positive side of social media essay

Social media use can be positive for mental health and well-being

January 6, 2020— Mesfin Awoke Bekalu , research scientist in the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, discusses a new study he co-authored on associations between social media use and mental health and well-being.

What is healthy vs. potentially problematic social media use?

Our study has brought preliminary evidence to answer this question. Using a nationally representative sample, we assessed the association of two dimensions of social media use—how much it’s routinely used and how emotionally connected users are to the platforms—with three health-related outcomes: social well-being, positive mental health, and self-rated health.

We found that routine social media use—for example, using social media as part of everyday routine and responding to content that others share—is positively associated with all three health outcomes. Emotional connection to social media—for example, checking apps excessively out of fear of missing out, being disappointed about or feeling disconnected from friends when not logged into social media—is negatively associated with all three outcomes.

In more general terms, these findings suggest that as long as we are mindful users, routine use may not in itself be a problem. Indeed, it could be beneficial.

For those with unhealthy social media use, behavioral interventions may help. For example, programs that develop “effortful control” skills—the ability to self-regulate behavior—have been widely shown to be useful in dealing with problematic Internet and social media use.

We’re used to hearing that social media use is harmful to mental health and well-being, particularly for young people. Did it surprise you to find that it can have positive effects?

The findings go against what some might expect, which is intriguing. We know that having a strong social network is associated with positive mental health and well-being. Routine social media use may compensate for diminishing face-to-face social interactions in people’s busy lives. Social media may provide individuals with a platform that overcomes barriers of distance and time, allowing them to connect and reconnect with others and thereby expand and strengthen their in-person networks and interactions. Indeed, there is some empirical evidence supporting this.

On the other hand, a growing body of research has demonstrated that social media use is negatively associated with mental health and well-being, particularly among young people—for example, it may contribute to increased risk of depression and anxiety symptoms.

Our findings suggest that the ways that people are using social media may have more of an impact on their mental health and well-being than just the frequency and duration of their use.

What disparities did you find in the ways that social media use benefits and harms certain populations? What concerns does this raise?

My co-authors Rachel McCloud , Vish Viswanath , and I found that the benefits and harms associated with social media use varied across demographic, socioeconomic, and racial population sub-groups. Specifically, while the benefits were generally associated with younger age, better education, and being white, the harms were associated with older age, less education, and being a racial minority. Indeed, these findings are consistent with the body of work on communication inequalities and health disparities that our lab, the Viswanath lab , has documented over the past 15 or so years. We know that education, income, race, and ethnicity influence people’s access to, and ability to act on, health information from media, including the Internet. The concern is that social media may perpetuate those differences.

— Amy Roeder

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21 Positive Aspects of Social Media

Sally Quinn, University of York, UK

• Published: 10 September 2018
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Despite the negative press social media platforms like Facebook receive in mainstream media, there is a large amount of research showing positive associations with their use. Although it is accepted that there are potential negative effects associated with using these platforms, this chapter focuses on the positive aspects and discusses the evidence, showing that the use of social media platforms can be positively associated with feelings of connectedness with others, to providing and receiving social support from others (e.g., social capital), and to psychological well-being. The chapter also examines the evidence suggesting that certain groups of people (e.g., socially anxious) may be more likely to reap these benefits. Finally, the chapter examines the evidence showing how the use of social media by young people specifically has been seen to have some relationship with positive outcomes.

Introduction

At the turn of the twenty-first century, social media were beginning to emerge, and their use has grown exponentially year on year. Facebook reported 1.28 billion daily active users in the month of March 2017 ( Facebook, 2017 ) and in June of 2016, Twitter reported 328 million active monthly users ( Twitter, 2016 ). The key aims of these sites are to enable people to stay connected, to share experiences, and to keep people informed on topics of interest—Facebook’s mission statement is “to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected” ( Facebook, n.d. ).

