Andrew Selepak Comments on a Decline in Twitter Usage and the Possible Harmful Effects of Social Media on the Mental Health of Teens

Andrew Selepak, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Media Production, Management, and Technology lecturer and coordinator of the online master’s program with a specialization in social media, is quoted in “Why McDonald’s, Starbucks, and GM Stopped Using Elon Musk’s Twitter” published on thestreet.com on Jan. 14.

The story focuses on companies that have gone silent on Twitter since Elon Musk purchased the social media platform. Selepak noted that while some companies have not posted original content in a long time, they are still responding to consumer questions and complaints.

“I think companies are probably a bit concerned with the tumultuous way that the takeover of Twitter had occurred more than anything else,” said Selepak. “I think a reasonable speculation is that there was so much media coverage and a number of bumps in the road during Musk’s initial takeover. But I don’t know how much that rationale really holds, as I think most of those problems have subsided.”

In addition, Selepak was quoted in “Families Joined in Lawsuit Targeting Social Media as Addictive, Harmful to Teens,” posted on abcnews4.com on Jan. 13.

The story focuses on more than 100 families involved in a lawsuit alleging social media companies addicted their children to content that harmed their mental health.

According to Selepak, social media can be harmful and addictive for teenagers and most of the focus should be on Instagram and TikTok.

“More attention is often paid to the negative impacts social media can have on girls, but boys are affected, too. And it doesn’t just make the teens feel worse about their own lives, but it can affect how they view their friends and the world around them,” said Selepak. “Part of it is who they decide to follow. Part of it is mysterious algorithms suggesting content that can keep the teens scrolling.”

Posted: January 20, 2023
Category: Alumni News, College News
Tagged as: Andrew Selepak