Nubia Soleyn 

English 11000 

Research Essay  

 

The Negative Effects of Social Media 

Social media has become an indispensable part of modern life, with billions of people worldwide using platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter on a daily basis. While social media can be a useful tool for staying in touch with friends and family, as well as sharing information and ideas, it can also have negative consequences for individuals and society as a whole. Social media can be very unhealthy for the mind because it displays unrealistic expectations that can negatively affect one’s mental health, promotes the spread of misinformation, and becomes a substitute for real-life interactions.   

In these past few years, technology has been advancing very quickly. Edited pictures have become less noticeable, and people have been using this to their advantage. People would post highly edited photos of themselves or their bodies, claiming to be natural. Kids and teens see this and digest it, leading them to believe that this is normal and that they should look this way as this is what is seen as beautiful. These beauty standards are unrealistic, so when they don’t look like those individuals, they begin to judge themselves. This mentality can cause mental illnesses like depression or body dysmorphia to develop. In her article, Cavanagh defines the term Snapchat dysmorphia to further explain how edited photos on social media have affected teens. “Snapchat dysmorphia, that’s when people obsess over their appearance and can develop unrealistic beauty standards based on how they’re able to alter their images using editing technology. Some teens are even bringing in edited pictures from social media to plastic surgeons as examples of how they want to look” (Cavanagh 1). Teens and young adults can be impulsive, so making a major decision like getting plastic surgery may not be a well considered idea. Not only does this feed their potential dysmorphia, but it also introduces the risks of physical health problems. Young people’s minds are still evolving and they are forming their own identities as individuals. What they see on social media might determine what is expected in inaccurate ways, which can be harmful to identity development and self-image. Adolescence is a time of experimentation, which is both a strength and a weakness. Social media can amplify dangers and their want to risks.   

Social media like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and other applications are hampering our social skills. Social networking sites deteriorate communication skills because people forget interpersonal dexterity as they constantly use these sites. The more time these are spent on social sites, the less time there is to spend socializing in person. This can cause a person to become anxious when confronted with situations that involve interacting in person because they are not used to it. This can also influence a person’s mental health. 14-year-old O.C. Brown describes their personal experiences with interacting in person versus online. They claim that they were able to build more skills physically. “Face-to-face conversations build relationships and social skills as opposed to communicating mostly over text and messages. Body language, conversation skills (verbally and nonverbally), facial expressions, empathy and sympathy, appearance, and gestures are all social skills that I know I have learned through conversations and many personal relationships I have had over time” (Brown). Loss of face-to-face communication and erosion of interpersonal skills can cause a person to develop anxiety. A lot of people also rely on social media as their main source of communication. Using social media can cause an increase in feelings of isolation and loneliness. The more people occupy themselves on social media, the more likely it is that they will report feelings of social isolation and loneliness. This is due to social media creating a false sense of connection, which ultimately leaves people feeling left out or excluded if they do not receive likes, comments, or other forms of social validation. 

Almost all social media platforms operate through a recommendation algorithm so that what you see is related to your specific interests. Eli Pariser created the term “filter bubble”, which he defines as a “personal unique universe of information, that you live in online.” He states that that everything within that bubble is catered to an individual based on the thing they like and things they do. “It exposes us to what we want to see rather than what we need to see” (“Beware Online ‘Filter Bubbles’”). Most people might find this to be convenient, however it can be very detrimental to how a person may view or experience the world. Sometimes it is okay to learn about a difference of opinion, just to challenge your own. Being exposed only to the things you like and agree with is great, but you can become ignorant towards other points of view. In Noah Giansiracusa’s “How Algorithms Create and Prevent Fake News”, he explains how journalists, as well as AI, promote the spreading of misinformation on social media platforms. He states that “…technological transformation has enabled a less overt but nonetheless extraordinarily influential economic transformation: the datafication of the journalism industry. The pageviews and clicks we all sprinkle across the internet are, as I will discuss, the digital fertilizer feeding a burgeoning garden of misinformation and fake news” (Giansiracusa pg.10). Information is being digested differently amongst people because we are given information based on what we like rather than raw facts. Many journalists use social media platforms to produce their articles/ reports for the public. Having Fake news in conjunction with filter bubbles can encourage closemindedness. Social media should be a place where you can experience different worlds. When subjects are not being represented fairly, we are being robbed of that experience.  

