100 Social Media Essay Topics for Students

You're casually scrolling through Instagram, and in just 60 seconds, you’ve seen an ad for shoes, a funny cat video, your friend’s vacation snaps, and maybe a viral tweet from a celebrity. Social media is so deeply woven into our daily lives that it’s hard to even imagine a world without it. It’s shaping our opinions, influencing what we buy, and even dictating what news we see. 

Did you know that people spend an average of 2 hours and 23 minutes on social networking sites every day? That’s enough time to watch a whole movie!

So, when it comes to social media essay topics, there’s no shortage. That’s exactly why this article is here: to provide a list of engaging social media essay topics to write about. Whether you're into exploring its impact on mental health or curious about the influencer game, we've got the perfect starting points for you.

And if you need a little extra help along the way, EssayHub is ready to jump in and assist with any essay you need!

Social Media Essay Topics for Students in 2024

Social media is changing faster than we can keep up with. What’s cool today might be cringey by next week. If you're trying to write about it, especially for 2024, you’ve got to find something that’s not only relevant but also hits home with what’s actually happening right now. 

Here are 20 super specific, interesting best social media essay topics that’ll help your essay stand out:

1. TikTok Challenges and Their Grip on Teenagers in 2024
   In this topic, think about how TikTok trends are shaping the way teens behave and express themselves — good and bad.
2. Is AI Controlling What You See on Social Media?
   AI now decides most of what shows up in your feed. Is that making us all narrow-minded by showing us only what we already like?
3. Instagram vs. Reality: How 'Perfect Lives' Are Messing With College Students’ Mental Health
   Instagram’s full of people showing their perfect lives. But what’s it doing to college students who compare themselves to these unrealistic images?
4. Fake News Is Still a Thing: How Social Media Could Mess With Elections in 2024
   Misinformation spreads like wildfire on social media. With elections around the corner, what’s being done to stop it, if anything?
5. Can You Really Quit Social Media in 2024?
   Everyone’s talking about digital detoxing, but is it actually possible to go off the grid and stay sane, especially as a student?
6. Social Media as a Shopping Mall: How TikTok Turns Likes Into Sales
   We aren't just scrolling for fun — we’re shopping. How are companies turning casual browsing into big business?
7. Cancel Culture: Still Going Strong in 2024 or Fading Out?
   People are still getting “canceled” left and right, but is cancel culture losing its sting, or are the consequences lasting longer than ever?
8. Influencers: Where’s the Line Between Personal and Paid in 2024?
   Influencers are everywhere, but how do you tell when they’re being real and when they’re just selling you something?
9. Gen Z and Climate Activism on Social Media
   Gen Z isn’t waiting for the older generations to fix things. How are they using platforms to push for climate action and change?
10. Memes Are More Than Just Funny Pictures: How They’re Shaping Opinions
    Memes are everywhere, but are they just jokes, or are they low-key shaping how we think about politics and culture?
11. Does Social Media Make Relationships Harder in 2024?
    Between ghosting, breadcrumbing, and “soft launching” relationships, is social media making dating more complicated than it needs to be?
12. Social Media FOMO: Are You Missing Out or Just Tired of Keeping Up?
    We’ve all felt it — seeing everyone else’s highlights can make you feel like your life’s boring. But is it just making us all feel worse?
13. Why Brands Are All Over TikTok in 2024
    Every brand wants to be on TikTok now, but what does that mean for the app? Is it just another shopping platform?
14. How Privacy on Social Media Has Changed in 2024
    New privacy policies pop up all the time. Do we even care anymore, or are we just handing over our data without thinking?
15. The Rise of ‘Finstas’: Why People Are Creating Fake Instagram Accounts
    People are making private, “fake” accounts to share real-life stuff with close friends. What’s behind this trend?
16. Snapchat’s Streaks: Fun Habit or Stressful Obligation?
    Snapchat streaks started as fun, but now, for many, it feels more like a daily chore. How are they affecting social interactions?
17. Social Media Challenges: Fun or Dangerous?
    From harmless dance challenges to dangerous stunts, are social media challenges getting out of hand in 2024?
18. Influencers Going to College: Do They Get Special Treatment?
    When influencers go to college, do they get treated differently, or is life on campus still the same for them?
19. Are Social Media Platforms Listening to Your Conversations?
    Ever talk about something and then see an ad for it? Is it just coincidence, or are platforms actually listening?
20. Viral Social Media Fundraisers: Do They Really Help?
    We’ve all seen viral GoFundMe campaigns pop up in our feeds, but do these fundraisers actually make a difference, or do they fizzle out once the likes stop coming in?

