Introduction
Social media has fundamentally altered the way we engage, communicate, and obtain information. It is now an essential part of our day-to-day lives. However, it has also disrupted old norms and systems of human behaviour and interaction in the society. Here is a brief examination of the benefits and detrimental effects of social media.
Negative Effects
Social Bonds and Relationships
Social media is a useful tool for networking and communication in the digital age. It makes it simple to connect with individuals worldwide by overcoming geographic distances. Real social connections whether they are for establishing new friendships or maintaining ties with old ones have become easier with the onset of socialising and dating apps.
Information and Awareness
Users of social media sites get immediate access to news and current events. Users can easily stay informed about the most recent local and international happenings. People can increase their knowledge by watching tutorials on a range of subjects on websites like YouTube. In terms of raising the pitch of the debate, it is also incredibly powerful as seen in the case of #metoo and #blacklives matter movement.
Self-improvement and artistic expression
The power of social media to promote creativity and personal growth is one of its most notable advantages. With individuals sharing their own ideas, goals, and skills, content creation has never been easier before. It enables people to showcase their ideas and passions and provides a platform for self-expression. For instance, a person starting a daily sketch challenge on instagram to showcase their process with others not only enhances their own abilities but also inspires and connects with other fellow artists.
Social Media Use and Mental Wellness
Contrary to popular belief, social media can also enhance focus on mental wellness. Platforms usually serve as a source of inspiration, providing users with uplifting thoughts and affirmations to improve their attitude and promote reflection. It might operate as a daily motivator since it provides a platform for people to connect with like-minded people and find inspiration. As seen fitness influencers share their ups and downs promoting self-love and mental wellness alongside fitness. The public will generally feel accepted and inspired to prioritize their well-being.
Positive Effects
Emotional State and Welfare
Higher degrees of loneliness and sadness have been linked to excessive social media use. Watching highlights of other people’s successful lives, travel, body, relationship and career can create a sense of inadequacy in comparison. Furthermore, people’s perceptions of their bodies and feeling of self-worth may be adversely affected by the focus placed on physical beauty on social media, which may lead to eating disorders and body dysmorphia. Endless scrolling through images of perfectly edited bodies on social media can trigger feelings of inadequacy and unhealthy comparisons.
Risks to Security and Privacy
The incidences of identity threat and data breaches have increased in the recent years. From global multinational companies like Google and Facebook to local hackers, accessing personal data on networking sites has been a cause of concern world over, creating a sense of mistrust and fear among the users.
Time Consumption and Addiction
The addictive nature of social media is a growing concern. Overuse can lead to addiction, it has a detrimental effect on people’s general well-being and productivity. Excessive screen time also disrupts sleep patterns, which has an impact on one’s mental and physical health. People lose track of time while endlessly scrolling through social media feeds, craving more likes and comments are addictive and distracting us from real life experiences and connections.
Effects on Communication with Others
In-person communication skills in person have decreased with the increase of virtual communication. Its disruption of social mores and manners may also make the boundaries between public and private life fuzzier.
To sum up, social media has been a game changer for our generation in many ways. It’s numerous positive effects include fostering relationships, raising awareness and disseminating knowledge, enhancing creative expressions and more. However, it’s also important to acknowledge the negative aspects, which include time consumption, addiction, risks to privacy and security, and effects on mental health. The question remains, what would it take us to utilise social media in an ethical and responsible manner.
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Suvanjali Lama
(Suvanjali Lama is a Research Associate, Treta Foundation. She has a masters in clinical psychology from Delhi University, India.)
This post on Social Media: The Good and the Bad perfectly captures the love-hate relationship so many of us have with these platforms! It’s amazing how social media connects us and gives us access to endless knowledge, but at the same time, it can be mentally exhausting. The part about mindful usage really resonated with me—I’ve been trying to create a healthier balance myself.
Such an insightful take on Social Media: The Good and the Bad! It’s so easy to get caught up in the endless scroll without realizing how much it affects our mental well-being. I especially loved the reminder that social media is just a tool—it’s all about how we choose to use it. Finding a balance between staying informed and avoiding digital burnout is something I’m still working on!
This was such an insightful read! Social media plays a huge role in our daily lives, and I appreciate how you highlighted both its positives and negatives. I’ve personally struggled with balancing my time online, especially with the constant pressure to stay updated.
he good and bad of social media are something I struggle with daily—on one hand, it keeps me informed and connected, but on the other, it can feel overwhelming. I love how you highlighted both sides rather than demonizing it completely.
Such a thought-provoking read! Social media has truly transformed the way we interact, but the mental and emotional toll is undeniable. I really resonated with the section on addiction and how easy it is to fall into the endless scroll. Setting boundaries has helped me regain control. If you’re curious about the emotional impact of digital spaces, check out this related post.
This article perfectly captures the dual nature of social media—the way it connects us yet also consumes so much of our time and energy. I’ve personally felt the effects of social media on my mental wellness, and it’s refreshing to see a balanced perspective on both its benefits and downsides.
This was such an insightful read! Social media truly has its pros and cons, and I love how you highlighted both sides so well. The way social media impacts mental health is something we don’t talk about enough, and your take on it really resonated with me.
This article does a great job of breaking down the good and the bad of social media! It’s so true that while social media helps us stay connected, it also has its downsides, like the impact on mental health.