Bridging Blocks | The Power of Social Media

In the United States, there are over 310 million social media users. That's 91% of the country’s estimated total population of 343 million. Globally, 6 billion are social media users, which is just under 70% of the world’s 8.3 billion people, data from the 2025 Statista Research Department shows.
 
Social media has transformed the way people communicate, consume news, build relationships, consider candidates, and learn about the world. It’s easier now more than ever to connect with others, share ideas, and access information. Some of the major concerns include misinformation, privacy, mental health, and algorithms.
 
How is social media helping or hurting society? What influence does it have on individuals, communities, and institutions in the U.S. and around the world? Has it brought us closer together or driven us further apart?
 
This is a facilitated community conversation in which attendees will engage directly with one another in a moderated setting. Rather than a lecture or presentation, the program is designed to encourage dialogue, the exchange of perspectives, and shared learning among participants.

Join WHYY News Community & Engagement team for Bridging Blocks, a civic dialogue series in partnership with The Free Library of Philadelphia.

Host - Tony Cuffie Senior Manager Community & Engagement, WHYY News

Moderator - Brisa Luzzi Castro Community Convener, WHYY News

Bridging Blocks, a partnership between The Free Library of Philadelphia and WHYY, is made possible by a generous grant from Fred and Barbara Sutherland

This event is free to attend, and optional donations help WHYY continue offering meaningful community programs.