The Negative Impact of Twitter on Mental Health

The incessant exposure to negativity on platform X can severely affect users' mental health, prompting some to permanently abandon the site. A notable incident involved YouTuber "SomeOrdinaryGamers," who recently deleted his Twitter account after facing relentless racial abuse.

As technology continues to evolve, our society is becoming more interconnected yet increasingly fragmented. This technological advancement has resulted in heightened polarization, rampant misinformation, and a reduced capacity for empathy.

Twitter's Current State: A Reflection

Twitter, now rebranded as "X," has transformed into a hub of moral decline. As you navigate through X, you encounter an overwhelming amount of information, including:

• Frivolous ethnic disputes over trivial matters
• Unproductive religious arguments
• Accounts promoting OnlyFans creators
• Streamers going viral for inappropriate reasons
• Graphic depictions of war
• Periodic gender conflicts
• Political polarization fueled by populist figures
• Dehumanization based on race or religion
• Cyberbullying incidents

The landscape appears troubling.

Insights from Author Mattias Desmet

In his book, "The Psychology of Totalitarianism," Mattias Desmet discusses how anxiety and irritability can escalate, leading to an increase in racist rhetoric. He states:

"Individuals troubled by loneliness and a lack of meaning often experience heightened irritability, frustration, and aggression, seeking targets for their emotions. The significant rise in racist and threatening language on social media over the past decade (tripling from 2015 to 2020) exemplifies this trend."

―Mattias Desmet, The Psychology of Totalitarianism

Desmet explains that what we are witnessing online is a phenomenon known as mass formation. This form of collective hypnosis undermines critical thinking and self-awareness, which he succinctly defines as:

"Mass formation is essentially a type of group hypnosis that obliterates individual ethical awareness and hampers critical thought."

―Mattias Desmet, The Psychology of Totalitarianism

Conclusion: The Inevitable Decline of the Platform

In summary, the platform has undeniably regressed in various significant aspects. The prevalence of offensive material, the lack of moderation on graphic content, and engagement bait that stirs racial and religious tensions only hastens the platform's decline if unresolved. Moreover, the emergence of paid engagement farms promoting everything from politicians to explicit content creators further undermines the platform’s integrity.

To conclude, I leave you with this poignant reflection:

"In the days before social media and mobile phones, when physical interactions were necessary and social groups often overlapped, there was a greater sense of accountability."

• (Ulrika Jonsson)

The first video titled "Twitter Is A Cancerous Cesspool Of A Social Media Platform And I'm Done With It" explores the toxic environment of Twitter and the reasons behind users choosing to leave.

The second video titled "Dr. Fauci: Twitter Has Become 'Almost A Cesspool Of Misinformation'" discusses the spread of misinformation on Twitter and its impact on public discourse.