Best Essay Topics About Social Media

1. How Social Media is Shaping Our Attention Span
   Ever feel like you can’t focus on anything for longer than a minute? Social media could be why. Look into how short-form content might be affecting our ability to concentrate.
2. The Dark Side of Influencer Culture
   We all love following influencers, but what’s the real cost? This topic can explore the pressure influencers face to maintain a perfect image.
3. Does Social Media Fuel Unrealistic Beauty Standards?
   Filters and editing apps are everywhere, but are they making it harder for people to feel comfortable in their own skin?
4. How Social Media Creates Echo Chambers
   Ever notice that your social media feed seems to reflect your own opinions back at you? That’s not an accident. In this topic, research how algorithms feed you content you already agree with.
5. Social Media Addiction: How Much Is Too Much?
   Most of us are on social media every day, but when does it cross the line into addiction? Look at the signs of social media addiction and the impact it has on daily life.
6. The Rise of ‘Fake News’ on Social Media
   Fake news spreads like wildfire online. Why is it so easy for false information to go viral, and how can we stop it?
7. The Ethics of Data Collection on Social Media
   Companies are collecting our data with every click and like. Is this harmless, or are we sacrificing too much privacy?
8. Are Social Media Platforms Responsible for Cyberbullying?
   Bullying isn’t just happening in schools anymore — it’s online too. Should social media companies do more to prevent it, or is it up to the users?
9. The Impact of Social Media on Teen Self-Esteem
   Teens spend a huge chunk of their time on social platforms, but is it helping or hurting their self-esteem?
10. Social Media and Political Polarization
    People are turning to social media for news, but is it making us divided? In this topic, explore how social platforms might be contributing to political polarization.
11. Is Social Media Ruining Real-Life Friendships?
    We’ve got hundreds of online friends, but are we losing touch with the people who matter in real life?
12. Can Social Media Be Used to Solve Global Issues?
    From climate change to human rights, people are using social media to spread awareness. But can it actually make a difference?
13. Should Social Media Platforms Be Regulated?
    As social media’s influence grows, some argue it needs to be more tightly regulated. But is that really the best solution?
14. How Social Media Affects Our Sleep Patterns
    Staying up late scrolling through your feed? You’re not alone. Research the link between social media use and sleep problems.
15. The Rise of Ephemeral Content: Why Are We Obsessed with Stories?
    Stories on Instagram and Snapchat disappear after 24 hours, but why do we love them so much? What is it about temporary content that keeps us hooked?
16. How Social Media Algorithms Shape Public Opinion
    Social media algorithms decide what we see, but are they subtly changing how we think and feel about important issues?
17. The Positive and Negative Effects of Social Media Exposure on Self-Expression
    Does social media give us the freedom to express ourselves, or is it limiting authentic self-expression with pressure to fit in?
18. Social Media Marketing Strategies: How Companies Target Young People
    Social media marketing is smart, but are companies using sneaky strategies to influence young people without them realizing it?
19. How Social Media Serves as a Platform for Political Discourse
    From Twitter debates to Facebook groups, is social media helping or hurting healthy political discussions?
20. The Rise of Online Harassment on Social Media Sites: A Modern-Day Crisis
    Online harassment is everywhere, but are social media sites doing enough to protect users from harmful behavior?

Good Essay Topics on Social Media

1. Do Instagram Filters Make Us Insecure?
   We all love a good filter, but are they making us self-conscious in real life?
2. Why TikTok Feels So Addictive
   Seriously, you open TikTok, and suddenly it’s three hours later. What makes it so hard to put down?
3. Social Media Trends: Fun or Stressful?
   From dance challenges to viral memes, is trying to keep up with trends just another form of peer pressure?
4. Are Social Media 'Friends' Real Friends?
   You’ve got 500 Facebook friends, but how many would actually help you move or grab coffee?
5. The 'Like' Button: Does It Control How We Post?
   Do we share what we truly want, or are we just chasing likes? How much does that little thumbs-up actually matter?
6. Is Social Media Making Us Lonely?
   We're connected all the time, but does that make us feel lonelier when we’re not getting enough likes or comments?
7. Does Social Media Make Breakups Harder?
   Breaking up is tough enough, but seeing your ex pop up in your feed every day? That’s next level.
8. How TikTok is Changing the Music Industry
   Ever noticed how TikTok songs go viral overnight? And then they’re everywhere — on the radio, in stores, even TV ads.
9. The Fake Life on Instagram vs. Reality
   We all know someone who looks like they’re living the dream on Instagram, but is it all just smoke and mirrors?
10. Social Media and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
    Feeling left out when you see your friends hanging out without you? Yeah, social media definitely stirs up some FOMO.
11. The Obsession with Going Viral
    Everyone wants their 15 minutes of fame, but is chasing viral success more stressful than it’s worth?
12. Is Twitter Still Relevant in 2024?
    With so many new platforms popping up, is Twitter still where the big conversations happen, or is it losing steam?
13. How Social Media Changed the Way We Shop
    Remember when you actually had to go to the mall to see new trends? Now, you just scroll and shop without ever leaving your bed.
14. Do Influencers Have Too Much Power?
    From makeup tutorials to fitness advice, we trust influencers a lot. But is their influence more than it should be?
15. Why Do We Keep Doomscrolling?
    You know it’s bad for you, but you can’t stop scrolling through depressing news stories. What’s up with that?
16. The Influence of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health
    How is scrolling through perfect lives on Instagram and TikTok affecting the mental health of teenagers?
17. How Social Media Usage Impacts Interpersonal Relationships
    Are we spending so much time on social media that we’re losing the ability to maintain real-life relationships?
18. How Social Media Has Evolved to Shape Modern Political Campaigns
    Political campaigns have changed. But how have social media channels become essential for candidates in 2024?
19. Can Social Media Help Us Understand Cultural Diversity Better?
    We’re exposed to so many cultures on social media, but is it actually helping us appreciate cultural diversity?
20. The Pros and Cons of Using Social Media to Maintain Relationships
    Social media makes it easier to stay connected, but is it actually strengthening or weakening our friendships?

