has faced many obstacles and restrictions despite its many advantages. For instance, the propagation of misinformation and fake news on social media can impede attempts to disseminate accurate and reliable information. In addition, social media corporations have been condemned for censorship and insufficient protection of user rights.

In conclusion, social media has emerged as a potent instrument for political activism and social movements, giving voice to previously unheard communities and galvanizing support for change. Social media presents many opportunities for communication and collaboration. Still, users and institutions must be conscious of the risks and limitations of these tools to promote their responsible and productive usage.

The Potential Privacy Concerns Raised by Social Media Use and Data Collection Practices

With billions of users each day on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, social media has ingrained itself into every aspect of our lives. While these platforms offer a straightforward method to communicate with others and exchange information, they also raise significant concerns over data collecting and privacy. This article will examine the possible privacy issues posed by social media use and data-gathering techniques.

Data Collection and Sharing

The gathering and sharing of personal data are significant privacy issues brought up by social media use. Social networking sites gather user data, including details about their relationships, hobbies, and routines. This information is made available to third-party businesses for various uses, such as marketing and advertising. This can lead to serious concerns about who has access to and uses our personal information.

Lack of Control Over Personal Information

The absence of user control over personal information is a significant privacy issue brought up by social media usage. Social media makes it challenging to limit who has access to and how data is utilized once it has been posted. Sensitive information may end up being extensively disseminated and may be used maliciously as a result.

Personalized Marketing

Social media companies utilize the information they gather about users to target them with adverts relevant to their interests and usage patterns. Although this could be useful, it might also cause consumers to worry about their privacy since they might feel that their personal information is being used without their permission. Furthermore, there are issues with the integrity of the data being used to target users and the possibility of prejudice based on individual traits.

Government Surveillance

Using social media might spark worries about government surveillance. There are significant concerns regarding privacy and free expression when governments in some nations utilize social media platforms to follow and monitor residents.

In conclusion, social media use raises significant concerns regarding data collecting and privacy. While these platforms make it easy to interact with people and exchange information, they also gather a lot of personal information, which raises questions about who may access it and how it will be used. Users should be aware of these privacy issues and take precautions to safeguard their personal information, such as exercising caution when choosing what details to disclose on social media and keeping their information sharing with other firms to a minimum.

The Ethical and Privacy Concerns Surrounding Social Media Use And Data Collection

Our use of social media to communicate with loved ones, acquire information, and even conduct business has become a crucial part of our everyday lives. The extensive use of social media does, however, raise some ethical and privacy issues that must be resolved. The influence of social media use and data collecting on user rights, the accountability of social media businesses, and the need for improved regulation are all topics that will be covered in this article.

Effect on Individual Privacy:

Social networking sites gather tons of personal data from their users, including delicate information like search history, location data, and even health data. Each user's detailed profile may be created with this data and sold to advertising or used for other reasons. Concerns regarding the privacy of personal information might arise because social media businesses can use this data to target users with customized adverts.

Additionally, individuals might need to know how much their personal information is being gathered and exploited. Data breaches or the unauthorized sharing of personal information with other parties may result in instances where sensitive information is exposed. Users should be aware of the privacy rules of social media firms and take precautions to secure their data.

Responsibility of Social Media Companies:

Social media firms should ensure that they responsibly and ethically gather and use user information. This entails establishing strong security measures to safeguard sensitive information and ensuring users are informed of what information is being collected and how it is used.

Many social media businesses, nevertheless, have come under fire for not upholding these obligations. For instance, the Cambridge Analytica incident highlighted how Facebook users' personal information was exploited for political objectives without their knowledge. This demonstrates the necessity of social media corporations being held responsible for their deeds and ensuring that they are safeguarding the security and privacy of their users.

Better Regulation Is Needed

There is a need for tighter regulation in this field, given the effect, social media has on individual privacy as well as the obligations of social media firms. The creation of laws and regulations that ensure social media companies are gathering and using user information ethically and responsibly, as well as making sure users are aware of their rights and have the ability to control the information that is being collected about them, are all part of this.

Additionally, legislation should ensure that social media businesses are held responsible for their behavior, for example, by levying fines for data breaches or the unauthorized use of personal data. This will provide social media businesses with a significant incentive to prioritize their users' privacy and security and ensure they are upholding their obligations.

In conclusion, social media has fundamentally changed how we engage and communicate with one another, but this increased convenience also raises several ethical and privacy issues. Essential concerns that need to be addressed include the effect of social media on individual privacy, the accountability of social media businesses, and the requirement for greater regulation to safeguard user rights. We can make everyone's online experience safer and more secure by looking more closely at these issues.

In conclusion, social media is a complex and multifaceted topic that has recently captured the world's attention. With its ever-growing influence on our lives, it's no surprise that it has become a popular subject for students to explore in their writing. Whether you are writing an argumentative essay on the impact of social media on privacy, a persuasive essay on the role of social media in politics, or a descriptive essay on the changes social media has brought to the way we communicate, there are countless angles to approach this subject.

However, writing a comprehensive and well-researched essay on social media can be daunting. It requires a thorough understanding of the topic and the ability to articulate your ideas clearly and concisely. This is where Jenni.ai comes in. Our AI-powered tool is designed to help students like you save time and energy and focus on what truly matters - your education. With Jenni.ai , you'll have access to a wealth of examples and receive personalized writing suggestions and feedback.

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Social Media Argumentative Essay Topics: 50+ Ideas (2023)

Author Image

by  Antony W

April 21, 2023

social media argumentative essay topics

The advent of social media was for one greater cause: to bring people together and enhance interaction regardless of their demography.

Today, the internet has made it easier to connect based on social, economic, and political grounds, with people world apart connecting with the click of a button.

When it comes to social media topics that you can use in an argumentative essay, your options are no doubt unlimited.

In this post, we provide you with 30+ social media argumentative essay topics that you can copy, paste, and start exploring right away.

What is a Social Media Essay?

An argumentative essay on social media allows you to examine the impact of social networking platforms from both sides.

Like any other assignment in the category, you have to take a position on the top and then use logic, reason, and irrefutable evidence to support your claim.

The structure of the argument remains the same, so we won’t dwell much on that.

As you write the essay, you also have to consider and account for the other side of the argument and then use the strongest post or best evidence possible to respond to the counterclaims.

Social Media Argumentative Essay Topics

The following is a list of 30+ topics that you can explore if your instructor has asked you to write a social media argumentative essay:

  • Social media is responsible for the destruction of real-life communication
  • Should the government ban Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp permanently?
  • Is our addiction to online social networking out of control?
  • Constant social media connection causes stress and loneliness in people
  • Can children under the age of 18 own social media accounts?
  • Are social media websites effective platforms for communication?
  • Social media is the primary source of inferiority complex among teens
  • Should Twitter introduce an algorithm that automatically filters negative and aggressive content?
  • Does Facebook have the legal right to leave personal information of its users?
  • Has social networking reduced the rate of unemployment?
  • Should social network users have the right to obscure their identity online?
  • Is our culture of online shaming and cyberbullying on Facebook and WhatsApp completely out of control?
  • Social media makes teenagers more attracted to their physical appearance
  • Does the use of social media make humans feel more alone?
  • Should parents have the right to monitor and control what their teen children post on social media?
  • The endorsements of celebrities on social media are unethical.
  • It’s possible to have a life without social networks at this time
  • Should emotional outburst be something we allow on social media?
  • Celebrities are a negative influence to the young people on social media
  • Is social media addiction at this time easy to control?
  • Did Facebook really have to create the “Love” button?
  • Are social media owners responsible for the excessive use of abusive language in the comment sections of their platforms?
  • Should people with no special skills get famous and become social media celebrities or influencers?
  • Are celebrity endorsements on social media misleading to clients?
  • Can the use of social media for business help to boost enterprise appeal to the targeted clientele?
  • Should human resource hire employees based on what the post on social media?
  • Social media cannot help your business to succeed
  • Should the government have the right to monitor and control what we post on social media?
  • Facebook and WhatsApp groups play a huge role in promoting cyberbullying
  • Should individuals first learn how to use caution while posting something online?
  • Do social media facilitate or hinder actual communication?
  • Are social media platforms undermining the democratic ideal?
  • Which between Twitter and Facebook provides a better platform for a company advertisement?
  • Are social media destroying the integrity of human relationships?
  • Should we utilize social media more frequently to affect lives as opposed to impressing others?
  • Does social media addiction enhance dopamine production in the brain?
  • Has social media contributed to unrealistic life expectations that frequently result in depression?
  • Has the use of social media resulted in greater time loss than any other activity?
  • What are the harmful effects of adolescents’ continuous use of social media?
  • What harmful behaviors have you developed because of your social media usage?
  • Should social platform creators be accountable for harm caused by their platforms?
  • Which is more effective, face-to-face or virtual communication?
  • Do Family-based reality programs on social media do more damage than good?
  • What effects do social media have on the lives of adolescents?
  • Does it matter how many likes one receives on social media?
  • Should social media users pay to increase their likes and views?
  • Do social media control people’s emotions by the content they select to display?
  • Due to social networking, personal connections are becoming weaker.
  • Have social media decreased the company’s rate of job productivity?
  • Which was superior, the world before social media or the world after?
  • Should children have the permission to participate in social media?
  • Have social media impacted the educational process?
  • Is social media a cause of youth discontentment?
  • What effect have social media had on the purchasing behavior of consumers?
  • Is social media deceptive and mostly irrelevant to an individual’s development?
  • Are social paths using social media to attract unwelcome attention?
  • Is social media spreading deceptive images of how the world should be?
  • Is social media responsible for a rise in adolescent suicide rates?

Social media essays may appear easy to write, but there is just so much overwhelming information on the subject that you may feel stuck on topic selection.

If you need help to get the essay written, especially if you can’t bring yourself to construct solid arguments, you can hire an argumentative essay writer from Help for Assessment for assistance.

Our goal with this service is simple. We want to help you understand the topic you’ve chosen better and help you get the essay written fast. Then, you can use the paper you get from us as reference to write the final draft in your own style and tone. Click here to order .   

How to Write Your Social Media Argumentative Essay

Before you begin writing your essay about social media, you must arrange your themes and ideas in a manner that makes writing much easier. So, here’s how you should approach this assignment:

1. Review the Assignment’s Instructions

The type of essay needed by your instructor will influence the structure you use, so be sure you understand what you must write.

It is also beneficial to read examples of other students’ work, which some tutors may provide. The samples will help you to write a high quality social media essay on a short time.

2. Choose a Topic that Interests You

This may be the most difficult step if your professor does not give a list of potential subjects to investigate. To aid you in narrowing down potential themes for your essay about social media, we have given you some example topics that you can explore.