Smartphones have made it even easier to access social media platforms, enabling users to stay connected anytime and anywhere, which has been shown to be related to feelings of connectedness ( Quinn & Oldmeadow, 2013 ). Nevertheless, social media have frequently received bad press in the mainstream media with reports of their use being associated with cyberbullying, stalking, grooming, and poor physical and mental health. Although some of these claims are grounded in good quality research and are real issues experienced by some social media users, there is also a sizable amount of research that suggests some positive associations with social media use. After all, why would billions of people use these sites if there were no benefits?

Before this chapter examines the literature, it offers a definition of social media. Obar and Wildman (2015) discuss the difficulties of defining social media, partly due to the speed at which new platforms emerge, which may not fit with current definitions. Nevertheless, they propose four common characteristics of social media platforms: Social media are: (i) web 2.0 Internet-based platforms where (ii) user-generated content is the central factor to the workings of the platform; (iii) individuals and groups create user profiles specific to each social media platform and that are governed within the boundaries of that platform; (iv) social media platforms facilitate the communication between online social networks by connecting social media profiles with individuals or groups. Given this definition, this chapter focuses on any online platform that allows and encourages social interaction with others and allows users to create content with the intention of sharing with others—it refers to them all as “social media.” In looking at these social media platforms, the chapter acknowledges the presence and possibility for negative outcomes associated with their use, but provides a discussion of the literature that focuses on positive associations.

Connecting with Others

Over the last two decades, the Internet has become more social, offering many different platforms on which to interact with others. In light of this, it is understandable that one of the motivations driving general Internet use is to fulfill social needs ( Kaye, 1998 ; Stafford, Stafford, & Schkade, 2004 ). Stafford and Gonier (2004) report that people not only use the Internet to stay in touch with others, but also that keeping in contact via the Internet is an enjoyable activity. Further developments in technology (such as the ability to access the Internet on mobile devices) now mean that the opportunities for social interaction via the Internet can take place almost anywhere and at any time.

Social media specifically can offer fulfillment of social or interpersonal needs in ways that face-to-face (FTF) communication or other forms of media cannot. For example, social media can offer social interaction constantly and immediately if the user so desires and individuals will be motivated to use these sites if they think it will fulfill their objective of socializing with others ( Urista, Dong, & Day, 2009 ). Looking at general social media use among adolescents, Barker (2009) found that communicating with friends from the peer group was a central motivation for using these sites. Other motivations included social identity gratification, passing time, social compensation, entertainment, and social learning. Looking at Twitter specifically, Chen (2011) found that the amount of time a user spent on Twitter and the number of Twitter behaviors (e.g., retweeting) correlated highly with the gratification of the need to connect with others on this site. Similar findings have been found among Facebook users who report using this platform to keep in touch with friends ( Joinson, 2008 ) and to feel connected to friends ( Bumgarner, 2007 ). One of the key motivations of using these platforms then is to attempt to satiate the need to keep in touch with and feel connected to others.

However, a key question is whether or not these sites actually satiate this need for interaction and connectedness to others. Sheldon, Abad, and Hinsch (2011) investigated the links between Facebook use and feelings of connection to others, and in a series of studies they concluded that Facebook use increased feelings of connection. Moreover, they found that feelings of disconnection motivated Facebook use, and in an experimental study that deprived people of using Facebook, they found that those who felt more disconnected were more likely to spend a longer period of time on Facebook at the end of the deprivation stage of the experiment. The authors conclude that there is a two-way process involved in Facebook use: feelings of disconnection motivate people to use the site, and feelings of connection increase after using Facebook. There is also evidence to show that the feelings of connectedness felt through social media use is a separate construct from social connectedness felt in FTF settings ( Grieve, Indian, Witteveen, Anne Tolan, & Marrington, 2013 ). Grieve and colleagues asked participants to complete two identical social connectedness scales (one with reference to FTF interactions and the other with reference to Facebook interactions). Subsequent analysis of these two scales showed that both were independent of each other and were therefore not measuring the same construct. Although Grieve and colleagues do not speculate exactly how Facebook fulfills feelings of connectedness differently to FTF interactions, they do speculate that Facebook interaction may provide an environment for certain people to gain social connectedness to others that they do not get offline (e.g., those who are socially anxious). This might therefore suggest that Facebook offers different opportunities to that of FTF interactions that help to fulfill feelings of connectedness.

