User Opinions on Effective Strategies Against Social Media Toxicity

Abstract

Existing literature on content moderation rarely identifies strategies social media users believe can be implemented by platforms and other users to adequately manage toxicity and curate a positive environment online. To bridge these gaps, we conducted a survey with 902 users of six different social media platforms to understand their opinions on effective strategies against social media toxicity and for a positive online environment. Participants suggested a range of strategies, both for the platforms and the users to implement. Even though all these strategies are not unprecedented, it is crucial to recognize that currently not all platforms implement or can implement these strategies to encourage less toxicity and more positivity. Overall, participants expect platforms and social media users to do their individual and collective part in managing online toxicity.