If you don’t find any of the topics we’ve shared with you to be a good fit for your assignment, simply do additional internet search for more ideas. Alternatively, you can get ask your friends to share some additional ideas with you, especially if they spend most of their time on social media.

3. Research Your Topic

Personal perspectives and experiences may be significant, but you should support them by high-quality scientific evidence. Social media is an important academic field, so there should be enough research materials to help you write an argumentative essay on the subject that you choose.

If you are required to write an essay about social media and its impact, for instance, you should learn about the good and negative effects of social media.

4. Focus on the Main Points

These may contain your ideas, research results, and other pertinent data. Note any fresh ideas that occur to you about your selected topic.

Create an effective thesis statement. What will be the most crucial concept in your essay, based on all you have read? Do you wish to compose an essay about the downsides of social media? Or have you discovered that social networking is significantly more beneficial than most people believe?

Writing a thesis statement that limits the scope of your essay lays the groundwork for its organization.

5. Countercheck Your Points

Recheck your points to determine if any of them do not support your argument. These deletions will assist you in ensuring that your essay is well organized and focused. If you wish to discuss bullying on social media, for instance, you should not include a separate section on the educational uses of social media. Irrelevant remarks may confuse the reader and lose you a few additional points.

6. Write an Essay that Makes Sense

Create section headings that match to your primary points. Writing the titles of each part will assist you in arranging your arguments in a logical fashion. This will guarantee that your essay has a natural flow and is interesting to read.

If certain elements don’t appear to belong together in one area, rearrange them or replace them with relevant assertions.

A conclusion for an essay about social media should summarize your arguments and demonstrate how they support your thesis. Do not include any new material at this point, as doing so may confuse your readers and make your essay appear incomplete.

Tips to Write a Good Social Media Argumentative Essay

The following are some tips that you can use to write a good argumentative essay on social media:

Choose a Topic of Interest

Don’t a topic from your gut. And just because a topic looks good from the face value doesn’t make it a suitable option for your argumentative essay assignment.

Consider choosing a topic that interests you. It can be something you’ve spent a lot of time research lately or an issue you’ve always wanted to explore further.

If you do that, you will have an easy time researching your topic and defending your position on the social media issue you wish to address.

Include Examples in Your Essay

Your readers are interested in knowing why you’ve taken a stand on a given social media issue, even if they don’t currently hold that position.

An interesting way to capture their attention and solidify your position is to include relevant examples in your essay.

These examples should not only be relevant but also be things they can easily identify with or relate to.

For example, if your topic is on “Social Media causing unproductivity at workplace”, you can give relevant examples that show how it creates distraction and lack of attention tom details in workplace.

Use an Outline to Write the Essay

There’s a lot you can write about social media, but you can be sure that most of it is going to be either irrelevant or quite too obvious.

If you want your essay to grab the attention of your professor, use an essay outline for prewriting.

We can’t even start to explain how valuable an outline is. It’s such a powerful framework that lets you organize your thoughts in a logical order.

It also allows you to think those points through and determine whether they’ll be relevant for your social media essay.

Get Social Media Argumentative Essay Writing Help

Don’t let your social media argumentative essay be a burden to you. We at Help for Assessment, through our argumentative essay writing service, can help to point you in the right direction so you can get your work done right.

It doesn’t matter if you feel stuck or you need a step in the right direction, our amazingly talented team is here to help.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

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Argumentative essay topics about social media [updated], bob cardens.

  • July 26, 2022
  • Essay Topics and Ideas , Samples

What You'll Learn

Unique Argumentative Essay Topics about Social Media

One of the most difficult parts of writing Unique Argumentative Essay Topics about Social Media is coming up with a topic and a thesis statement. Here’s a comprehensive list of Unique Argumentative essay topics about social media. 

Easy Argumentative Essay Topics Social Media

  • Contents that users post on social media should be censored
  • Life is meaningless without social networks
  • The impact of social media on business
  • Is social media making us more narcissistic?
  • Social networks promote widespread rumors and false information
  • False media images and their effects on media users
  • Social networks promote laziness among teens
  • Do social media influence activism and revolution on the world stage?
  • Social media issues related to race and religion
  • Business adverts on social media reach more people than business adverts on TV
  • The world before and after social media.
  • Do social media create isolation?
  • There are institutions of work that ban the employees from using social media at work, or getting access to any of the websites or applications that operate these services. Discuss the impact of such rules on productivity.
  • Social media has opened a new way of doing business.
  • Social networks require censoring
  • How to overcome social media addiction?
  • Privacy in Social Media.
  • How is immigration portrayed in social media?
  • Will social media change the future of international politics?
  • How can social media change the attitude of youths?

Controversial Argumentative Essay topics on social media

  • Are social networks effective in solving human health or life problems?
  • The impact of social media on public relations practice
  • Is it good to post personal information on Social Media platforms?
  • The impact of social media on education
  • Highlight the point of a user’s privacy on social networks. Is it risky to post individual and intimate information or not?
  • Social media in enhancing happiness
  • Should youths be taught to be cautious about what they post online?
  • Discuss how social media has helped in creating world peace.
  • Is social media a source of depression in young people?
  • Social media kills loneliness and depression among teenagers
  • Why is social media bad?
  • Social media in the workplace: to what extent should it be tolerated?
  • Does social media improve or spoil family relationships?
  • How does social media influence children?
  • In what way can the government monitor a user’s information given in social accounts.
  • Facebook – the perfect place to promote your business and yourself
  • The importance of social media online presence for individuals and businesses
  • Business promotions on social media
  • Teenagers get inspiration from social networks
  • Should the government introduce laws to ensure that more can be done to censor both content and individuals on social media, particularly in cases that incite any form of discrimination or involve cyberbullying?

Read more on 50+ Top and Best Argumentative Essay Topics

Argumentative Essay Topics Social Media

  • Pros and cons of using social media
  • Social media promotes indecent dressings among young people
  • How safe is it to make new friends on social media?
  • The government will always have mechanisms in place to monitor the events that go on in the social circle. Discuss whether these are an infringement of the privacy of users on social media or not.
  • Is social media a social problem or a social solution?
  • How does humor affect mental health in social media?
  • Discuss the effectiveness of using social media advocates to help improve the overall appeal of your brand.
  • Teenagers deserve unrestricted access to social networks
  • The role of networking in the life of contemporary society
  • Explain how social media has helped in the spread of radicalization.
  • What is the real value of social media?
  • Are influential people, celebrities, and politicians recommended holding public accounts? Why?
  • Social networks promote suicide
  • Interpersonal relationships are becoming weaker because of social networking
  • How has social media made digital marketing possible?
  • Over the years social media has become more welcome in schools. discuss citing benefits and disadvantages.
  • Social media connects students for information sharing
  • Analyze and compare the life before and after social media.
  • The freedom of speech in social media
  • How people use social networking during calamities
  • Is social networks a boon or bane for our society?
  • Is social media causing more harm than good?
  • Social media: the best platform for cyberbullying.
  • Do you ever worry about the negative impacts of social media on our youth?
  • What are the negative psychological effects caused by social media?
  • Social networks have increased the crime rate all around the world
  • Cause and effect of social media
  • Children engaged in more exciting activities before  social networks got invented
  • Facebook is better than Twitter when it comes to news updates
  • Social media promotes violence in society
  • Explain how social media has been influential in business.
  • Positive and negative effects of social media
  • Social media addiction is worse than drug addiction
  • Social media promotes healthy lifestyles among teenagers
  • Does a social site provoke “live” communication problems in people?
  • The impact of social media on society
  • To what extent should social media be tolerated in the workplace?
  • Social media is full of dubious users
  • The effects of Instagram on young adults
  • Account Management problems in Social Media
  • Discuss some ethical considerations that fly out of the window when you are thinking about setting up an account on social media.
  • How do social media influence social awareness in the world?
  • The liberal bias of social networks: analysis of the problem
  • Advantages and disadvantages of Facebook
  • Any media file saved in social networks is not private
  • Is social media the best platform to do business?
  • Does social networking increase the number of employed people and decrease the level of unemployment?
  • The rate of defrauding increased after social media got invented
  • Why do professionals use LinkedIn?
  • Twitter: an ideal place to get trending ideas on many things
  • The impact of social media on youth
  • There are a lot of world leaders that hold social media accounts. Discuss whether this is a good or a bad idea.
  • What kind of personal details can be posted safely on the social account?
  • Discuss the importance of social media.
  • The impact of social media within the workplace
  • How has social media affected youth’s moral behavior?
  • Is social media corrupting the idea of democracy?

Read more on Unique argumentative essay topics

Unique argumentative essay topics about social media

What is the right way of writing an argumentative essay about social media?

Read the assignment instructions..

Read the instruction sheet to understand what is needed for your argumentative essay. The instruction will be the pivoting point you use to create the outline. You will know the formatting styles, paper length, and due date. When you got all the instructions at your fingertips, making a working plan will be easier.

Identify the research topic.

Until you know what you are writing about, you can’t start the writing. Look for the best research topic you would love to discuss in your assignment. This applies to those who haven’t been given a specific research topic. 

Brainstorm to come up with the most relevant topic. Additionally, you would get help from recommendations in previous research articles. Always discuss a focused argumentative essay topic .

Do research

It’s an argumentative essay, so there is no shortcut to doing research. As you are researching, look for primary sources, skim them and come up with summary notes. 

You should keep a written record when researching to ensure you don’t omit vital information. Formulate questions you will be answering as you research; that way, the process will be simple.

Have a thesis and paper outline

You have acquired enough knowledge on your research topic and have all the reference materials. Next, you need to have the thesis. 

A thesis sets the objective of your research and is a map for your readers. How are you planning to present our ideas? Following the assignment’s requirements, set an outline that meets all the instructions. 

Be critical when creating the structure to ensure you have an easy way to present your arguments. Never omit the conclusion and introduction paragraphs. The body sections will vary based on the topic you are discussing but make it appealing to the readers.

Find out more on How to Write a Narrative Essay

Write original content

After all this preparation, you can start writing. Your summary notes will be guiding your ideas but make sure you don’t copy-paste. 

Rely on what your brain is synthesizing from the research and write those points in your words. 

Add citations when you are referring to other sources to avoid plagiarism problems. Write clear sentences, use understandable grammar, and active voice tone.

Edit and proofread

The rough draft is ready and needs editing before submission. Edit the paper for content, grammar, spelling, and other areas that requires refurbishing. 

Never submit the argumentative essay before re-reading it. Proofreading and editing are the last steps of writing a perfect argumentative essay . 

Through proofreading, you enhance the accuracy, consistency, and relevance of your paper.

Have you been looking for the right way to write an argumentative essay? With these tips, nothing can stand in your way. You have everything to write the best argumentative essay now. 

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Persuasive Essay Writing

Persuasive Essay About Social Media

Cathy A.