One question to arise from this literature is why does the online world enable people to feel close to others in their social circles? Hyperpersonal Theory addresses this question (Walther, 1995 , 1996 ); the theory is based on the idea that there is a disinhibiting effect when interacting online. Online disinhibition has been described as “any behaviour that is characterised by an apparent reduction in concerns for self-presentation and the judgement of others” ( Joinson, 1998 , p. 44). As well as providing a “mask” for people to engage in negative behaviors, these feelings of disinhibition have also been found to be linked to positive behaviors ( Suler, 2005 ). The Hyperpersonal Theory proposes that these feelings of disinhibition result in more intimate relationships because of the asynchronous nature of online interactions and the reduction in visual and auditory cues. These two features (reduced cues and asynchronicity) mean that online communicators are able to selectively present themselves, choosing which characteristics they would like to share and having the time to think about how they want to express these characteristics. In the case of social media, this may relate to being able to think about how to respond to someone’s post or update, or being able to carefully select a photo of oneself to share on the platform. These reduced cues and asynchronicity lead to users feeling disinhibited, which then results in an increase in self-disclosure (the sharing of intimate, personal information). Self-disclosure is a key factor in developing close relationships ( Berndt, 2002 ) and the positive link between online disinhibition and self-disclosure has been found to be consistent across many studies (e.g. Joinson, 2001 ; Tidwell & Walther, 2002 ).

Although there is evidence to support the efficacy of the online environment in supporting self-disclosure, the reduced cues element may be questionable when thinking about the disinhibiting effect on social media. That is, the inclusion of photos and videos on social media could potentially challenge the assumption that these platforms offer complete visual and auditory anonymity. Nevertheless, visual and auditory cues are reduced to some extent in comparison to FTF interactions with others. For example, in the moment of posting a status update on Facebook, users do not need to manage the way they look or sound to people who will read their status. Indeed, there is evidence that supports the idea that users perceive a reduction in visual and auditory cues on social media platforms and that this reduction (along with the asynchronous nature of communication) leads to feelings of disinhibition, which subsequently increases self-disclosure ( Green, Wilhelmsen, Wilmots, Dodd, & Quinn, 2016 ). However, newer social media may challenge this. For example, Snapchat interactions largely consist of photo and video messages, rather than just text, and it is unclear how this difference affects feelings of disinhibition during the interaction itself. In addition, Snapchat allows for control over the length of time the image or video is viewed (up to a maximum of ten seconds), and the ephemerality of the content may add an additional factor which could affect feelings of disinhibition. The present model of the disinhibition effect may need to be updated to consider the more recent characteristics of some social media platforms. Nevertheless, there is evidence that there is a perception of reduced cues and asynchronicity on social media and thus this reduction has been found to be conducive to self-disclosure behaviors.

This ability of social media to provide an environment which helps self-disclosure means these sites can be a useful tool to maintain relationships. Whether people use these sites, and if so, the degree to which they are used, has been of great interest in terms of investigating the links between their use and positive effects on relationships with others. Park, Jin, and Jin (2011) examined different types of self-disclosure on Facebook and how this related to perceived intimacy with Facebook friends. They found that the amount of self-disclosure and the degree of positive self-disclosure (i.e., disclosing positive information about the self) were positively related to feelings of intimacy towards Facebook friends. As most of a user’s contacts on Facebook are people known to that user offline ( boyd & Ellison, 2007 ), this study suggests that Facebook could be a useful platform for encouraging intimacy with friends. However, the authors did find that honest and intentional self-disclosure was not related to intimacy; thus, it may be that only certain elements of self-disclosure (e.g., disclosing positive information about the self) on social media has this effect.

