Is social media doing more harm than good to society?

Context

Social media platforms have become central to modern communication, connecting billions of people globally while simultaneously raising concerns about mental health, addiction, and misinformation. The debate over whether these platforms cause net harm hinges on competing evidence: studies document links between heavy use and anxiety or depression—particularly among teenagers—while others argue benefits like community-building and self-expression are underappreciated. This question has moved from academic discussion to legal and regulatory battlegrounds, with governments, health organizations, and courts increasingly scrutinizing platform design and corporate responsibility.