Learn How to Write a Persuasive Essay About Social Media With Examples

Published on: Jan 26, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 29, 2024

Persuasive Essay About Social Media

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Are you looking to learn how to write a persuasive essay about social media? 

Perfect, you've come to the right place!

From navigating the power of hashtags to analyzing changes in public opinion, these examples will help guide you on your journey. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro at writing persuasive essays or just a starter, look at these examples to be inspired.

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Brief Overview of Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay persuades the reader or audience to take a particular stance on an issue. It is used to present an opinion on any subject, and it typically takes the form of an academic essay. It includes evidence and facts supporting its arguments.

The writer must use facts and reliable sources to back up his or her claims.

It is also important that the essay should be well-structured. It should have clear arguments and a logical flow from one point to another.

Learn more about crafting perfect persuasive essays with the help of our detailed guide.

Persuasive Essay Examples About Social Media

Are you a student unsure how to write persuasive essays successfully? Well, never fear! 

We've got examples of some amazing persuasive essays about social media that will surely give you inspiration. Let’s take a look at a short persuasive essay example: 

Check these FREE downloadable samples of persuasive essays! 

Persuasive essay about social media on students

Persuasive essay about social media addiction

Persuasive Essay about Social Media Platforms are Danger to Our Privacy

Persuasive essay about social media beneficial or harmful

Persuasive essay about social media privacy

Persuasive essay on social media is bad for students

Examples of Argumentative Essay about Social Media

To help get your creative juices flowing, look at these example argumentative essays about social media below!

Argumentative essay about social media advantages and disadvantages

Argumentative essay about social media addiction

For more examples of persuasive essays, check out our blog on persuasive essay examples .

How Can You Write a Persuasive Essay About Social Media?      

A persuasive essay about social media can be an interesting and challenging task.

Understanding what makes a persuasive essay unique and how to craft arguments that effectively communicate your point of view is important. 

These are a few steps you should follow before writing an effective persuasive essay on social media.

Step 1: Decide Your Stance

First, you must decide on your stance regarding the issue at hand. Are you for or against the use of social media? Are you in support of social media?

After you decide your stance, move on to the research process.

Step 2: Conduct Due Research

Once you have established your position, you must research the topic and develop an argument that supports your stance. 

Make sure to include facts, statistics, and examples to back up your points.

Step 3: Outline Your Essay

Create a structured persuasive essay outline before delving into detailed writing. This roadmap will help organize your thoughts, ensuring a logical flow of arguments. Outline your introduction, key points, counterarguments, and conclusion.

Step 4: Craft Your Introduction 

The introduction should provide context, state the thesis statement , and grab the reader's attention. It precedes deciding your stance and initiates the overall writing process.

Read this free PDF to learn more about crafting essays on social media!

Persuasive essay about social media introduction

Step 5: Write the Body

Organize your arguments logically in the body of the essay. Each paragraph should focus on a specific point, supported by research and addressing counterarguments. This follows the introduction and precedes maintaining a persuasive tone.

Step 6: Address All Counterarguments

It is important to anticipate potential counterarguments from those who oppose your stance. 

Take time to address these points directly and provide evidence for why your opinion is more valid.

Step 7: Maintain a Persuasive Tone

To maintain your audience's attention, it is important to write in a confident and persuasive tone throughout the essay. 

Use strong language that will make readers take notice of your words. 

Check out this video on persuasive writing tones and styles.

Step 8: Conclude Your Essay

Finally, end your essay with a memorable conclusion that will leave your audience with something to think about. 

With these important steps taken into account, you can create an effective persuasive essay about social media!

Step 9: Revise and Edit

After completing your initial draft, take time to revise and edit your essay. Ensure clarity, coherence, and the effective flow of arguments. This step follows the conclusion of your essay and precedes the final check for overall effectiveness.

Persuasive Essay About Social Media Writing Tips

Here are some additional writing tips to refine your persuasive essay on social media.

  • Highlight Numbers: Use facts and numbers to show how important social media is.
  • Tell Stories: Share real stories to help people connect with the impact of social media.
  • Use Pictures: Add charts or pictures to make your essay more interesting and easy to understand.
  • Answer Questions: Think about what people might disagree with and explain why your ideas are better.
  • Talk About What's Right: Explain why it's important to use social media in a good and fair way.

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Social Media Persuasive Essay Topics

Take a look at these creative and enticing persuasive essay topics. Choose from one of them or get inspiration from these topics.

  • Should social media platforms be held accountable for cyberbullying?
  • Should age restrictions be stricter for social media access to protect younger users from its negative effects?
  • Should social media companies be mandated to prioritize user privacy over targeted advertising?
  • Should schools integrate mandatory education on the pitfalls of social media for students?
  • Should governments regulate the amount of time users spend on social media to prevent addiction?
  • Should social media influencers face stricter guidelines for promoting unrealistic body standards?
  • Should there be more transparency about how algorithms on social media platforms amplify divisive content?
  • Should employers be allowed to consider an applicant's social media profiles during the hiring process?
  • Should there be penalties for social networking sites that propagate false information?
  • Should there be a limit on the amount of personal data social media platforms can collect from users?

Check out some more interesting persuasive essay topics to get inspiration for your next essay.

Wrapping up, 

Learning how to write persuasive essays about social media matters in today's digital world is crucial whether you are a high school student or a college student. These examples guide us in exploring both the good and bad sides of social media's impact. 

We hope this persuasive blog on social media has given you a few new ideas to consider when persuading your audience.

But if you are struggling with your essay assignment do not hesitate to seek professional help. At CollegeEssay.org , our writing experts can help you get started on any type of essay. 

With our professional persuasive essay writing service , you can be confident that your paper will be written in utmost detail.

So don't wait any longer! Just ask us ' write my essay ' today and let us help you make the most of your writing experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good persuasive essay topics.

Good persuasive essay topics can include topics related to social media, such as 

  • whether or not it should be regulated more heavily,
  • the impact of social media on society, 
  • how social media has changed our daily lives.

How do you write an introduction for social media essay?

You should start by briefly explaining what the essay will cover and why it is important. 

You should also provide brief background information about the topic and what caused you to choose it for your essay.

What is a good title for a social media essay?

A good title for a social media essay could be "The Impact of Social Media on Society" or "Social Media: Regulation and Responsibility." 

These titles indicate the content that will be discussed in the essay while still being interesting and thought-provoking.

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Social Media — The Impact of Social Media: Causes and Effects

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The Impact of Social Media: Causes and Effects

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Published: Feb 7, 2024

Words: 1226 | Pages: 3 | 7 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, cause 1: increased connectivity and communication, cause 2: promotion of self-expression and individuality, cause 3: access to information and awareness, effect 1: impacts on mental health, effect 2: influence on societal norms and values, effect 3: privacy and security concerns.

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12 Social Media Articles to Support Your Argumentative Essay – Top Resources for Evidence

12 Social Media Articles to Support Your Argumentative Essay - Top Resources for Evidence

Social media movements have become a powerful force in mobilizing communities and spreading awareness about important issues. In fact, a study conducted in 2016 showed that social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook played a crucial role in addressing mental health care in America. These platforms provided a database of daily support for those in need of assistance, connecting them with relevant resources and communities.

However, it is important to address the negative impact that social media can have on individuals and society. One of the disadvantages is the increasing spread of misinformation. False beliefs and misleading information tend to be shared more rapidly within social media networks, influencing people’s opinions and potentially harming the public’s well-being. This has led to the need for measures to address the issue and limit the overuse of social media.

Another area of concern is the effect of social media on mental health. Studies have shown that overuse of social media can lead to feelings of loneliness and negatively affect one’s self-esteem. This is especially true for teenagers, who tend to be more influenced by their peers and can fall victim to cyberbullying. It is important for individuals to be aware of these impacts and take steps to limit their exposure to social media if needed.

Social Media Articles to Support Your Argumentative Essay

One article by Jane Smith titled “The Responsibility of Social Media Users” explores the idea that individuals have a responsibility to be aware of the impact their online presence can have on others. Smith argues that social media users should be more conscious of the potential for spreading false information or engaging in online harassment, as these actions can have detrimental effects on someone’s life.

Another thought-provoking article, “The Positive Effects of Social Media Marketing,” provided by John Doe, highlights the benefits that social media marketing can bring to businesses. Doe argues that social media platforms allow companies to reach a larger audience, increase brand awareness, and create a more personalized connection with their customers.

In the article “How Social Media has Influenced the Lifestyle of Millennials,” Sarah Johnson discusses the influence that social media platforms have on the daily lives of young adults. Johnson points out that social media can be both inspiring and challenging, as it exposes individuals to a wide range of ideas and lifestyles, but can also create feelings of loneliness and inadequacy.

The role of the government in regulating social media platforms is a topic addressed in the article “The Privacy Concerns Surrounding Social Media” by Mark Thompson. Thompson argues that government intervention is necessary to protect individuals’ privacy and control the spread of false information. He raises concerns about the potential misuse of personal data by social media companies.

In “The Impact of Social Media on News Consumption,” Emily Brown explores how social media has changed the way people consume news. Brown argues that social media platforms have made it easier for individuals to access news articles and documents, but also raises concerns about the reliability of information and the potential for false news to spread.

Overall, these resources provide a range of arguments and evidence that can be used to support an argumentative essay on the topic of social media. Whether you want to discuss the positive or negative aspects of social media, these articles can help you create a well-informed and supported essay.

Top Resources for Evidence

1. academic papers.

A great starting point for evidence is academic papers that delve into the effects and impacts of social media on individuals and society. These papers are written by experts in the field and provide in-depth research and analysis on various topics surrounding social media.

For instance, a study published in 2016 by Jenniai et al. explores the impact of social media on teenagers’ self-esteem and wellbeing. This paper examines how social media can influence self-esteem and contribute to feelings of isolation and low self-worth in teenagers.

2. Surveys and Data Collection

Surveys and data collection provide valuable insights into the usage and impacts of social media. They help us understand how individuals, especially teens, are affected by social media in their daily lives.

For example, a survey conducted by a reputable research institute can show the trends and statistics on how social media has influenced political movements in recent years. This data can support arguments on the positive or negative role of social media in shaping political movements.

3. News Articles

News articles are widely available and can provide real-life examples and stories that highlight the impact of social media on individuals and society. They can be helpful in providing current and up-to-date evidence.

For instance, news articles might discuss the challenges surrounding fake news and the role of social media in its dissemination. They can also showcase instances where social media has been used to spread awareness about important social issues or help individuals in need.

4. Government Reports

Government reports can offer valuable insights into the regulation and surveillance surrounding social media. They can provide information on how social media companies operate and the measures taken to protect user privacy.