Not only is it important to consider the different types of self-disclosure but also the different ways in which people communicate on social media. For example, Bayer, Ellison, Schoenebeck, and Falk (2016) report that Snapchat, a relatively new social media platform, is usually used among close friends to share small moments of day-to-day life, with the content often having some meaning between close friends. In addition, content can be shared for all contacts to see, or it can be targeted at certain individuals. Utz (2015) examined this by asking participants to rate their own Facebook private messages, and their own and friends’ status updates (content which is by default shared to all of a user’s Facebook contacts). The results showed that private messages were rated as more intimate than status updates, and this intimacy within private messages was found to be the strongest predictor of feelings of connection to the person. These findings may be due to the motivations behind using the different ways of communicating with others on Facebook. For example, Utz also found that the use of private messages was motivated by relationship maintenance, whereas the use of status updates was motivated by wanting to share information and to entertain Facebook contacts. Hence, the different ways of communicating on these sites may serve different functions.

The motivations and subsequent benefits of using social media are strongly linked to connecting with others and using these platforms as a way to maintain relationships with others. Given that these platforms provide social interactions with others, many users find they also offer access to social support from other users.

Social Support

Having access to social support can be important in times of need and one motivation of using social media is to receive this support from friends ( Kim, Sohn, & Choi, 2011 ). Moreover, users of Facebook have reported to be satisfied with the support they get through the site ( Wright et al., 2013 ) and perceived emotional support on Facebook has been found to be negatively related to stress among college students ( Wright, 2012 ).

One conceptualization of social support is social capital. Generally, social capital is the degree to which one has access to resources (social, psychological, and physical) through ties and relationships with other people ( Coleman, 1988 ). Having a high degree of social capital gives access to more opportunities for social support. Ellison, Steinfield, and Lampe (2007) investigated links between Facebook use and social capital among university students. They found that high-intensity use of Facebook was associated with high levels of bonding social capital (social capital gained through intimate, close-knit relationships) and with bridging social capital (capital gained through weak ties). Importantly, their findings suggested that this might be particularly useful for people with low levels of self-esteem and life satisfaction because they may find these harder to achieve in their offline lives. Similar findings have been reported for other social media platforms. For example, Piwek and Joinson (2016) found that the intensity of Snapchat use was positively related to both bonding and bridging social capital, with the strongest relationship seen with bonding capital.

However, there is evidence to suggest that only certain uses of social media are related to social capital. In an analysis of Facebook patterns of behaviors, Ellison, Steinfield, and Lampe (2011) found that usage consisted of three forms: initiating friendships with new people, seeking out information on others, and maintaining existing friendships, with the latter being the most common type of usage. Ellison and colleagues examined how these three uses of Facebook were related to both bonding and bridging social capital on this social media platform, and found that information seeking was the only significant predictor of both types of social capital. This may seem counterintuitive, given that one would expect actual interactions (rather than information gathering) to be related to social capital. However, Ellison and colleagues speculate that information seeking on Facebook enables users to learn about potential commonalities (e.g., shared interests, mutual friends) between themselves and other users, which can then act as a catalyst to encourage both online and offline communication, increasing the perception of social capital received through the site. This suggests that people may use Facebook in conjunction with FTF interactions to get to know people. However, this also supports the finding that these sites not only provide support from people with whom users have close relationships, but also from those whom users consider as less close ( Rozzell et al., 2014 ). These weaker ties may be people that are not often seen in FTF settings and thus social media may be facilitating support from a wider array of people than a user could potentially access offline.

