Not many of us are willing to get definitive answers to this question, simply because we are not ready to change our social media consumption and behaviour. On that note, we accept that social media has changed how we connect, consume information, and even think. It has become our go-to source for news, education, entertainment, and, undeniably a fair amount of procrastination. But as we spend hours scrolling through feeds, engaging in online debates and quarrels, and absorbing bite-sized information, it’s worth asking: Is social media making us smarter or dumber?
To answer this, we have to learn a little about ways social media affects our cognitive abilities, critical thinking, and overall intelligence… no worries dear reader, I am making it all understandable.
The Argument for Social Media Making Us Smarter
(1). Access to Unlimited Information
The days are long past when people had to sift through encyclopedias or wait for the evening news to learn about events from the day before. Today, with platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Reddit, information is instant—something happens somewhere, and in minutes, you can know about it.
Think about it—of the times have you learned about breaking news through social media before mainstream outlets covered it? Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn have turned into informal education hubs, providing tutorials, lectures, and expert insights in various fields.
(2). Enhanced Connectivity and Knowledge Sharing
Social media allows for rapid knowledge exchange. Communities dedicated to science, literature, and personal development utilize these platforms to interact and share knowledge—I, for one, follow several writer and developer groups and I am pretty sure I am not losing knowledge there, to put it plainly, social media facilitates learning.
(3). Improved Multitasking and Digital Literacy
Navigating the digital space requires adapting to new platforms, interfaces, and communication styles. Social media has made younger generations more tech-savvy and proficient in multitasking, in that they can engage in multiple conversations, consume different forms of media, and analyze data trends in real time.
The Argument of Social Media Making Us Dumber
(1). Shorter Attention Spans and Shallow Thinking
One of the biggest criticisms of social media is that it encourages superficial engagement as people skim headlines, read tweets instead of articles, and consume information in short bursts. This can lead to poor retention and a diminished ability to focus on deep, critical thinking.
Ever caught yourself struggling to finish a long article or book because your brain craves quick dopamine hits from social media? You’re not alone. Research has proved that excessive social media use may contribute to decreased concentration and a habit of jumping from topic to topic without fully grasping the details.
(2). Misinformation and Echo Chambers
While social media provides access to vast information, it also spreads misinformation at an alarming rate. Fake news, biased algorithms, and selective exposure create echo chambers, where people only consume content that reinforces their existing beliefs.
Instead of broadening perspectives, social media can sometimes lead to intellectual stagnation, where users reject opposing viewpoints without proper scrutiny.
(3). Mental Health and Cognitive Overload
The sheer volume of content we consume daily can overwhelm the brain. Doomscrolling—endlessly scrolling through negative news—can increase stress, and anxiety, while contributing to cognitive fatigue. The comparison culture fostered by social media also affects self-esteem, leading to mental distractions that hinder productivity and intellectual growth.
Is social media making us smarter or dumber? The answer, as you probably might have guessed is Yes and No—it depends on how we use it.
Social media can be a powerful tool for learning and intellectual growth when mindfully used. Engaging with educational content, participating in meaningful discussions, and verifying information can make us more informed and well-rounded individuals. On the other hand, however, excessive reliance on bite-sized content, misinformation, and mindless scrolling can hinder deep thinking and cognitive development.
What Do the Experts Say?
(1). Adolescent Brain Development: The Social Media Dopamine Cycle
A study from the University of North Carolina found that habitual social media checking among young teens is associated with changes in brain areas related to social rewards and punishments. The more teens check their social media, the more sensitive their brains become to positive and negative feedback. This could mean that frequent social media users might be more vulnerable to peer validation, which in turn shapes their self-esteem and decision-making. While this heightened sensitivity can enhance social awareness, it also makes young users more susceptible to anxiety and stress. – Adolescent Social Media Use and Emotional Intelligence.
(2). Cognitive Function in Older Adults: The Surprising Perks of Social Media for Seniors
Not all social media effects are negative. Research published by the National Library of Medicine revealed that social media engagement can improve cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and problem-solving skills in adults over 65. Online interactions keep the brain active, help reduce feelings of loneliness, and boost emotional well-being. Seniors who regularly use social media tend to have better mental agility and are more likely to stay socially connected.
(3). Emotional Intelligence: The Double-Edged Sword
Social media can both help and hinder emotional intelligence. A study in Springer found that excessive social media use among adolescents is linked to lower emotional intelligence, making it harder for them to interpret social cues and navigate face-to-face interactions. However, when used positively, social media can also expose users to diverse perspectives, fostering empathy and cross-cultural understanding.
How to Use Social Media Without Letting It Use You
Follow high-quality sources: Engage with accounts that provide credible, well-researched content.
Limit doomscrolling: Be mindful of how much negative content you consume.
Engage in thoughtful discussions: Challenge your views and be open to learning.
Take breaks: Reduce screen time to maintain focus and mental well-being.
In the end, social media is what we make of it. Use it wisely, and it can be a gateway to knowledge and intellectual stimulation. Use it poorly, and it can be a distraction that chips away at your ability to think critically. The choice is yours.
For more on how social media, check out our article on Digital Minimalism
