Impact of social media paper

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Impact of Social Media
Social media is a broad term that includes different software and programs which form
the basis of websites and applications. These are then further used to connect, reaching a wider
audience, for educational or promotional purposes. Social media is the need of today. There is no
home, office, and business where social media users are not rampant. It has been so deeply
ingrained into our day-to-day life that it almost seems a part of our routine now. Since youth
make up most of the population of the world so their usage of social media is also the highest
among all age groups. This paper focuses on a comparison between the positive and negative
impacts of social media on people, especially the youth. Based on several studies that highlight
the impact of social media on human beings, the debate on its positive and negative aspects is
never ending; a comparison can spotlight overweighing factors of both the aspects, but shaping a
perspective depends on the readers themselves.
It is said that a thing is not bad in itself, its terms of use make it good or bad. One of the
biggest benefits of social media and technology is probably the connectivity that they offer. One
can stay in touch with family, friends, and relatives, who are miles apart, via just a click you can
write to them, hear them, and even see them. It surely is amazing to be near to the ones you love
and care about; when they are happy or when they are sad. Bedzow states that one can make new
friends across the continents, learn about their traditions and cultures, and be a part of them
virtually (Bedzow). Every day one can talk to a new person one has not met hence the social
interactions among people are increasing. But this unknowingly decreases the capacity to interact
with people like with the family, neighbors, and community. These web-based networks
eliminate the capacity for individuals with various perspectives and fluctuating biographies to
observe shared traits given a common life. This is because, not at all like genuine networks,
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which are made out of individuals a person experiences throughout the day; online networks
exist by the goodness of a mutual perspective or capacity. Companionships here, along these
lines, do not develop for the good of their own, and individuals are not esteemed for what their
identity is. This false sense of connection and friendship can cause mental and emotional
exhaustion.
Secondly, web-based media will never be able to replace genuine human interaction. It
anticipates face-to-face interaction with people to release hormones that reduce stress and make
you feel happier, better, and more positive in general. It is ironic that an innovation that is
supposed to bring people together spends so much time pulling people in with online media that
it makes people feel even more alone and detached. Abi-Jaoude has also indicated now that
excessive use of online apps causes depression, anxiety, self-harm, and even suicidal tendencies
(Abi-Jaoude et al.). These mental health issues arise from negative emotions and feelings which
arise after excessive and prolonged use of these apps. Teenagers have tender minds hence; they
are the most affected part of the population. Seeing people with perfect bodies, pretty faces and
luxurious lifestyles enjoying their life to the fullest evoke senses of envy and jealousy. It also
stirs a sense of deprivation. Extreme forms of these negative emotions may lead to depressive
disorders. Apart from mental health problems, sleep deprivation and a decrease in cognitive
abilities have also been noted after extensive research.
Thirdly, social media compels us to be the best possible versions of ourselves online.
There is always a rat race going on to be better than the other. People especially youngsters get
inspired by it heavily. When they see someone doing better than them, they aspire to be like
them. But they do not want to spend much time and energy. Hence the formation of a perfect
fake persona comes in. It impacts how the youth see themselves, not just how they view others.
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They carefully fabricate their environmental elements utilizing fake lighting, filters, and
deliberately situated foundations to pass a specific personality on to people watching (AbiJaoude et al.). They utilize the devices available to them to make the personas they need to show
the world. Social connections are important but it is more important that one stays connected
with one’s true self and should feel confident about it. This will release the young minds from a
continuous struggle to hide under the facades.
Social Media is a double-edged sword and comes with its fair share of disadvantages
along with the thousands of benefits that it offers. Bedzow presented positive aspects of social
media on the youth like global reach, out of community friendships, a one-click accessible ocean
of knowledge, and a good source of entertainment after a hectic day. On the contrary, AbiJaoude highlighted the downfalls of the social media including lack of personal connections,
loneliness, low self-esteem, and mental health. These are some of the aspects that one should
never compromise on. Teenagers are very vulnerable because thirteen to nineteen is a very
tender and crucial age. The values, morals, and health they will have in these years will form the
basis of the life which will come afterward. Open communications with parents and guidance
from elders will prove very helpful for the teens. In this way, they could reap the benefit of this
innovation without being affected by it.
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Works Cited
Abi-Jaoude, Elia, et al. “Smartphones, Social Media Use and Youth Mental Health.” Canadian
Medical Association Journal, vol. 192, no. 6, 2020, pp. E136–41. Crossref,
https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.190434.
Bedzow, Ira. “Has Social Media Ruined the Idea Of Friendship?” Forbes, 15 Jan. 2021,
www.forbes.com/sites/irabedzow/2021/01/13/has-social-media-ruined-the-idea-offriendship/?sh=266704e174e7.
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