Different types of social media may also be perceived as more appropriate platforms on which to seek social support. In their study looking at various social media platforms, Hayes, Carr, and Wohn (2016) report that Facebook, rather than Twitter, was perceived to be more effective in gaining social support, and that Snapchat, Instagram, and LinkedIn were the platforms where participants were least likely to attempt to gain social support from their social media contacts. Moreover, they also found that different platforms might be used for different types of support. Although overall Snapchat was not one of the sites most used to gain social support, it was found to be used for support with self-evaluation (judgments made about one’s own performance). One reason given for this was that Snapchat friends are a smaller and more relevant group of friends to a user’s own life and the “snaps” (image messages sent through Snapchat) can be targeted towards certain people. On the other hand, Twitter was used mostly for information support (support with solving a problem through providing facts) rather than seeking out emotional support. Hayes and colleagues suggest that social media users may use different social platforms to access different types of social support, implying that the picture may be more complex than all social media platforms offering sources of support.

There is some research backing the idea that support received through social media like Facebook is an extension of the support received offline ( Blight, Jagiello, & Ruppel, 2015 ; Li, Chen, & Popiel, 2015 ), and so social media does little to increase perceptions of social support ( Li et al. 2015 ). However, these groups of studies as well as those previously discussed do not differentiate between different users, and few examine certain uses of social media, particularly those that are targeted at specific support (e.g., pages or groups set up to support a particular group of people). Those who have unique interests, beliefs, or set of circumstances may be unlikely to find similar others or effective social support in their offline social circles ( Stepanikova, Nie, & He, 2010 ).

Social media offer opportunities for different people who have something in common to connect with and support each other. For example, Facebook pages and groups are often set up to support usual life events such as pregnancy and motherhood, and have been found to be important platforms through which to access support from others ( Holtz, Smock, & Reyes-Gastelum, 2015 ). However, they can also be used in more life-changing circumstances, such as serious illnesses. Chen, Yang, Toso-Salman, Chang, Schear, and McGoldrick (2016) conducted an analysis of a Facebook page set up in Mexico aimed at addressing the stigma around cancer. They found that the site was being used by cancer sufferers and survivors to support one another by sharing stories about their own experiences and how they had coped with the reality of living with cancer. This support was mostly from people unknown to the original poster of the content and consisted predominantly of emotional support, as well as support which gave information about the disease. More importantly, the users shared their feelings of empowerment with each other; having cancer had propelled them into trying to help reduce the stigma in Mexico around cancer.

Groups can also be set up on social media by sufferers themselves, rather than being moderated by an external body. Facebook groups exist for sufferers of certain illnesses and are used to share information with each other as well as to provide support to each other ( Greene, Choudhry, Kilabuk, & Shrank, 2011 ). Greene and colleagues found that on Facebook pages for people with diabetes, sufferers were sharing stories about what it felt like to be diabetic, helping them to create a sense of identity. There were clear examples of advice being given to newly diagnosed diabetics from more “veteran” diabetics. Social support is also found on YouTube. Of the comments found on YouTube videos containing testimonials of people with eating disorders, 75 percent were found to be in support of the person who had made and posted the video (i.e., the individual suffering from the eating disorder; Pereira, Quinn, & Morales, 2016 ).

Social support is not only visible on pages specifically set up for this purpose. Billions of people use social media, create profiles, add content, interact, and share with others. However, when social media users die, these profiles are often used as a place for friends and family to express their grief and to support each other, generating a feeling of solidarity ( Church, 2013 ). The content of the deceased’s profile is a historical record of interaction and conversations with friends and family, and hence is as much a part of the living’s life as it was the deceased’s ( Lingel, 2013 ). It is understandable how these profiles become a memorial for the dead.

Research that has analyzed social media profiles of the deceased shows that in the early days following the death, posts are made which express disbelief or shock at the death of the person ( Brubaker & Hayes, 2011 ; Church, 2013 ), but shortly afterwards it becomes an important place to gain information on the funeral ( Brubaker & Hayes, 2011 ), which enables a wider circle of people to publicly grieve “at the graveside” ( Lingel, 2013 ). After these initial days, the comments and messages change and are mostly directed at the deceased. A qualitative analysis of comments left on 1369 MySpace profiles of deceased people found that many of the comments formed a one-sided conversation; some comments suggested a belief that the deceased could see the messages left on the page or profile: “Ashley … you can see already how much you’ve meant to everyone … there are so many people who cared about u … look at all these comments” ( Brubaker & Hayes, 2011 , p. 4).

