Social media: help and harmCEFR B1
10 Nov 2025
Adapted from Safa, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Mariia Shalabaieva, Unsplash
Social media can connect people and provide support, especially for marginalized groups. At the same time, platforms can spread hate speech, lies and content that causes real-world harm. Experts say these effects often happen at the same time and that technology can increase both benefits and risks.
In January 2025 Meta announced it would end its third-party fact-checking program and adopt a "community notes" model used on X, and it said it would end some policies that protect LGBTQ+ users. The International Fact-Checking Network described the end of Meta’s nine-year program as "a step backward," and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, warned that allowing harmful content online has real-world consequences.
Researchers link platform design and algorithms to the spread of false information. One study found that the 15% most habitual Facebook users shared 37% of false headlines in that research. Recommendation systems have been tied to radicalization: a 2021 study found TikTok’s algorithm could move viewers from transphobic videos to violent far-right content. Corrections and clarifications rarely get the same spread as original false claims, so initial harm often remains.
Difficult words
- community — A group of people with shared interests.communities
- misinformation — False information that is spread.
- transform — To change completely in form or appearance.transformed
- manage — To handle or control something.
- discrimination — Unfair treatment of different groups.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do you think misinformation can impact communities?
- What role do you think social media should play in sharing information?
- How can platforms improve the management of misinformation?
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