Women are Fleeing Social Media Platforms, Citing "Hostile Environment"

Results show women are seeking women-only spaces for learning, connection and safety

AUSTIN, Texas, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A comprehensive new survey of over 1,000 U.S. women reveals a dramatic shift in social media usage patterns. In the past year, 66% of women took breaks from social media platforms, and nearly half (48%) completely abandoned at least one platform. They are leaving because of experiences of direct harassment and security concerns. 

The survey, conducted by Uplevyl, a female-forward technology platform, uncovered several key trends in how women navigate social media platforms:

Mass Platform Exodus

• Over half of women selected either both misinformation and poor quality or specifically identified one or the other as a primary concern.
• 48% stopped using at least one social media platform
• 24% of women completely stopped using Twitter/X in the past year
• Mental health/wellness impact (48%) and time management (46%) are among the top reasons for reducing usage

Rising Security and Harassment Concerns

• Only 8% feel their personal data is "completely protected" on social platforms
• Over 6 in 10 women reported experiencing both direct harassment and security issues or identified one or the other as a primary concern
• 43% would pay an average monthly fee of $25 for guaranteed personal data protection

Trust Varies Significantly by Platform

• Twitter/X and Facebook ranked as the least trustworthy platforms, while LinkedIn (64%) is viewed as a trustworthy platform
• Only 10% of women consider conversations on Twitter/X completely truthful
• Across all social media platforms, less than 30% of women make public-facing posts and comments

High Levels of Interest in Women-Only Spaces

The survey also explored reasons for women-specific online spaces:

• 46% cite the ability to discuss specific topics as the main benefit
• 44% value feeling safe sharing personal content
• Over 4 in 10 women cited both the importance of professional networking and mentorship opportunities or indicated one or the other

"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 are failing to create safe, supportive and uplifting spaces for women. These numbers speak to extreme levels of harassment and privacy breaches," said Shubhi Rao, founder and CEO of Uplevyl. "Our research confirmed what we've long suspected: women need technology intentionally designed for them. This isn't just about creating another platform; it's about fundamentally rethinking  the role of technology in information dissemination and relationship building."

Jacki Zehner, UP's Chief Engagement Officer adds, "We believe that by building transparent, respectful, and community-driven technology, we can help reverse the trend of women feeling forced to choose between digital connection and their wellbeing and safety. "

To learn more about Uplevyl and UP please visit: https://www.uplevyl.com/

Methodology

Uplevyl conducted this research using an online survey prepared by Method Research and distributed by TestSet. The survey was conducted from February 14-17, 2025, among 1,007 adult women (age 18+) in the United States. The sample was distributed across age groups: Gen Z (24%), Millennial (25%), Gen X (24%), and Boomer and older (28%).

About Uplevyl

Uplevyl is a female-forward technology company committed to reshaping the digital landscape by integrating curated gender data, advanced AI technology, and online communities to ensure women thrive in the digital age. Founded by Shubhi Rao, a former Alphabet/Google executive, Uplevyl corrects for the biases in data and algorithms present in alternative technologies while providing enterprise solutions and digital accelerator programs to help organizations attract, retain, and develop female talent. Its flagship social platform, UP, reflects this mission by creating a place where women's voices are prioritized, protected, valued and amplified.

SOURCE Uplevyl