This feeling that the deceased can see the messages was also found by Brubaker, Hayes, and Dourish (2013) who interviewed 16 people about their death-related experiences on social media. These interviews generally indicated that the content left on the deceased’s profile was going to the deceased. Brubaker and Hayes (2011) refer to this as “post-mortem social networking” and argue that, in some way, the content left after the death of the profile/page owner is a way in which the deceased are still integrated into the lives of the living through the sharing of memories and telling the deceased about current life events. These sites can create an illusion that the deceased and living are having a two-way conversation ( Church, 2013 ).

The evidence seems to suggest that sites like Facebook can be important platforms to help people cope with the death of a loved one ( Lingel, 2013 ). However, there is no empirical evidence currently to show that engaging in this type of social media use actually aids in the bereavement process, nor is there any information to show whether it is more helpful to certain groups of people. Church (2013) reports that the family of a deceased person take comfort in the messages left by others and Brubaker and colleagues (2013) report that reading others’ comments can help other mourners to know the deceased in a better or different way. However, these are qualitative studies that have their own limitations in terms of generalizability. Although the evidence available seems to suggest that bereaved social media users take comfort in this form of social media use, since the majority of studies are qualitative, it cannot be concluded that it is better than or supplements other methods of coping with grief (e.g., offline support networks). Nevertheless, the evidence to date seems to suggest that social media can provide a positive experience for bereaved individuals.

Social media platforms can offer sources of support to many people, from gaining different types of support on different platforms as well as getting support from others who are experiencing similar difficulties. Given this, and that social media can help to maintain friendships and connections with others, there is a body of research that has found links between their use and the well-being of their users.

Social Media and Well-being

Human beings are social creatures and having social connections to and support from others is important for well-being and there is evidence to support the notion that social media use can have positive effects on some aspects of psychological well-being in particular. Liu and Yu (2013) report that Facebook use was an important factor in online social support, which, in turn, had a small but significant direct effect on well-being. Moreover, online social support had an indirect effect on well-being, with general social support being a significant mediator of this relationship. Similar results were found by Nabi, Prestin, and So (2013) , who reported that the number of Facebook friends had a positive effect on perceived social support, which was then related to perceptions of reduced stress, and subsequently increases in physical health and psychological well-being. In addition, this pattern seems to be found among adolescents. Valkenburg and Peter (2007a) found that using instant messaging to communicate with friends resulted in better quality of friendships, which, in turn, was positively related to well-being. In addition, there is some evidence which shows that using social media to present the “self” might impact positively on well-being. Kim and Lee (2011) demonstrated that portraying oneself in a positive light (e.g., uploading photographs in which one looks happy) on Facebook was significantly associated with feelings of happiness. They also found that portraying oneself in a more realistic way (e.g., expressing negative emotions) led to higher perceptions of social support, which, in turn, was positively related to feelings of happiness. Social media use may therefore be indirectly related to well-being.

One element of well-being is self-esteem. Self-esteem is a psychological construct that refers to the degree to which a person respects and likes themselves. Having feedback on the self can be an important predictor of self-esteem ( Pujazon-Zazik & Park, 2010 ) and one context in which this can occur is social media. For example, positive comments left on social media profiles can lead to higher levels of self-esteem ( Valkenburg, Peter, & Schouten, 2006 ). However, social media can also provide opportunities for others to leave negative comments, and Valkenburg and colleagues found evidence that those who receive negative comments may be at risk of lower self-esteem. Hence, the ability to leave comments on social media profiles may not be a wholly positive experience for everyone. However, these platforms enable people to feel connected, and these feelings of connectedness have also been found to have a positive effect on self-esteem ( Abellera, Ouano, Conway, Camilotes, & Doctor, 2012 ).

