The use of social media

Social media has undoubtedly become a fundamental aspect of our modern society, connecting billions of people across the globe whether it is for personal or professional use. Nonetheless, we cannot ignore the environmental consequences that come with interconnectedness. According to Greenspector, the top 10 social media platforms together emit a shocking 262 million tonnes of CO₂e, which accounts for about 0.61% of global emissions. To put it in perspective, it is equivalent to the carbon footprint of an entire country like Malaysia.

The environmental impact of social media is influenced by various factors, with data processing, storage, and hosting multimedia content being the most significant contributors. As the demand for data continues to rise, the energy required to handle and store it also accelerates, leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions.

To tackle this issue, there needs to be a two-pronged approach. First and foremost, solutions at the macro-level must be undertaken at the international or national level through regulations and incentives aimed at companies as well as individuals to reduce the impact of social media. Social media companies themselves can greatly reduce their impact by transitioning toward renewable energy sources for their data centres and improve infrastructure efficiency. By transitioning to clean energy, they can significantly reduce their carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable digital landscape.

Individual action also plays a crucial role in mitigating the environmental impact of social media. Limiting the creation and consumption of multimedia content, prioritising meaningful interactions over constant scrolling, and taking periodic social media detoxes are all small yet meaningful actions that, when taken collectively, can make a significant difference in reducing the overall carbon footprint of social media usage.