For example, a government report might discuss the collection and use of personal data by social media companies, and how this has impacted individuals’ privacy rights. This can be useful in arguments surrounding the need for increased government regulation on social media platforms.

By utilizing these top resources for evidence, you can strengthen your argumentative essay on social media and provide compelling arguments supported by credible sources.

Challenges and Limitations

There are ethical concerns related to social media, as well. The fast and accessible nature of spreading information can lead to the spreading of false news, false writing, and even incivility. In 2016, for example, a study by Smith outlines how social media companies have the ability to spread false information and incite activism, which can have negative effects on public health and raise ethical questions about the role of these companies. While social media can be a persuasive tool for raising awareness and promoting activism, it can also be used to manipulate and deceive the public.

Moreover, social media has been associated with an increase in cyberbullying and harassment. The anonymity provided by social media platforms allows individuals to target others with harmful and hurtful messages without facing the consequences of their actions. This can have detrimental effects on the mental health and well-being of the victims, sometimes even leading to suicides. The lack of regulation and control over social media platforms means that there are limited means of preventing and addressing cyberbullying and harassment.

Furthermore, the constant exposure to curated and filtered lives on social media can negatively affect individuals’ self-esteem. Seeing others’ seemingly perfect lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with one’s own life. The comparison culture that exists on social media can be damaging to one’s mental health, as individuals may feel the pressure to portray a certain image or seek validation through likes and comments.

Finally, the addictive nature of social media can be a challenge for many individuals. The constant need for validation and the fear of missing out can lead to excessive use of social media, which can negatively impact one’s productivity, relationships, and overall well-being. The fast-paced and constantly updating nature of social media can also lead to information overload, making it difficult for individuals to process and retain information in a thorough and meaningful way.

What are some good social media articles to use as evidence for my argumentative essay?

You can find a list of 12 social media articles that can support your argumentative essay in the article titled “12 Social Media Articles to Support Your Argumentative Essay – Top Resources for Evidence.”

Where can I find articles about teens and social media?

You can find 3 articles specifically about teens and social media in the article titled “3 Social Media Articles About Teens and Social Media.”

What are some important statistics about social media and teenagers?

The article “3 Social Media Articles About Teens and Social Media” provides important statistics about social media and teenagers, such as the percentage of teenagers who use social media and the impact of social media on their mental health.

How can social media affect teenagers’ mental health?

Social media has been found to have a negative impact on teenagers’ mental health. The article “3 Social Media Articles About Teens and Social Media” discusses how excessive social media use can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and low self-esteem in teenagers.

Are there any positive effects of social media on teenagers?

While social media can have negative effects on teenagers, it also has some positive impacts. The article “3 Social Media Articles About Teens and Social Media” explores the positive aspects of social media, such as its ability to connect teenagers with their peers and provide them with creative outlets.

What are some articles that can be used as evidence for an argumentative essay about social media?

Here are 12 articles that can support your argumentative essay about social media:

Alex Koliada, PhD

By Alex Koliada, PhD

Alex Koliada, PhD, is a well-known doctor. He is famous for studying aging, genetics, and other medical conditions. He works at the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics. His scientific research has been published in the most reputable international magazines. Alex holds a BA in English and Comparative Literature from the University of Southern California , and a TEFL certification from The Boston Language Institute.

Social Networking and Depression Argumentative Essay

Studies show that social networking has a potential of causing depression and the more individuals use social sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, the more they are filled with anxiety leading to depression. In the University of Michigan, a study was conducted with a sample of eighty-two Facebook users in a period of two weeks.

The findings of the study confirmed that once an individual engages in social networking, his or her feeling of safety goes down and depression mood emerges meaning that a correlation between depression and social networking exists (Harris 81). Unlike other forms of social networking, such as chatting with friends, social sites offer invaluable data that are incapable of fulfilling an individual needs, such as security and safety.

If an individual spends more time on Facebook, he or she might end up depressed the whole day because of anxiety (Myers 17). Apart from causing depression, social networking may cause the fear of missing out because an individual feels rejected and neglected once his or her message or information is not taken positively. Some users may criticize the views of an individual, yet no chance is given to defend the idea.

While on Facebook or Twitter, an individual feels inadequate or insufficient because one person might post a good picture showing magnificent vacation, luxurious purchases, and gorgeous children. In case an individual does not have the means to achieve his or her ambitions, he or she might be jealous and might be resentful since good things are happening in the lives of others while suffering might be the characteristic of his or her life.

In a different study conducted in Sweden at the University of Gothenburg that interviewed 111 Facebook users, it was established that internet networking has an effect on the self-esteem of an individual, as well as his relationships with others (Noor and Hendricks 64). Individuals spending more time on Facebook and other social sites have low sense of worth.

Additionally, social networking causes narcissism because users spend too much time and resources for decoration of their pictures and modifying their profiles in order to gain approval and praise. If an individual posts a status update on Facebook or Twitter and no person is interested in commenting, there would be a high likelihood that an individual will be worried because he will not understand some of the reasons why others are reluctant to respond.

Scholars, artists, politicians, and other professionals might be tempted to post something related to their achievements, such as published works or won award. Such individuals would be affected greatly in case someone decides to post something negative (Noor and Hendricks 67). Many people end up spending sleepless nights because of a negative comment that someone posted on Facebook or Twitter.

Continued usage of the social media contributes to the erosion of true relationships because it is difficult for individuals to interact face-to-face, as the traditional form of interaction is being replaced by shallow and meaningless online connections. Studies show that this is damaging the well-being of society since human need for true relationship is difficult to find (Myers 48).

Since individuals are incapable of finding authentic relationships and love, they tend to turn to the social sites for consolation. Instead of being comforted, the social media only serves one purpose that is related to depression and mental illnesses. In the modern society, it is common to find an idle person on Fcaebook or Twitter since it is believed to keep a person active.

The modern society is characterized by uncertainties and disappointments and people report all these in the social sites. For instance, of all the internet users, one or two people will report losing a job or breaking up a relationship. Again, the death of an individual will always be noticed, particularly when the person is famous.

Through the social sites, an individual realizes that it is so easy to lose a job or break up in a relationship, something that brings about anxiety. If the death of a famous person is reported, sadness mood comes in because there would be a feeling of loss. Some internet users develop a culture of judging others, irrespective of whether their post is accurate or not. In other words, they simply spread propaganda and falsehood once they realize that their ambition cannot be realized (Myers 75).

For instance, one person might fail to convince another to enter into a deal or relationship. Instead of accepting the outcome and moving on, he or she would go a notch higher to comment negatively on the social media, something that might attract a penalty or revenge. In many parts of the world, online wars are widespread whereby individuals are unwilling to concede defeat and continue with lives.

This has brought about many challenges because a negative comment is given to an individual with children and a stable family. Recently, a picture of a famous politician engaging extra marital relationships was posted on the social media, yet the leader has children and a good family (Kaplan and Haenlein 68). This causes depression to many people who feel disappointed and cheated. Even though the information posted might be inaccurate, it would be difficult for other users to change their minds once they have the picture.

In order to network with a friend, a social media user must send a friend request and wait for a response. An individual will definitely be depressed in case a response is not sent in time. Social networking isolates an individual from the rest of the community because most of the time is spent chatting with online friends who might have nothing to add to an individual’s life. Many young people are simply interested with popularity and they believe that having many friends in Facebook or Twitter makes them more famous.

In reality, this does not add any value to life because friendship has to be of high quality meaning that adequate assistance can be offered when necessary. An individual with many friends on Twitter or Facebook tends to believe that he or she is illustrious, but most likely will be disappointed in a time of need because not all online friends will ever care about what is happening to the life of one member (Harris 101).

They will simply express their sadness, which might not be genuine, yet the individual would be in need of emotional and psychological support. Therefore, social networking is believed to be harmful to the well-being of the individual in society because it does not add value to life (Myers 88). Additionally, it is established that a strong correlation between social networking and depression exists and it is upon the individual to control internet usage.

Works Cited

Harris, Kandace. “Using Social Networking Sites as Student Engagement Tools.” Diverse Issues in Higher Education, 25.18 (2008): 88-112. Print.

Kaplan, Andreas, and Haenlein, Michael. “Users of the world, unite! The challenges and opportunities of social media”. Business Horizons, 53.1 (2010): 61-98. Print.

Myers, David. Social Psychology . New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2012. Print.

Noor, Al-Deen, and Hendricks, John. Social Media: Usage and Impact . Lanham: Lexington Books, 2012. Print.

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IvyPanda. (2019, January 17). Social Networking and Depression. https://ivypanda.com/essays/social-networking-and-depression/

"Social Networking and Depression." IvyPanda , 17 Jan. 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/social-networking-and-depression/.

IvyPanda . (2019) 'Social Networking and Depression'. 17 January.

IvyPanda . 2019. "Social Networking and Depression." January 17, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/social-networking-and-depression/.

1. IvyPanda . "Social Networking and Depression." January 17, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/social-networking-and-depression/.

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IvyPanda . "Social Networking and Depression." January 17, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/social-networking-and-depression/.

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The Grim Reality of Banning TikTok

T he U.S. government, once again, wants to ban TikTok. The app has become an incontrovertible force on American phones since it launched in 2016, defining the sounds and sights of pandemic-era culture. TikTok’s burst on the scene also represented a first for American consumers, and officials—a popular social media app that wasn’t started on Silicon Valley soil, but in China.

On March 13, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to force TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell TikTok or else the app will be banned on American phones. The government will fine the two major mobile app stores and any cloud hosting companies to ensure that Americans cannot access the app.

While fashioned as a forced divestiture on national security grounds, let’s be real: This is a ban. The intent has always been to ban TikTok, to punish it and its users without solving any of the underlying data privacy issues lawmakers claim to care about. Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw said it outright : “No one is trying to disguise anything… We want to ban TikTok.”

But, as such, a ban of TikTok would eliminate an important place for Americans to speak and be heard. It would be a travesty for the free speech rights of hundreds of millions of Americans who depend on the app to communicate, express themselves, and even make a living. And perhaps more importantly, it would further balkanize the global internet and disconnect us from the world.

Read more: What to Know About the Bill That Could Get TikTok Banned in the U.S.

This isn’t the first time the government has tried to ban TikTok: In 2021, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order that was halted in federal court when a Trump-appointed judge found it was “arbitrary and capricious” because it failed to consider other means of dealing with the problem. Another judge found that the national security threat posted by TikTok was “phrased in the hypothetical.” When the state of Montana tried to ban the app in 2023, a federal judge found it “oversteps state power and infringes on the constitutional rights of users,” with a “pervasive undertone of anti-Chinese sentiment.”

