A new survey has revealed that women are fleeing social media, citing a ‘hostile environment’.
Women are walking away from social media at unprecedented rates, according to the survey conducted by Uplevyl, a female-forward technology platform. The study reveals a staggering 66% of women took breaks from social media in the past year, while nearly half (48%) abandoned at least one platform altogether. Reasons include rampant harassment, security concerns and declining trust in these digital spaces.
The survey of over a thousand women uncovers a major shift in how they engage with social media platforms. This trend isn’t just about screen fatigue – it’s a direct response to the hostile environments many women face online. And it’s not looking good for big tech.
THE GREAT SOCIAL MEDIA EXODUS
So what’s driving women away? The survey identified several key factors fuelling this mass social media exodus. They include:
- Misinformation and poor content quality: Over half of respondents cited misinformation and poor content quality as major concerns.
- Platform abandonment: 48% stopped using at least one social media platform, with 24% specifically quitting Twitter/X.
- Mental health and time management: 48% of women cited mental wellness as a reason for reducing usage, while 46% pointed to time management.
TRUST & SECURITY CRISIS
Big tech has long struggled with user privacy, but for women, the stakes are even higher. The survey found that:
- Only 8% of women feel their personal data is completely protected on social media.
- 60%+ of women reported experiencing harassment or security threats online.
- 43% said they would pay an average of $25 per month for guaranteed personal data protection.
Additionally, when it comes to trust, platforms like Twitter/X and Facebook ranked as the least reliable, with only 10% of women considering Twitter/X conversations completely truthful. Even more telling, less than 30% of women feel comfortable making public posts across any platform.
RISE IN WOMEN-ONLY SPACES
With mainstream platforms failing to provide safety and meaningful engagement, women are turning to alternative, women-centric digital spaces. According to the survey:
- 46% value the ability to discuss specific topics in these spaces.
- 44% feel safer sharing personal content.
- Over 40% highlight professional networking and mentorship opportunities as key benefits.
“These numbers aren’t just statistics, they’re a loud and clear signal that social media as we know it is broken for women,” stated Shubhi Rao, Founder and CEO of Uplevyl. “Harassment, privacy breaches, and lack of control over personal data are driving women away, and platforms that ignore this reality will lose their most engaged users.”
FUTURE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
“Women shouldn’t have to choose between digital connection and personal safety,” added Jacki Zehner, Uplevyl’s Chief Engagement Officer. “The future of online engagement depends on creating transparent, respectful, and community-driven spaces.”
The message is clear – if mainstream platforms don’t prioritize women’s safety, privacy, and content quality, they will continue haemorrhaging users. As interest in women-only digital spaces grows, the future of social media could look very different – one where women set the rules, and engagement is built on trust rather than toxicity. But the real question is, will big tech listen before it’s too late?
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