The Shift in Social Media Usage Among Women
In a recent survey conducted by Uplevyl, a technology platform focused on female engagement, a notable trend has emerged: women in the United States are significantly retreating from social media platforms. With over 1,000 women participating, the findings reveal that a staggering
66% have taken breaks from these platforms within the last year, while nearly
48% have completely abandoned at least one platform altogether. This shift points to deeper issues related to harassment, security concerns, and a lack of trust in existing social media environments.
Mass Exodus from Traditional Platforms
The survey results indicate that social media, particularly platforms like Twitter/X and Facebook, are becoming increasingly undesirable for many women. A considerable
48% stopped using at least one platform, and
24% reported quitting Twitter/X entirely in the past year. Key reasons for these actions include mental well-being and time management, with
48% of respondents citing mental health concerns and
46% indicating struggles with time management as motivations for reduced social media use. Furthermore, misinformation and the low quality of discussions were highlighted as significant issues, pushing women away from these platforms.
Rising Security and Harassment Concerns
A critical insight from the survey reveals that only
8% of women feel their personal data is fully protected on social media platforms. Alarmingly, more than
60% reported experiences of direct harassment or security issues, prompting a demand for higher safety standards. In this regard,
43% of women expressed their willingness to pay an average monthly fee of
$25 for secure personal data protection. These statistics emphasize the urgent need for platforms that prioritize the safety of their users.
Trust Issues Across Platforms
Trust varies among social media channels. The survey ranked Twitter/X and Facebook as the least trustworthy platforms, with only
10% of women believing that discussions on Twitter/X can be considered completely truthful. In contrast,
64% of women regard LinkedIn as trustworthy. This shift in perception about online spaces underscores the growing demand for reliable and secure environments for online interaction.
Appeal for Women-Only Spaces
In light of these concerns, the survey also highlighted a significant interest in women-focused online spaces where safety and relevant discussions can thrive.
46% of participants identified the ability to converse on specific topics as a key benefit of these spaces, while
44% valued the safe sharing of personal content. Furthermore, over
40% of respondents emphasized the importance of professional networking and mentorship opportunities within these women-centric platforms.
“The fact that nearly half of the women are stepping back from social media is not just a statistic—it’s a clear signal that current platforms fail to create safe, supportive spaces for women,” stated Shubhi Rao, CEO of Uplevyl. “Our research indicates the necessity for technology intentionally designed for women, focusing on privacy, safety, and community.”
Jacki Zehner, Uplevyl's Chief Engagement Officer, echoed these sentiments, asserting the company's commitment to developing technology that fosters trust and respects user privacy. The aim is to help women feel connected without compromising their wellbeing and safety.
Methodology Behind the Research
This survey, conducted by Uplevyl in collaboration with Method Research, was held from February 14-17, 2025. The participants included a diverse range of adult women across various age groups: Gen Z (24%), Millennials (25%), Gen X (24%), and Baby Boomers (28%).
About Uplevyl
Founded by Shubhi Rao, Uplevyl strives to reshape the digital landscape for women by focusing on gender-inclusive data and technology. Their primary initiative, the UP platform, aims to amplify and protect women's voices in the digital realm and ensure they thrive in a hostile online environment. This represents not just the launch of a new platform, but a movement towards a future where women feel safe and valued in their digital engagements.
To learn more about Uplevyl and its initiatives, visit
Uplevyl's website.