I’ve been wrestling with a big question lately: Should I stay on social media, or should I delete my accounts and find a different way to express myself? As an autistic adult, the answer isn’t straightforward. Social media offers potential connection and advocacy, but also carries unique challenges for those of us with neurodivergent minds.
To make the best choice for me (and hopefully help you), I dug deep into the research, separating facts from opinions. What I found surprised me and ultimately led me to a decision I feel good about.
The Two Sides of Social Media: A Reality Check
It’s easy to get caught up in the hype-both the good and the bad-about social media. So, let’s break down the real impacts, based on solid evidence.
The Downsides (Backed by Science)
- Mental Health Risks are Real: Peer-reviewed studies confirm that social media can amplify anxiety and depression, particularly for vulnerable populations, including autistic individuals. We often face higher risks of cyberbullying and misinterpretations in digital communication. Personally, I’ve found online conflicts incredibly stressful, and it’s hard not to fixate on negative interactions.
- Sensory Overload Can Be a Problem: While more research is needed, one study showed that a significant number of neurodivergent users find that social media makes sensory overload worse.
The Upsides (It’s Not All Bad)
- A Space for Connection: Autistic adults do find communities and niche interests on platforms like Reddit, where text-based interactions can be less anxiety-inducing than face-to-face communication.
- Advocacy Potential: Social media can be a tool for good, raising awareness and mobilizing support for causes we care about.
- A Record of Our Thoughts: Even if no one reads it, keeping a blog provides a historical record.
Things That Are Overhyped (And You Should Be Wary Of)
- The Algorithm is NOT Your Friend: Some claim that if you’re not posting constantly (every 48 hours), the algorithm will punish you. While unprovable, frequent posting is generally agreed to be beneficial for visibility.
- One Person Isn’t Going to Save the World: While collective action can be powerful, individual efforts on social media rarely shift the tide. It’s important to prioritize personal well-being over attempting large-scale change alone.
The Big Question: Is Social Media Destroying Society?
Honestly? The answer is no. It’s a powerful tool that can be used for both good and bad. It amplifies what’s already there-the best and worst of humanity.
My Decision: Deleting My Accounts (With a Twist)
Given everything I’ve learned, I’ve decided to delete my social media accounts. Here’s why:
- My Mental Health Comes First. The proven risks of online conflict and sensory overload, combined with my own experiences of stress and anxiety, make social media a net negative for me.
- I Need to Prioritize My Energy. To make a difference, I need to be healthy and energized, not drained and overwhelmed.
But Here’s the Twist:
I’m not giving up on expressing myself or connecting with others entirely.
- williammartin.com. This has always been my personal sanctuary-, a space where I can reflect, process my thoughts, and explore my interests free from the pressures of social media.
- Photos. I like to take images and can be found at my site.
- Videos. Same, like dabbling … can be found from my site.
- I’m Leaving the Door Open to Future Public Engagement (On My Terms). If, down the road, I feel like I have the energy and capacity to re-engage publicly, I’ll do it strategically:
- One platform only.
- A narrow focus on specific topics (like autism advocacy).
- Strict boundaries (disabling comments/DMs, setting time limits).
How YOU Can Decide: A Personalized Framework
If you’re struggling with the same question, here’s a framework to help you make the right choice for you:
- Assess Your Own Mental Health and Sensory Sensitivities. Be honest with yourself about how social media makes you feel.
- Weigh the Potential Benefits Against the Costs. Is the opportunity for connection and advocacy worth the risk to your well-being?
- Consider Alternatives. What other ways can you express yourself, connect with others, and make a difference?
- Set Clear Boundaries. If you choose to stay on social media, establish strict rules for yourself and stick to them.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Change Your Mind. This isn’t a forever decision. You can always re-evaluate and adjust your strategy as needed.
You’ve Got This
Navigating social media as an autistic adult is complex. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The most important thing is to prioritize your mental health, set clear boundaries, and find a way to express yourself that feels authentic and sustainable.
(Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional. This blog post is based on my own research and experiences and should not be taken as medical advice. If you’re struggling with your mental health, please reach out to a qualified professional. The author acknowledges the use of Perplexity for research and fact-checking, ChatGPT for proofreading and structural suggestions, and Gemini for the development of fact-checking prompts. These tools were used to enhance the accuracy and clarity of the manuscript. The author is solely responsible for the final content and its accuracy.)**
Citations
[1] https://edusites.uregina.ca/jesspultz/2023/02/28/debate-wars-2-is-social-media-ruining-childhood/ [2] https://www.socialmediatoday.com/social-networks/how-social-media-saving-lives [3] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.959846/full [4] https://www.apu.apus.edu/area-of-study/business-and-management/resources/how-social-media-sites-affect-society/ [5] https://iaeme.com/MasterAdmin/Journal_uploads/JOM/VOLUME_10_ISSUE_2/JOM_10_02_003.pdf [6] https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/social-media-teen-mental-health-a-parents-guide [7] https://www.reddit.com/r/DeepThoughts/comments/wp0oe7/has_social_media_ruined_our_society_beyond_repair/ [8] https://www.weforum.org/stories/2017/09/social-media-really-can-save-lives-this-is-how/ [9] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8022744/ [10] https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/social-media-good-bad-and-ugly [11] https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/social-media-broken-a-new-report-offers-25-ways-to-fix-it [12] https://www.ucf.edu/news/when-hurricanes-strike-social-media-can-save-lives/ [13] https://www.apa.org/members/content/social-media-research [14] https://webandcrafts.com/blog/social-media-advantages-and-disadvantages [15] https://www.reddit.com/r/RandomThoughts/comments/18dltqs/i_think_social_media_has_ruined_society_and_now/ [16] https://www.security.org/resources/is-social-media-ruining-your-life/ [17] https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2022/12/06/views-of-social-media-and-its-impacts-on-society-in-advanced-economies-2022/ [18] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8I04FFlAMg [19] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-of-autism/202305/recent-social-media-advisory-is-important-for-autistic-youth
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