College Essay Topics About Social Media

1. Is Social Media Killing Real-Life Conversations?
   We text, DM, and snap, but when was the last time we had a deep, face-to-face convo without looking at our phones?
2. TikTok and Homework: A Dangerous Mix?
   How many times have you started your homework, only to get sucked into TikTok for an hour (or three)?
3. Social Media Stalking: Just Harmless Creeping or Crossed Boundaries?
   You know you’ve done it — scrolled through someone's profile to “check in.” But where’s the line between curiosity and obsession?
4. Should Colleges Be Checking Students’ Social Media Accounts?
   Should your Instagram account be part of your college application? Some schools already do it. Fair or creepy?
5. Social Media Pranks: Funny or Just Annoying?
   From fake announcements to "gotcha" videos, social media pranks can be fun — until you’re the one being pranked. Where’s the line?
6. Why We’re All Addicted to Instagram Stories
   We swipe through them every day, but why are we so hooked on watching 15-second clips of other people’s lives?
7. Can You Build a Career on Social Media Alone?
   With influencers making big bucks, is it really possible to skip the traditional career path and make a living off posts and likes?
8. Social Media and Study Groups: Helpful or Distracting?
   Those group chats you use to study — are they actually helping, or do they just lead to endless memes and procrastination?
9. The Pressure to Post: Why We Feel Like We Need to Share Everything
   Ever felt the need to post a pic of your weekend just to keep up with everyone else? Why do we do it?
10. Snapchat Streaks: Are They Just Digital Chores?
    Keeping up with streaks can feel like a full-time job. Is this feature actually fun, or just another task we have to keep up with?
11. Is Social Media Making College Expensive?
    With influencers flaunting designer clothes and exotic vacations, does it put pressure on students to spend more to “keep up”?
12. Social Media and College Mental Health: What’s the Connection?
    Constant comparison, fear of missing out, and pressure to look perfect — how is all of this affecting students’ mental health?
13. Is Instagram the New LinkedIn?
    People are using Instagram to build professional networks and get jobs. Is this the future of networking?
14. How Fake Followers Are Changing the Social Media Game
    People buy followers to look popular, but does this make social media even more fake than it already is?
15. The Fine Line Between Sharing and Oversharing on Social Media
    We’ve all seen it — the post that shares way too much personal info. But where’s the line between being real and oversharing?
16. Do Instagram Likes Matter Anymore?
    Instagram’s been hiding likes on posts. Do people care less about them now, or are we all still quietly obsessed with how many we get?
17. Social Media Drama: Why Can’t We Look Away?
    Whether it’s a breakup, a fight, or someone airing their dirty laundry, social media drama pulls us in every time. Why?
18. Is Facebook Still Relevant for College Students?
    Facebook was huge when it launched, but is anyone in college really using it anymore, or is it just for keeping up with family?
19. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) vs. JOMO (Joy of Missing Out)
    Social media has created major FOMO, but people are starting to embrace the idea of JOMO. Are we finally getting tired of trying to keep up?
20. Can You Be Authentic on Social Media and Still Get Likes?
    Everyone talks about being “real” online, but can you really post the unfiltered truth and still get those precious likes?