Positive associations have also been found between social media use and other measures of well-being. For example, Grieve and colleagues (2013) found that increased feelings of social connectedness via Facebook was correlated with a reduction in depression and anxiety. Using experimental methods, Deters and Mehl (2012) found that increasing the frequency of posting status updates on Facebook can reduce loneliness. These relationships between social media and well-being may also differ depending on the type of social platform used. Pittman and Reich (2016) examined the relationship between uses of five different social media platforms and well-being. They found that use of the image-based platforms were most strongly related to reduced feelings of loneliness and increased perceptions of happiness and satisfaction with life, suggesting that seeing an image gives a sense of social presence and is therefore more likely to increase feelings of connectedness to others, which in turn increases well-being. Therefore, social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram (i.e., that are more image based) may be more useful in helping to have a positive effect on well-being.

Thus far, this chapter has outlined several positive aspects related to social media use, including providing connectedness to others, providing sources of social support, and having a positive effect on well-being. However, there are certain groups of people who may benefit from the positive aspects more than other users.

Who Benefits Most from Social Media Use?

There are two hypotheses regarding who benefits most from general social uses of the Internet. The first is the rich-get-richer (or social enhancement) hypothesis, which states that those who already have a rich offline social life will use social media to further this, widening their social circle and enhancing relationships they already have offline. One key characteristic of this group of people is extraversion, which has been found to be positively related to the frequency of social media use ( Correa, Hinsley, & de Zuniga, 2010 ), the number of friends on social media ( Amichai-Hamburger & Vinitzky, 2010 ; Lönnqvist & große Deters, 2016 ), and the number of Facebook groups ( Ross et al., 2009 ). This access to more friends may therefore offer more sources of support. In addition, Seidman’s (2013) study shows evidence that people high in extraversion are more likely to make emotional self-disclosures via social media. Self-disclosure is conducive to relational development and subsequently helps to increase well-being, and there is evidence to suggest that the relationship between Facebook use and well-being holds more strongly for those high in extraversion ( Lönnqvist & große Deters, 2016 ). These studies therefore suggest that those who are already rich in friendships, social support, and well-being will become socially richer from being on social media.

The second hypothesis is the social compensation hypothesis, which suggests that those who are socially poor offline will benefit from online interactions. As discussed, general Internet communication and social media use can enhance social relationships because the reduced cues and asynchronous nature of the Internet and subsequent feelings of disinhibition can encourage self-disclosure behaviors. Being able to select more intimate communication on social media may be more important to people who may find FTF contact difficult, resulting in them choosing communication via the Internet to fulfill their interpersonal needs ( Papacharissi & Rubin, 2000 ).

Those who experience greater social anxiety typically struggle with FTF interactions as they fear negative evaluations from others ( Schlenker & Leary, 1982 ) and as part of a self-protective strategy may be less likely to self-disclose in FTF situations ( Meleshko & Alden, 1993 ). Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that these people place more importance on the features of online communication (i.e., reduced cues and asynchronicity), which enables them to feel less inhibited ( Weidman et al., 2012 ), leading to more self-disclosure ( Schouten, Valkenburg, & Peter, 2007 ). Green and colleagues (2016) tested this process to see if it held for both private communication on Facebook (i.e., private messages) and public communication on Facebook (e.g., status updates, comments on others’ posts). Although those experiencing greater social anxiety valued the controllability and reduced cues of both private and public communication, they only felt disinhibited on private communication which then resulted in higher levels of self-disclosure. Given that Utz (2015) found that private Facebook messages were more intimate than status updates, this suggests that socially anxious people may prefer to self-disclose in more intimate spaces online. These relationships between individual differences and the benefits of communication on social media have also been found for shy people ( Baker & Oswald, 2010 ) and people low in self-esteem ( Steinfield, Ellison and Lampe, 2008 ). Lonely people may also benefit from social media as they have been found to be more likely to use the Internet in general as a source of emotional support and for connecting with others with similar interests, compared to people who are low in loneliness ( Morahan-Martin & Schumacher, 2003 ). This body of research supports the social compensation hypothesis whereby those who are typically socially poor offline will benefit from interacting with others online.