As social media is found to be in some ways detrimental to the mental health of young people, there are methods that can be utilized to combat the negative effects. Support and education may be beneficial in teaching skills that help in managing social media use. “There are many ways to help your child learn to use social media sites responsibly. It’s important to talk with your child about their social media use and your family rules, including consequences for too much use or inappropriate use and whether you will be monitoring their online activities.” (aacap.org). It is possible to utilize social media in a healthy and balanced way. This could include setting time restrictions on social media, unfollowing accounts that lead to bad feelings, and searching out positive and helpful online networks. Intervening can help them to understand what they are ingesting, which in turn can aid them in managing or limiting their social media use. 

There are numerous methods for avoiding filter bubbles and exposing oneself to a wider range of information. Rather than relying on a single platform or news outlet, it is crucial to seek information from a range of different credible sources. This can include using a variety of social media channels, subscribing to various newsletters, and following journalists and experts from various backgrounds. Search for contrasting perspectives, as it is easy to become trapped in a bubble if you only absorb content that supports your own opinions. Making an effort to seek out and thoughtfully evaluate alternative ideas can assist you in developing a more sophisticated grasp of a subject as well as broadening your perspective. Browsing in incognito mode can help prevent you from being tracked with sites having access to your browsing history. This can expose you to a wider range of information and opinions, and limits sites trying to attract you with personalized content. Browser extensions are available to help expose you to a larger selection of material. The “Bubble Buster” addon, for example, will display articles from sources with contrasting opinions to the one you are presently reading. Finally, surrounding yourself with individuals who have different opinions is one of the most effective strategies to avoid filter bubbles. Interacting with people who have various ideas and viewpoints can be accomplished through participating in online discussions, joining groups with diverse membership, or simply conversing with friends and relatives who hold opposing viewpoints. You can avoid filter bubbles and expose yourself to a wider range of information and opinions. This can help you gain a more sophisticated perspective of the world and lead you to make better judgments. 

Social media can have a negative impact on mental health, causing feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The constant flow of information combined with the pressure to present a perfect image online can be overwhelming, leading to negative comparisons and self-esteem issues. Another negative impact of social media is that it can help spread misinformation and fake news. Due to the ease with which content can be shared and re-shared on social media, it can be difficult to verify the accuracy of information, resulting in the spread of false or misleading information. While social media can have some positive aspects, it is imperative that we recognize the negative effects and potential risks it carries. Mindful use of social media is imperative in staying aware of the potential risks and negative impacts it can have. Ultimately, it is crucial to use social media mindfully to be aware of the detrimental effects it can have on individuals and society alike. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works Cited 

 

aacp. “Social Media and Teens.” Aacap.Org, Mar. 2018, www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Social-Media-and-Teens-100.aspx. 

“Beware Online “Filter Bubbles”.” YouTube, uploaded by Ted Talk, 2 May 2011, www.bing.com/videos/search?q=filter+bubble+ted+talk&view=detail&mid=DC6F6B2BF81A2F325E61DC6F6B2BF81A2F325E61&FORM=VIRE. 

Brown, O.C. “Social Skills and Social Media.” Thellipisis, www.theellipsis.org/social-skills-and-social-media/. 

Cavanagh, Emily. “‘Snapchat Dysmorphia’ Is Leading Teens to Get Plastic Surgery Based on Unrealistic Filters. Here’s How Parents Can Help.” Insider, 8 Jan. 2020. 

Noah, G. (2021). How Algorithms Create and Prevent Fake News. Apress. 978-1-4842-7155-1.pdf 

Nongpong, S., & Charoensukmongkol, P. (2016). I Don’t Care Much as Long as I Am Also on Facebook. The Family Journal. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480716663199