Social Media Argumentative Essay Topics

1. Should Schools Ban Social Media During Class?
   One minute you’re checking the time, next thing you know, you’re knee-deep in memes. But should schools actually ban it during class?
2. Is Snapchat Still Relevant, or Is It Just Fading Away?
   Remember when everyone was obsessed with Snapchat? Is it still cool, or has it lost its edge now that TikTok and Instagram are taking over?
3. Should Social Media Companies Be Allowed to Ban Users for Life?
   You mess up once and you’re out — for good. But is it fair for platforms to permanently ban someone, or should there be a way back?
4. Is Instagram Fame as Desirable as It Seems?
   Sure, it looks glamorous, but is being Insta-famous all it’s cracked up to be, or is it just another type of pressure and stress?
5. Should Social Media Be Age-Restricted Beyond 13?
   Right now, 13 is the magic number to create an account, but should it be raised to protect younger kids from all the craziness online?
6. Is Social Media Actually Helping Long-Distance Relationships or Hurting Them?
   Keeping in touch 24/7 sounds great, but is social media making long-distance relationships harder with constant updates and expectations?
7. Does Social Media Pressure Us to Always Be “On”?
   Do we feel like we have to constantly be funny, cool, or interesting because of social media, even when we just want to chill?
8. Are TikTok Challenges Just Harmless Fun or Dangerous Trends?
   From dances to dares, TikTok challenges are everywhere — but when do they cross the line from fun to downright dangerous?
9. Should Social Media Platforms Be Responsible for Fake News?
   We’ve all seen it — those wild stories that pop up in your feed that make you wonder, “How is this even allowed?” Should platforms be held accountable?
10. Do Instagram Filters Make Us Less Confident in Real Life?
    Sure, that Paris filter makes everyone look amazing, but are filters making us feel worse about how we look without them?
11. Is It Okay for Employers to Use Social Media to Make Hiring Decisions?
    You apply for a job, and the next thing you know, your potential boss is scrolling through your party pics. Fair game, or invasion of privacy?
12. Does Cancel Culture Do More Harm Than Good on Social Media?
    Cancel culture has taken over online, but is it really a way to hold people accountable, or just a new form of bullying?
13. Should You Be Allowed to Delete Your Entire Social Media History?
    You posted some embarrassing stuff back in 2012. Should there be a way to completely erase your online past, or does it all stay forever?
14. Are Social Media Platforms Biased When It Comes to Free Speech?
    Some people say they’re being silenced, while others say hate speech is running rampant. Is there a fair balance?
15. Does Social Media Make Us Judgmental?
    Whether it’s someone’s vacation pics or their political rants, is social media turning us all into judges and critics?
16. Are Social Media Algorithms Creating Addictive Platforms?
    Is it fair to say that algorithms are making social media purposely addictive, keeping us hooked on endless scrolling?
17. Should Social Media Sites Be Held Responsible for Political Movements?
    Political movements often go viral online, but should social media platforms take responsibility for their spread?
18. Does Social Media Influence Public Opinion More Than Traditional Media?
    Are social media channels now more powerful than traditional news outlets in shaping what we think about political affairs?
19. Is Targeted Advertising on Social Media an Invasion of Privacy?
    We’ve all had the creepy experience of seeing an ad for something we just talked about. Is this ethical, or does it invade our privacy?
20. Are Social Media Influencers a Positive or Negative Influence on Consumer Behavior?
    Influencers are everywhere, but are they helping consumers make informed choices, or just encouraging reckless spending?

How to Select the Best Social Media Essay Topic?

Picking the right social media essay topic can feel a little overwhelming, especially when there’s so much to talk about. Here’s how to nail down the perfect topic for your essay:

• Think About What Interests You
  Start by asking yourself what part of social media you find most interesting. Are you fascinated by TikTok trends or maybe how influencers seem to run the world? If you're into something, it’s going to be way easier (and fun) to write about. For example, if you love fashion, write about how Instagram has changed the fashion industry.
• Look at What’s Relevant Right Now
  Social media changes fast, so pick an topic that’s hot right now. Think about current issues, like the debate over TikTok’s potential ban or how social media is handling political ads. This makes your essay timely and gives you tons of fresh material to work with.
• Consider Your Audience
  Are you writing for a professor who loves serious, well-researched essays? Or maybe your audience is more laid-back and enjoys something relatable and funny? Tailor your topic to what will resonate most with the people reading it.
• Make Sure There’s Enough to Write About
  Some topics sound cool but don’t give you much to work with. Make sure there’s enough info, research, or real-life examples to back up your essay. For example, writing about "social media’s effect on sleep" gives you plenty to research — everything from scientific studies to personal stories.
• Get Specific
  Don’t go too broad, like “How social media affects society” — you’ll get lost. Narrow it down to something more focused, like “How Instagram influencers are changing advertising for small businesses.”

Final Thoughts

We’ve covered a ton of topics here, from TikTok trends to the wild world of cancel culture, and everything in between. Whether you're exploring how social media impacts mental health or debating if influencers are overrated, there's an topic out there that’ll click with you. Pick something that actually excites you — when you care, it shows in your writing.

Still not feeling it or need a little push? No worries. EssayHub’s team of pros can jump in and help make your topic pop. Whether you need ideas or a full-on essay tune-up, our paper writing services like EssayHub has got you covered.