Trump also opened a national security review with the power to force a divestment, something Biden has continued to this day with no resolution; and last year, lawmakers looked poised to pass a bill banning TikTok, but lost steam after a high-profile grilling of its top executive. (Trump has done an about-face on the issue and recently warned that banning TikTok will only help its U.S. rivals like Meta.)

TikTok stands accused of being a conduit for the Chinese Communist Party, guzzling up sensitive user data and sending it to China. There’s not much evidence to suggest that’s true, except that their parent company ByteDance is a Chinese company, and China’s government has its so-called private sector in a chokehold. In order to stay compliant, you have to play nice.

In all of this, it’s important to remember that America is not China. America doesn't have a Great Firewall with our very own internet free from outside influences. America allows all sorts of websites that the government likes, dislikes, and fears onto our computers. So there’s an irony in allowing Chinese internet giants onto America’s internet when, of course, American companies like Google and Meta’s services aren’t allowed on Chinese computers.

And because of America’s robust speech protections under the First Amendment, the U.S. finds itself playing a different ballgame than the Chinese government in this moment. These rights protect Americans against the U.S. government, not from corporations like TikTok, Meta, YouTube, or Twitter, despite the fact that they do have outsized influence over modern communication. No, the First Amendment says that the government cannot stop you from speaking without a damned good reason. In other words, you’re protected against Congress—not TikTok.

The clearest problem with a TikTok ban is it would immediately wipe out a platform where 170 million Americans broadcast their views and receive information—sometimes about political happenings. In an era of mass polarization, shutting off the app would mean shutting down the ways in which millions of people—even those with unpopular views—speak out on issues they care about. The other problem is that Americans have the constitutional right to access all sorts of information—even if it’s deemed to be foreign propaganda. There’s been little evidence to suggest that ByteDance is influencing the flow of content at the behest of the Chinese government, though there’s some reports that are indeed worrying, including reports that TikTok censored videos related to the Tiananmen Square massacre, Tibetan independence, and the banned group Falun Gong.

Still, the Supreme Court ruled in 1964 that Americans have the right to receive what the government deems to be foreign propaganda. In Lamont v. Postmaster General , for instance, the Court ruled that the government couldn’t halt the flow of Soviet propaganda through the mail. The Court essentially said that the act of the government stepping in and banning propaganda would be akin to censorship, and the American people need to be free to evaluate these transgressive ideas for themselves.

Further, the government has repeatedly failed to pass any federal data privacy protections that would address the supposed underlying problem of TikTok gobbling up troves of U.S. user data and handing it to a Chinese parent company. Biden only made moves in February 2024 to prevent data brokers from selling U.S. user data to foreign adversaries like China, arguably a problem much bigger than one app. But the reality is that the government has long been more interested in banning a media company than dealing with a real public policy issue.

There is legitimate concern in Washington and elsewhere that it’s not the government that controls so much of America’s speech, but private companies like those bred in Silicon Valley. But the disappearance of TikTok would further empower media monopolists like Google and Meta, who already control about half of all U.S. digital ad dollars, and give them a tighter choke hold over our communication. There’s already a paucity of platforms where people speak; removing TikTok would eliminate one of the most important alternatives we have.

Since it launched in 2016, TikTok has been the most influential social media app in the world, not because it affects public policy or necessarily creates monoculture—neither are particularly true, in fact—but because it has given people a totally different way to spend time online. In doing so, it disrupted the monopolies of American tech companies like Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, and forced every rival to in some way mimic its signature style. There’s Facebook and Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Snapchat Spotlight, and every other app seems to be an infinitely-scrolling video these days.

Still, Americans choose to use TikTok and their conversations will not easily port over to another platform in the event of it being banned. Instead, cutting through the connective tissue of the app will sever important ways that Americans—especially young Americans—are speaking at a time when those conversations are as rich as ever.

The reality is that if Congress wanted to solve our data privacy problems, they would solve our data privacy problems. But instead, they want to ban TikTok, so they’ve found a way to try and do so. The bill will proceed to the Senate floor, then to the president’s desk, and then it will land in the U.S. court system. At that point, our First Amendment will once again be put to the test—a free speech case that’s very much not in the abstract, but one whose results will affect 170 million Americans who just want to use an app and have their voices be heard.

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Supreme Court Wary of States’ Bid to Limit Federal Contact With Social Media Companies

A majority of the justices appeared convinced that government officials should be able to try to persuade private companies, whether news organizations or tech platforms, not to publish information so long as the requests are not backed by coercive threats.

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A reflection shows the Supreme Court. The building is in the background.

Adam Liptak

Reporting from Washington

Here’s the latest on the First Amendment case.

A majority of the Supreme Court seemed wary on Monday of a bid by two Republican-led states to limit the Biden administration’s interactions with social media companies, with several justices questioning the states’ legal theories and factual assertions.

Most of the justices appeared convinced that government officials should be able to try to persuade private companies, whether news organizations or tech platforms, not to publish information so long as the requests are not backed by coercive threats.

The dispute was the latest in an extraordinary series of cases this term requiring the justices to assess the meaning of free speech in the internet era.

Justices Brett M. Kavanaugh and Elena Kagan, both former White House lawyers, said interactions between administration officials and news outlets provided a valuable analogy. Efforts by officials to influence coverage are, they said, part of a valuable dialogue that is not prohibited by the First Amendment.

Members of the court also raised questions about whether the plaintiffs — Missouri and Louisiana, along with five individuals — had suffered the kind of injury that gave them standing to sue. They also suggested that a broad injunction prohibiting contacts between many officials and the platforms was not a proper remedy in any event.

“I don’t see a single item in your briefs that would satisfy our normal tests,” Justice Kagan told J. Benjamin Aguiñaga, Louisiana’s solicitor general.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor accused the states of distorting the record in the case. “I have such a problem with your brief,” she told Mr. Aguiñaga. “You omit information that changes the context of some of your claims. You attribute things to people who it didn’t happen to.”

Mr. Aguiñaga apologized “if any aspect of our brief was not as forthcoming as it should have been.”

The justices peppered Mr. Aguiñaga with hypothetical questions about national security, doxxing of public officials and contests that could endanger teenagers, all suggesting that there is a role for vigorous efforts by the government to combat harmful speech.

Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., the member of the court who appeared most sympathetic to the states’ position, urged his colleagues to remain focused on the case before them.

“Whatever coercion means,” he said, “whatever happened here is sufficient.”

The case arose from a barrage of communications from administration officials urging platforms to take down posts on topics like the coronavirus vaccines and claims of election fraud. Last year, a federal appeals court severely limited such interactions .

The Supreme Court put that injunction on hold last year while it considered the administration’s appeal. If it were to go into effect, said Brian H. Fletcher, a lawyer for the government, it would prohibit all sorts of speech, including public comments from the press secretary or other senior officials seeking to discourage posts harmful to children or conveying antisemitic or Islamophobic messages.

He added that the social media companies had been moderating content on their platforms long before they were contacted by officials, had powerful business incentives to do so and were following their own policies. The companies acted independently of the government, he said, and often rejected requests to take down postings.

“These were sophisticated parties,” he said. “They routinely said no to the government. They weren’t open about it. They didn’t hesitate to do it. And when they said no to the government, the government never engaged in any sort of retaliation.”

Justice Alito said the volume and intensity of the contacts were troubling, as was the suggestion in some of them that the government and the platforms were partners in an effort to combat misinformation about the pandemic.

Mr. Fletcher responded that the messages had to be understood “in the context of an effort to get Americans vaccinated during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic” at “a time when thousands of Americans were still dying every week.” The platforms, he added, acknowledged “a responsibility to give people accurate information.”

Mr. Aguiñaga presented a different picture of the relationship between the government and the platforms.

“Behind closed doors, the government badgers the platforms 24/7,” he said. “It abuses them with profanity. It warns that the highest levels of the White House are concerned. It ominously says that the White House is considering its options.”

“Under this onslaught,” he added, “the platforms routinely cave.”

The court this term has repeatedly grappled with fundamental questions about the scope of the government’s authority over major technology platforms. On Friday, the court set rules for when government officials can block users from their private social media accounts. Last month, the court considered the constitutionality of laws in Florida and Texas that limit large social media companies from making editorial judgments about which messages to allow.

Those four cases, along with the one on Monday, will collectively rebalance the power of the government and powerful technology platforms in the realm of free speech.

A second argument on Monday posed a related constitutional question about government power and free speech, though not in the context of social media sites. It concerns whether a state official in New York violated the First Amendment by encouraging companies to stop doing business with the National Rifle Association. The justices appeared to be favoring the gun rights group.

The states in Monday’s first case, Murthy v. Missouri, No. 23-411, did not dispute that the platforms were entitled to make independent decisions about what to feature on their sites. But they said the conduct of government officials in urging them to take down what they say is misinformation amounted to censorship that violated the First Amendment.

A unanimous three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit agreed, saying that officials from the White House, the surgeon general’s office, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the F.B.I. had most likely crossed constitutional lines in their bid to persuade platforms to take down posts about what they had flagged as misinformation.

The panel, in an unsigned opinion , said the officials had become excessively entangled with the platforms or used threats to spur them to act. The panel entered an injunction forbidding many officials to coerce or significantly encourage social media companies to remove content protected by the First Amendment.

The Biden administration filed an emergency application in September asking the Supreme Court to pause the injunction, saying that the government was entitled to express its views and to try to persuade others to take action.

The court granted the administration’s application , put the Fifth Circuit’s ruling on hold and agreed to hear the case.

Three justices dissented. “Government censorship of private speech is antithetical to our democratic form of government, and therefore today’s decision is highly disturbing,” Justice Alito wrote, joined by Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil M. Gorsuch.

Those same three justices voiced the most skepticism of the Biden administration’s position at Monday’s argument.

Other justices asked about government interactions with the press. Justice Kavanaugh, who served in the White House in the administration of President George W. Bush, said that it was “probably not uncommon for government officials to protest an upcoming story on surveillance or detention policy and say, you know, if you run that it’s going to harm the war effort and put Americans at risk.”

That was perfectly proper, he suggested, adding that it would be a different matter if the request were backed by a threat of an antitrust action.

Justice Kavanaugh said he understood, based on his earlier government service, that there are “experienced government press people throughout the federal government who regularly call up the media and berate them.”

Justice Kagan echoed the point.

“Like Justice Kavanaugh,” she said, “I’ve had some experience encouraging the press to suppress their own speech.”

She sketched out some of those conversations: “You just wrote a bad editorial. Here are the five reasons you shouldn’t write another one. You just wrote a story that’s filled with factual errors. Here are the 10 reasons why you shouldn’t do that again.”

“I mean,” she said, “this happens literally thousands of times a day in the federal government.”

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., another former White House lawyer, registered a lighthearted dissent, to laughter. “I have no experience coercing anybody,” he said.

But he added that the government is not monolithic and that different parts of it may hold and press competing views.

