Toxic Positivity and Social Media: The Pressure to Always ‘Look on the Bright Side’

Abstract

In the age of social media, the pervasive culture of "toxic positivity" has emerged as a significant psychological and social phenomenon. Over the past few years, social media platforms have become an ever presentpart of everyday life, shaping how individuals express emotions, share experiences, and interact with others.Whilethese platforms often promote positivity and optimism, a growing body of research suggests that the pressure to maintain a perpetually positive outlook can lead to "toxic positivity."This phenomenon, characterized by the suppression of negative emotions and the overemphasis on positive thinking, can lead to adverse effects on mental health and emotional well-being.