Effects Of Social Media

Effects of Social Media

Social media has a big impact on how people develop their social selves. It allows people to connect with others easily and share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Because of social media, many people feel more connected to friends and family, even if they are far apart. However, at the same time, social media can also make people feel lonely or less confident. It often shows only the best parts of people's lives, which can make others feel like they are missing out or not measuring up. This can affect how people see themselves and their worth.

In my own experience and those around me, social media influences how I think about myself and others. It helps me stay connected and learn about different perspectives, but it also sometimes makes me compare myself to others. I think the findings from the podcast are true for many young people today. The study talked about how social media might lead to less face-to-face interaction, more depression, and lower self-esteem. I see some of these effects in my own life because I notice that I sometimes feel worse about myself after spending a lot of time on social media. Overall, I believe social media can be both good and bad. It can help us stay connected and share, but we also need to be careful and not let it harm our mental health or social skills.

Paper For Above instruction

Social media has transformed the way individuals connect and perceive themselves in society. Its influence on socialization is profound because it offers a platform for constant interaction, self-expression, and validation. On one hand, social media enables users to maintain relationships and expand social networks regardless of geographical barriers. It provides opportunities for individuals to showcase their interests and personalities, which can contribute positively to their self-concept. On the other hand, social media also fosters a culture of comparison and superficiality. Many users tend to present idealized versions of their lives, leading others to feel inadequate or dissatisfied with their own reality.

Reflecting on my personal exposure to social media, I notice it affects how I see myself and others. When I see friends sharing their achievements or exciting experiences, I sometimes feel inspired but also envious or insecure. I find myself comparing my life to theirs, which can impact my self-esteem. The podcast highlighted that for the Internet generation, social media use is linked to lower self-esteem, increased feelings of loneliness, and even depression. These findings resonate with my experiences and those of people around me, as social media can sometimes amplify negative emotions due to unrealistic portrayals and a focus on likes and followers.

Most importantly, the podcast emphasizes that social media changes how young people develop their social identities. It influences what they value and prioritize in social interactions, often emphasizing image over genuine connection. While social media is a powerful tool for self-expression and connection, it also poses risks for mental health and authentic social development. Personally, I believe that moderation and mindful use are essential to prevent social media from harming our self-image and social skills. We must learn to balance online interactions with real-life connections to foster a healthy self and social identity.

References

• Twenge, J. M. (2017). iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy--and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood. Atria Books.
• Orben, A., & Przybylski, A. K. (2019). The effects of social media on youth mental health: A longitudinal study. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 48(1), 1-19.
• Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A. (2020). A systematic review: The influence of social media on depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in adolescents. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1), 79-93.
• Rosen, L. D., et al. (2013). The impact of text and social media use on adolescent well-being. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 16(3), 188-193.
• Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). Social Networking Sites and Addiction: Ten Lessons Learned. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(3), 311.