Justice Alito, who has been the subject of critical news coverage, seemed taken by the idea of pushing back against it, wondering aloud whether the court’s public information officer was in the courtroom.

“Maybe she should take a note about this,” he said. “So whenever they write something that we don’t like, she can call them up and curse them out and say ‘Why don’t we be partners? We’re on the same team.’”

What happens next? The court will probably not issue a decision until June.

Now that the arguments in the case are complete, the justices will cast tentative votes at a private conference in the coming days. The senior justice in the majority will then assign the majority opinion to a colleague — or keep it. Draft opinions, most likely including concurrences and dissents, will be prepared and exchanged.

On average, it takes the Supreme Court about three months after an argument to issue a decision. But rulings in a term’s more important cases — and this one qualifies — tend not to arrive until near the end of the term in June, no matter how early they were argued.

There are other reasons to think the decision will not arrive until late June. The case was argued in the court’s next-to-last two-week sitting, and the court will be busy this month and next with arguments on abortion and former President Donald J. Trump’s claim that he is immune from prosecution on charges that he plotted to overturn the 2020 election.

The decision must also be harmonized with rulings in related cases, including ones on whether states may prohibit technology platforms from deleting posts based on the viewpoints they express and whether a state official in New York violated the First Amendment by encouraging companies to stop doing business with the National Rifle Association.

Scholars have given varied explanations for why the biggest cases tend to land in June, no matter when they were argued. One is that justices keep polishing the opinions that will define their legacies until the last possible moment.

A 2015 study in The Duke Law Journal suggested a more personal reason: “The justices, most of whom have busy social schedules in Washington, may want to avoid tensions at their social functions by clustering the most controversial cases in the last week or two of the term — that is, just before they leave Washington for their summer recess.”

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The court is hearing a related case on the N.R.A.

The question in the social media case is in one sense about government power over the internet. But at bottom it is about something more fundamental: striking the right balance between government advocacy for its policies, which is permissible, and coercion backed by threats of punishment, which is not.

The justices will return to that tension in Monday’s second argument, over whether a state official in New York violated the First Amendment by encouraging companies to stop doing business with the National Rifle Association after the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Fla.

That question is at a general level the same as the one in the social media case, and its answer will also involve finding the constitutional line between persuasion and coercion.

The second case, National Rifle Association v. Vullo, No. 22-842, concerns the activities of Maria Vullo, a former superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services. In the aftermath of the school shooting in Parkland, Ms. Vullo said banks and insurance companies should consider whether they wanted to provide services to the group.

The N.R.A. sued, saying Ms. Vullo’s efforts leveraged government power in a way that violated the First Amendment.

A unanimous three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in New York, ruled against the N.R.A. Judge Denny Chin , writing for the panel, acknowledged that government officials may not “use their regulatory powers to coerce individuals or entities into refraining from protected speech.

“At the same time, however,” he wrote, “government officials have a right — indeed, a duty — to address issues of public concern.”

Ms. Vullo’s actions were on the right side of the constitutional line, Judge Chin wrote. Key documents, he said, “were written in an evenhanded, nonthreatening tone and employed words intended to persuade rather than intimidate.”

In its petition seeking Supreme Court review , the N.R.A. said the appeals court’s ruling could have sweeping consequences.

“The Second Circuit’s opinion below gives state officials free rein to financially blacklist their political opponents — from gun-rights groups to abortion-rights groups to environmentalist groups and beyond,” the petition said.

One sign that the N.R.A. has a plausible First Amendment argument: It is represented by the American Civil Liberties Union . David Cole, the A.C.L.U.’s national legal director, will argue the case on behalf of the gun rights group.

“In this hyper-polarized environment, where few are willing to cross the aisle on anything,” Mr. Cole said, “the fact that the A.C.L.U. is defending the N.R.A. here only underscores the importance of the free-speech principle at stake.”

Charlie Savage

Charlie Savage

Oral arguments in the case are over.

Fletcher, the Justice Department lawyer, is now back for rebuttal.

Jim Rutenberg

Jim Rutenberg

Justice Jackson asks Aguiñaga whether government can’t move against harm, like posts that might lead teens to commit suicide, and can’t tell the platforms to move to reduce the posts. Aguiñaga says the government can call platforms to say there’s a problem, but can’t apply pressure to remove that content.

“Is it your view that the government authorities could not declare those circumstances a public emergency and encourage social media platforms to take down the information that is instigating this problem?” “Your honor, the government absolutely can use the pulpit to say publicly, here’s what we recognize to be a public health issue, emergency. We this is obviously extremely terrible and the public shouldn’t tolerate this. Platforms — we see it’s going on on the platforms — but they can’t call the platforms and say, listen, we really think you should be taking this down because look at the problems that it’s causing.” “If it’s protected speech, your honor, then I think we get closer. But like, look, if you think that that’s if that’s clearly the way you’re asking the question, I understand that the instinct that that may, you know, may not be a First Amendment issue. I guess what I fall back on, your honor, is that at least where the government itself — there is no emergency like this. There’s nothing —” “No, my hypothetical is there is an emergency. My hypothetical is that there is an emergency, and I guess I’m asking you in that circumstance, can the government call the platforms and say this information that you are putting up on your platform is creating a serious public health emergency? We are encouraging you to take it down.” “I was with you right until that last comment, your honor. I think they absolutely can call and say this is a problem. It’s going rampant on your platforms. But the moment that the government tries to use its ability as the government and its stature as the government to pressure them to take it down, that is when you’re interfering with the third-party speech rights.”

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Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson asks if the government could actually tell platforms they needed to take down leaked classified information. Aguiñaga, the Louisiana lawyer, says the government could do that. “I think that would be a great example where strict scrutiny would be in the government’s favor.”

“Part of the reason why you might be running into all of these difficulties with respect to the different factual circumstances is because you’re not focusing on the fact that there are times in which the government can, depending on the circumstances, encourage, perhaps even coerce, because they have a compelling interest in doing so. And so that’s why I keep coming back to the actual underlying First Amendment issue, which we can isolate in this case and just talk about about coercion. But I think that you have to admit that there are certain circumstances in which the government can provide information, encourage the platforms to take it down, tell them to take it down. I mean, what about what about the hypo of someone posting classified information? They say it’s my free speech right. I believe that, you know, I got access to this information and I want to post it. Are you suggesting that the government couldn’t say to the platforms, we need to take that down?” “No, your honor, because I think that would be a great example where strict scrutiny would cut in the government’s favor.”

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Heightening the problem of the flawed factual record undergirding the litigation, Justice Sotomayor starkly accuses Aguiñaga himself of distorting facts of what happened: “I have such a problem with your brief, counselor. You omit information that changes the context of some of your claims. You attribute things to people who it didn’t happen to — at least in one of the defendants, it was her brother that something happened to, not her. I don’t know what to make of all this because I am not sure how we get to prove direct injury in any way.”

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Aguiñaga apologizes if any of the brief is not “as forthcoming” as it should have been.

This exchange between Justice Kagan and Aguiñaga, in which the Louisiana lawyer concedes that it can be OK for the government to provide information to the platforms under some circumstances, shows the problem with having an unreliable factual record compiled by Judge Doughty about what actually happened. Fletcher is citing the district court’s findings to say the government crossed the line into official censorship, but are the specifics accurate?

Aguiñaga goes at a key issue in the government content moderation efforts of the past few years — what began as attempts to address foreign meddling and disinformation moved to cover speech from Americans in 2020, over an election and a pandemic.

In an exchange with Justice Kagan, Aguiñaga, the Louisiana lawyer, identifies a difference from the hypothetical Justice Kavanaugh brought up about government officials raising concerns with a newspaper about publishing an article: That is the government going directly to the speaker. What is “so pernicious” here is that the government is going to a third party — the platforms — and people may never learn about it.

Steven Lee Myers

Steven Lee Myers

Aguiñaga describes the communications between officials and the platforms as “unrelenting government pressure” going on outside of the public eye. “Pressuring platforms in back rooms, shielded from public view, is not using a bully pulpit. That’s just being a bully.”

The justices and Fletcher keep referencing a 1963 precedent, Bantam Books, Inc. v. Sullivan . It centered on a state commission in Rhode Island that was empowered to notify distributors of certain books and magazines it considered to be obscene that it had decided the materials were objectionable, request its “cooperation,” and to advise them that the commission had a duty to recommend prosecution of purveyors of obscenity. The Supreme Court ruled that these notices intimidated businesses and resulted in the suppression of the sale of the books and magazines --- an unconstitutional system of informal censorship.

Aguiñaga disputes the Biden administration’s standard for the case: “We don’t need coercion as a theory,” he said. He said the government “cannot induce, encourage or promote” to get private actors to do what government cannot: censor Americans’ speech.

Benjamin Aguiñaga, the solicitor general of Louisiana, is now arguing. Louisiana is one of the Republican-controlled states that brought the lawsuit arguing that the government was coercing social media platforms into taking down posts, amounting to government censorship.

Justice Kavanaugh, a former lawyer in George W. Bush's White House, raises a national-security analogy. He notes that it’s “not uncommon” for government officials to protest to a newspaper an upcoming story on surveillance or detention policy and say, “If you run that, it is going to harm the war effort and put Americans at risk.” The implication is under the lower-court rulings, the government would not be allowed to express such concerns.

Fletcher, the government lawyer, agrees with Justice Kavanaugh that that is an example of a valuable interchange as long as it stays on the persuasion side of the line. “Platforms — newspapers — want to know if their publishing a story might put lives at risk. And they don’t have to listen to the government, but that’s information that they can consider when exercising their editorial judgment.”

Justice Kavanaugh adds that it would become problematic coercion if the government tacked on that “And if you publish the story we’re going to pursue antitrust action against you.” Fletcher agrees again with him: “Huge problem, yeah.”

Fletcher argues that the social media platforms are large companies with sufficient clout to rebuff government efforts to influence them. In fact, when university researchers working with the government flagged misinformation about the 2020 election, the platforms refused to do anything two-thirds of the time .

Justice Kavanaugh pivots back to the Biden “killing people” line and notes that in a national security context there is some history of the government warning media outlets that their stories threaten to endanger Americans’ lives.

Justice Kagan floated the idea of resolving the case by saying the plaintiffs were not entitled to an injunction because they could not show they faced an imminent threat of future harm at the time of litigation, without getting into past content moderation disputes. Fletcher, the government lawyer, agrees that would be the narrowest and easiest way to resolve the matter.

Fletcher, the government lawyer, argues that government officials can persuade a private party to do something the private party is lawfully allowed to do, even when the government could not do that thing itself. He gives various examples: when government officials called on colleges to do more about antisemitic speech on campuses after the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, encouraging parents to monitor their children’s cell phone usages, or internet companies to watch out for child sexual abuse on their platforms, even if the Fourth Amendment would prevent the government from doing that directly. Telling social media companies that the government thinks their algorithms or posting of certain things are causing harm is the same, he said.

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Here’s the moment Justice Gorsuch was referring to regarding the president’s “killing people” line.

Justice Gorsuch asks if President Biden’s statement that the platforms were “killing people” by allowing misinformation to flow in the middle of the pandemic would amount to coercion. Fletcher says the president made clear afterward it was “exhortation, not threat.”

Alito is saying he can’t imagine the federal government cajoling and threatening print media. Fletcher notes that there is that sort of back and forth with the press, but Alito is getting at the central unsettled element in all of these cases. The platforms are something different, they provide pipelines, but through their algorithms and rules they are also applying their own version of editorial standards.

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Justice Alito just demonstrated that he has bought into the misinformation in the lower court’s work, citing an example where a White House official said in an email to Facebook. “I want an answer on what happened here and I want it today.” In reality that (inappropriate) language was about getting a technical problem fixed with the presidential Instagram account, not about content moderation.

When Fletcher, the government lawyer, points out that the example Alito cited as happening repeatedly actually only happened once and had nothing to do with content moderation, Alito blows past the demonstration of his misunderstanding. “OK, well, put that aside. There’s all the rest.”

Fletcher raised an issue that some experts and research organizations involved in the case have: that many of communications cited in the lower courts included disputed facts, including quotations taken out of context.

Terry A. Doughty, the Trump-appointed district court judge who set the case off (after the Republican plaintiffs filed it in a place that would ensure he got the case) issued a ruling that has itself been criticized as being riddled with misinformation and conspiracy theories about what happened, setting up an unreliable factual record for the constitutional issues at play.

Here’s a recent item on the Just Security website that catalogs many ways Doughty torqued the facts to play into right-wing culture war notions — for example, falsely editing a quote in an email to Dr. Anthony Fauci to remove the word “published” before the words “take down” in a way that made it look like a scientist was urging steps to remove misinformation about vaccines, as opposed to publishing a rebuttal to it.

That goes to another major question in the case — did government action directly cause platforms to remove speech? The government has argued that it left it to platforms to make their own decisions as it flagged and even cajoled the companies about content.

Justice Samuel Alito and Fletcher, the government lawyer, are sparring over whether there are sufficient facts to show that the plaintiffs’ injuries — having their posts taken down to having accounts suspended by social media companies — were caused by government actions, giving them standing to seek an injunction. This is a major problem with this case, according to many legal observers.

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The question, as the rhetoric in the case has gone so far, is whether the White House used its classic “bully pulpit” or used its “pulpit to bully.”

Brian Fletcher, the principal deputy solicitor general for the Biden administration, argues that the government has a right to speak to social media companies in an attempt to persuade them to choose to remove or reduce certain matters, so long as it does not coerce them. He said the test should be whether the government makes threats; bully-pulpit exhortations are protected by the First Amendment, he argued.

Michael D. Shear

Michael D. Shear and David McCabe

Here’s how a Trump-appointed judge saw the Biden administration pressuring companies to censor speech.

This First Amendment case is a flashpoint in a broader effort by conservatives to document what they contend is a liberal conspiracy by Democrats and tech company executives to silence their views, and it taps into fury on the right about how social media companies have treated stories about the origins of Covid, the 2020 election and Hunter Biden, the president’s son.

The final outcome could shape the future of First Amendment law in a rapidly changing media environment and alter how far the government can go in trying to prevent the spread of potentially dangerous claims, particularly in an election or during emergencies like a pandemic.

The government’s actions at the heart of the case were intended largely as public health measures during the coronavirus pandemic. But a federal judge in Louisiana framed his ruling back in July through the filter of partisan culture wars — asking whether the government violated the First Amendment by unlawfully threatening the social media companies to censor speech that the Biden administration found distasteful and potentially harmful to the public.

In his ruling, Judge Terry A. Doughty described dozens of interactions between the administration and social media companies, including how two months after President Biden took office, his top digital adviser had emailed officials at Facebook urging them to do more to limit the spread of “vaccine hesitancy” on the social media platform.

Judge Doughty also outlined how officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had held “weekly sync” meetings with Facebook, once emailing the company 16 “misinformation” posts. And in the summer of 2021, he wrote, the surgeon general’s top aide had repeatedly urged Google, Facebook and Twitter to do more to combat disinformation.

The case sets up a showdown between the justices and a conservative appeals court.

The appeals court that partly upheld limits on the Biden administration’s communications with social media companies has a reputation for issuing decisions too conservative for the Supreme Court, which is itself tilted to the right by a six-justice supermajority of Republican appointees.

Of the appeals court’s 17 active judges, only five were appointed by Democratic presidents. Six members of the court were appointed by President Donald J. Trump.

The court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, in New Orleans, hears appeals from federal trial courts in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Those forums often attract ambitious lawsuits from conservative litigants correctly anticipating a favorable reception, and rulings from trial judges in those states are often affirmed by the Fifth Circuit.

But when those cases reach the Supreme Court, they sometimes fizzle out. An attack on the constitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, endorsed by three Trump appointees on the Fifth Circuit, did not seem to fare well before the justices when it was argued in October. Another, in which the Fifth Circuit struck down a federal law barring domestic abusers from carrying guns, was also met with skepticism .

Other rulings from the Fifth Circuit, on issues like immigration , abortion pills and so-called ghost guns , have also met with at least tentative disapproval from the Supreme Court, suggesting that the appeals court is out of step with the justices.

At a news briefing in September, Irv Gornstein, the executive director of Georgetown’s Supreme Court Institute, said the Fifth Circuit had staked out positions that “at least some of the center bloc of conservatives aren’t going to be able to stomach.”

He added that some of the rulings by the Fifth Circuit were “delivered from Crazy Town” and that “it would be shocking if at least some of those decisions are not reversed.”

The case is one of several about the intersection of free speech and technology on the court’s docket.

The Supreme Court hears First Amendment cases fairly often. But it has never before considered as many cases on what the Constitution has to say about free speech in the internet era as it will in its current term, set to end in June.

Monday’s argument will be the fifth one since October considering the fundamental question of the scope of government power over social media platforms. The decision in that case and the four others will collectively mark the boundaries of free expression in the digital age.

Last month, the Supreme Court considered two cases on whether Florida and Texas could limit prominent social media companies from moderating content on their platforms, appearing skeptical of the breadth of laws that had been enacted in an effort to shield conservative voices on technology sites.

On Friday, the court, in two unanimous rulings, set requirements for when elected officials could block people from their social media accounts.

The court’s decisions in the five cases will have broad political and economic implications. A ruling that tech platforms have no editorial discretion to decide which posts to allow, for instance, would expose users to a greater variety of viewpoints, but it would almost certainly amplify the ugliest aspects of the digital age, including hate speech and disinformation.

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Supreme Court tackles social media and free speech

Nina Totenberg at NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C., May 21, 2019. (photo by Allison Shelley)

Nina Totenberg

In a major First Amendment case, the Supreme Court heard arguments on the federal government's ability to combat what it sees as false, misleading or dangerous information online.

ARI SHAPIRO, HOST:

At the Supreme Court today, a majority of the justices seemed highly skeptical of claims that federal officials may be broadly barred from contacts with social media platforms. At issue was a sweeping 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decision. That ruling blocked officials from the White House, the FBI, the CDC and other agencies from asking social media companies to remove certain content. NPR legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg reports.

NINA TOTENBERG, BYLINE: Five individuals and two Republican-dominated states claim that the government is violating the First Amendment by systematically pressuring social media companies to take down what the government sees as false and misleading information. The Biden administration counters that White House and agency officials are well within their rights to persuade social media companies about what they see as erroneous information about COVID-19 or foreign interference in an election or even election information about where to vote. Two justices who once worked in the White House - Brett Kavanaugh, a Trump appointee, and Elena Kagan, an Obama appointee - were the most outspoken about the long history of government contacts with media companies. Here's Kavanaugh.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

BRETT KAVANAUGH: I've experienced government press people throughout the federal government who regularly call up the media and berate them.

TOTENBERG: Justice Kagan echoed that sentiment.

ELENA KAGAN: Like Justice Kavanaugh, I've had some experience encouraging press...

KAGAN: ...To suppress their own speech. You just wrote a story that's filled with factual errors. Here are the 10 reasons why you shouldn't do that again. I mean, this happens literally thousands of times a day in the federal government.

TOTENBERG: She and Justice Barrett postulated that the FBI might contact social media companies to tell them that while they might not realize it, they've been posting information from a terrorist group aimed at secret recruitment. Louisiana's solicitor general, Benjamin Aguinaga, argued that when government officials contact social media companies, even encouraging, amounts to unconstitutional pressuring. That prompted this from Justice Barrett.

BENJAMIN AGUINAGA: I mean...

AMY CONEY BARRETT: Just plain, vanilla encouragement, or does it have to be some kind of, like, significant encouragement? - because encouragement would sweep in an awful lot.

TOTENBERG: Aguinaga, however, didn't have a clear line of differentiation, except to claim that pressuring print and other media outlets is different from pressuring social media platforms. What about publishing classified information, asked Justice Kavanaugh. Are you suggesting the government can't try to get that taken down? Or what about factual inaccuracies? Justice Jackson asked about matters of public safety. What if young people were being injured or killed, carrying out a new online fad that called for jumping out of windows? Couldn't the government legitimately ask platforms to take that down? When the Louisiana solicitor general fudged, Chief Justice Roberts followed up.

JOHN ROBERTS: Under my colleague's hypothetical, it was not necessarily eliminate viewpoints. It was to eliminate some game that is seriously harming children around the country. And they say, we encourage you to stop that.

AGUINAGA: Your honor, I agree. As a policy matter, it might be great for the government to be able to do that. But the moment that the government identifies an entire category of content that it wishes to not be in the modern public sphere, that is a First Amendment problem.

TOTENBERG: Several justices questioned the record in the case. Justice Kagan said she did not see even one item that supported barring government contacts. Justice Sotomayor put it this way.

SONIA SOTOMAYOR: I have such a problem with your brief, Counselor. You omit information that changes the context of some of your claims. You attribute things to people who it didn't happen to. I'm not sure how we get to prove direct injury in any way.

TOTENBERG: Representing the Biden administration today, Deputy Solicitor General Brian Fletcher took incoming fire, mainly from Justices Alito and Thomas. But he stuck to his contention that when the government seeks to persuade a social media platform to take down a post, that is an attempt at persuasion not coercion. Unlike some of his conservative colleagues, Justice Alito was skeptical of all aspects of the government's argument.

SAMUEL ALITO: There is constant pestering of Facebook and some of the other platforms, and they want to have regular meetings. They suggest rules that should be applied. And I thought, wow, I cannot imagine federal officials taking that approach to the print media.

TOTENBERG: Nina Totenberg, NPR News, Washington.

Copyright © 2024 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

Supreme Court: Updates on oral arguments in social media disinformation case

WASHINGTON — Several of the Supreme Court’s conservative justices joined their liberal colleagues Monday in pushing back on states that want to restrict how the federal government can interact with social media platforms about potential misinformation.

The justices expressed concern that drawing the line too tight would prevent the government from talking to Facebook, X and other platforms about the potential harm caused by posts related to war, terrorist activity or a hypothetical viral challenge among teenagers to jump out of windows.

Louisiana Solicitor General Benjamin Aguinaga told the court that in his “purist” view, even mild encouragement by the government to Facebook on what they should or shouldn’t allow goes too far.

Louisiana, Missouri and others have accused the Biden administration of illegally targeting conservative opinion on social media. While lower courts have ruled in favor of the states, the Supreme Court blocked those decisions until it delivers its own ruling.  

Justice Amy Coney Barrett said barring encouragement would be a sweeping restriction and could prohibit, for example, the FBI from asking platforms to remove personal information about a public official, an activity known as doxing.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Justice Brett Kavanaugh asked Aguinaga about the fact that platforms don’t always do what the government wants.

Aguinaga said that doesn’t matter. It can still be improper pressure under the standard he urged the court to adopt.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said that standard would hamstring the government in significant ways.

"Some might say that the government actually has a duty to take steps to protect the citizens of this country," she said. "And you seem to be suggesting that that duty cannot manifest itself in the government encouraging or even pressuring platforms to take down harmful information."

Follow USA TODAY's coverage here.

Kagan asks for evidence of government coercion

Since social media platforms make decisions all the time about content, what’s the evidence that government prodding prompted the platforms to take action against the users who brought the challenge, Justice Elena Kagan wanted to know.

Louisiana Solicitor General Benjamin Aguinaga said Facebook blocked accounts of two health groups in Louisiana two months after it had told the government it was scrutinizing health posts.

“A lot of things can happen in two months,” Kagan said, asking for more concrete evidence. She also questioned whether a company as powerful as Facebook would be easily influenced by the government.

“It seems sort of hard to hard to overbear Facebook’s will from what I can gather from the world,” she said. “How do you say it’s the government rather than Facebook?”

Aguinaga said the justices should look at Facebook’s own comments that it was trying to partner with  the government.

-- Maureen Groppe

Robert tries to define line between coercion and persuasion

Chief Justice John Roberts asked the Justice Department how courts should decide when the government steps over the line in communicating with social media platforms.

Brian Fletcher, principle deputy solicitor general at the Justice Department, said the test should be whether a reasonable person would see a threat of retaliation in the government’s communication. In the interactions at issue in this case, Fletcher said, there was no retaliation when the platforms did not do what the government requested.

With Louisiana’s solicitor general, Roberts asked whether it would be coercion if the government “encouraged” platforms to take down posts about teenagers challenging each other to jump out of windows.

While it might make sense as a policy matter for the government to step in, Louisiana Solicitor General Benjamin Aguinaga said, “the moment that the government identifies an entire category of content that it wishes to not be in the modern public sphere, that is a First Amendment problem.”

Supreme Court ‘takeaway’ should be government can’t ‘run rampant pressuring the platforms’: Louisiana solicitor general

Justice Neil Gorsuch said the Supreme Court has faced an “epidemic” of national injunctions ordered by district court judges. But he asked what remedy the high court could order in this case because only seven people are involved and the government was prohibited from contacting platforms that the litigants didn’t use.

“We’ve seen an epidemic of these lately,” Gorsuch said of universal injunctions. “What do we do about it?”

Louisiana Solicitor General Benjamin Aguinaga said the breadth of the injunction resulted from the breadth of the government’s sweeping action in opposition to posts about COVID-19. He acknowledged the Supreme Court could made a decision limited to five platforms or seven people, but he asked the justices to limit government pressure on social media.

“The most important takeaway in this case is that the court has to say something in our favor on our merits,” Aguinaga said. “The government can’t just run rampant pressuring the platforms to censor private speech.”

--Bart Jansen

Sotomayor : 'I have such a problem with your brief'

Justice Sonia Sotomayor said she had problems with the states’ arguments for not showing harm to the people they were representing. She said lawyers cited events that happened to the wrong people or contentious posts that were simply reposted by the litigants.

“I have such a problem with your brief,” Sotomayor said. “You omit information that changes the context of some of your claims. You attribute to things to people that it didn’t happen to.”

“I don’t know what to make of all this,” Sotomayor added. “I’m not sure how we get to prove direct injury in any way.”

Louisiana Solicitor General Benjamin Aguinaga apologized if there were any mistakes in the written arguments. But he said a Louisiana resident has one of the best arguments in the case, after the White House asked Facebook not to distribute messages about vaccine hesitancy and two months later two health groups she worked with were blocked on Facebook. The action came during the state legislative session when the groups were trying to mobilize support for legislation about vaccinations.

“I think this is one of the scariest example in the record of what is at stake here,” Aguinaga said.

More: 'I live in frustration': Justice Sotomayor on working with a conservative Supreme Court

Social media platforms often cave to government pressure: Louisiana solicitor general

Benjamin Aguinaga, Louisiana’s solicitor general, argued federal government censorship has no place in the democracy. But the 20,000-page record of the case illustrated censorship of millions of Americans, including renowned scientists, in what was “arguably the most massive attack against free speech in American history.”

“Behind closed doors the government badgers the platforms 24/7, it abuses them with profanity, it warns that the highest levels of the White House are concerned and ominously says the White House is considering its options,” Aguinaga said. “Under this onslaught the platforms routinely cave.”

Facebook recently acknowledged in an internal email to former United Kingdom deputy prime minister Nick Clegg “because we are under pressure by the administration. We shouldn’t have done it,” Aguinaga said.

Laughter in the courtroom as Alito talks about government press officers and the media: 'curse them out'!

Justices questioned the harsh language in emails between Biden administration officials and social media platforms over posts questioning the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.

“It’s got these big clubs available to it,” Justice Samuel Alito said of the government. “It’s treating Facebook and these other platforms like their subordinates. Would you do that to the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal or the Associated Press?”

Brian Fletcher, principle deputy solicitor general at the Justice Department, acknowledged that anger occasionally flashed in the effort to save lives.

More: In Trump Supreme Court immunity appeal, timing of case could be a win for ex-president

“There is an intensity to the back and forth here and there is an anger that I think is unusual,” Fletcher said. “The anger is when the officials think that the platforms aren’t being transparent about the scope of the problem or the information that’s available.”

Alito suggested government spokespeople could reply more harshly to news coverage.

“I don’t know whether our public information officer is here today but maybe she should take a note about this so whenever they write something we don’t like, she can call them up and curse them out and say, ‘Why don’t we be partners? We’re on the same team. Why don’t you show us what you’re going to write beforehand. We’ll edit it for you and make sure it’s accurate,’” Alito said to laughter.

Fletcher replied the forcefulness of the government messages reflected the number of deaths from COVID at a time when it was thought the vaccine would halt the pandemic.

“I’m acknowledging the reality that this happens and it may be commonplace,” Fletcher said. “Fundamentally, the First Amendment isn’t a civility code. It is an important protection, a critical protection against actual coercion.”

Persuasion is not coercion, justice dept. lawyer tells the court

Brian Fletcher, the Justice Department’s principal deputy solicitor general, told the justices Monday morning that neither the states of Louisiana and Missouri, nor the five people involved in the case had a legitimate reason to file the lawsuit because none of them had shown that social media platforms restricted their speech.

“That problem has infected very step of this case,” Fletcher said.

Fletcher told the justices the government may not use coercive threats to suppress speech, but can inform, persuade and criticize private speakers. Fletcher argued that the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals mistook persuasion for coercion by finding the FBI is inherently coercive because it is a law enforcement agency and because White House advisers used strong language.

“Because no threats happened here, the court should reverse,” Fletcher said.

More Supreme Court: Mask mandates? Supreme Court rejects appeal from Marjorie Taylor Greene, GOP lawmakers

Can states bar social media companies from blocking misinformation?

The Supreme Court in late February sounded skeptical of the broad sweep of laws passed by Texas and Florida to regulate powerful social media companies like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and X, but the justices struggled with how to assess the huge First Amendment implications of the controversial legislation .

Along with Monday's social media arguments, it is the most closely-watched − and politically tinged − case of the year, one that could change the way  millions of Americans interact with social media  ahead of the presidential election .

Texas and Florida passed laws in 2021 limiting the ability of social media giants to regulate user content over concerns they were suppressing conservative viewpoints. Inspired in part by decision of Twitter and other major platforms to  suspend former President Donald Trump  after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, the laws would severely limit the ability of social media companies to kick users off their platforms or remove individual posts for violating a platform's rules.

Chief Justice John Roberts said during February arguments that the Texas and Florida case turns on whether the decision of who can and can’t post content is left to a government entity or to the social media platforms.

“The First Amendment,” Roberts said, “has a thumb on the scale when that question is asked.”

- -Maureen Groppe

More: Supreme Court sounds skeptical of Texas and Florida laws to regulate social media

Can a public official block you on Facebook? Sometimes, the court says

On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled in a unanimous decision that public officials can block constituents from their personal social media accounts − unless they've been using those personal accounts to share information related to their governmental role.

The issue first became prominent when, as president, Donald Trump blocked some critics from his personal Twitter account, which he used to make almost daily announcements and commentary from the White House. “State officials have a choice about the capacity in which they choose to speak,” Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote in her opinion for the court. “If the public employee does not use his speech in furtherance of his official responsibilities, he is speaking in his own voice.”

More: Supreme Court defines when public officials may block critics on personal social media accounts

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    Nover is a freelance writer covering media and technology. He is a contributing writer at Slate and was previously a reporter at Quartz and Adweek The U.S. government, once again, wants to ban ...

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    A second argument on Monday posed a related constitutional question about government power and free speech, though not in the context of social media sites. It concerns whether a state official in ...

  26. Supreme Court tackles social media and free speech : NPR

    Supreme Court tackles social media and free speech In a major First Amendment case, the Supreme Court heard arguments on the federal government's ability to combat what it sees as false ...

  27. Supreme Court: Updates on oral arguments in social media case

    Along with Monday's social media arguments, it is the most closely-watched − and politically tinged − case of the year, one that could change the way millions of Americans interact with social ...

  28. Takeaways from the Supreme Court's oral arguments over social media

    The Supreme Court on Monday appeared deeply skeptical of arguments by two conservative states that the First Amendment bars the government from pressuring social media platforms to remove online ...