The two hypotheses—the rich-get-richer hypothesis and the social compensation hypothesis—are not necessarily opposing hypotheses since both can co-exist; Zywica and Danowski (2008) found support for both. Some participants showed positive associations between extraversion and self-esteem and being popular online, but some who were less sociable with lower self-esteem used the online environment to try to increase their popularity. The authors argue that self-esteem may play a role in explaining this dual support for the hypotheses. That is, those with lower self-esteem (e.g., those who are socially poor offline) are using the social side of the Internet to attempt to increase their self-esteem by striving to enhance their self-image. Conversely, those with high self-esteem (e.g., those who are socially rich offline) may be using this part of the Internet to protect their self-image as a popular person and to advertise their popularity.

Although social media platforms could offer benefits to all users, the evidence suggests that certain types of users may be more likely to benefit from their use. Another group of social media users are young people (children and adolescents) who are prolific users of sites like Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram. The following section discusses the positive aspects of social media that are associated with their use among young people.

Social Media and Young People

There have been various concerns surrounding the use of social media by young people, for example, cyberbullying, exposure to unwanted material, interacting with Internet predators. However, recent evidence suggests this is not the case for all young people. Many see these sites as an important part of their social life ( Brennan, 2006 ) and the key aim of social media use among adolescents is to maintain and strengthen offline relationships ( Hew & Cheung, 2012 ; Reich et al., 2012 ). Lenhart and colleagues (2015) report that 94 percent of 13- to 17-year-olds spend time with their friends on social media, and 68 percent report having been supported through difficult times by friends on social media platforms. In addition, young people can stay in contact with friends who have moved away or friends who attend a different school ( Clarke, 2009 ). Some young people have also reported that using social media makes them feel as though they are always connected to each other ( Markow, 2006 ); this may be particularly beneficial to children and adolescents who live in rural areas by helping them to feel connected to friends regardless of the geographical challenges of meeting FTF ( Valentine & Holloway, 2002 ).

Due to feelings of disinhibition, early adolescents in particular use social media to share intimate thoughts and feelings ( Clarke, 2009 ), which is one characteristic of friendships at this age, particularly among girls ( Maccoby, 2002 ). One study shows evidence that instant messaging (IM) platforms might be being used as a rehearsal space (particularly by boys) to practise these self-disclosure skills to enable offline intimacy to be carried out more efficiently in the future ( Valkenburg, Sumter, & Peter, 2011 ). Hence, using IM services to contact friends has been found to be related to increased quality of friendships (e.g., increased intimacy, trust, and communication, Blais et al., 2008 ). In a study with 10–17-year-olds, Valkenburg and Peter (2007b) also found that those who perceived online communication to be conducive to discussing a wider breadth of topics and to discussing topics in more depth were more likely to use the online environment to communicate with others. These perceptions were positively related to actual online communication, which, in turn, was positively related to closeness to friends. Importantly, there is evidence that these positive effects of social media communication are only seen when this communication is with people known offline, and not with people met online ( Valkenburg & Peter, 2007a ).

Similar effects appear in terms of more recent social media. Mobile use of social media enables more frequent use of social media platforms and has a subsequent relationship with feelings of connectedness to friends ( Quinn & Oldmeadow, 2013 ). Quinn and Oldmeadow (2012) found that among 9–13-year-old boys, social media use, such as Facebook, was positively related to feelings of belonging to their friendship group. In conjunction with Valkenburg and colleagues’ (2011) findings that boys in particular are likely to use these kinds of platforms for practising self-disclosure skills, these studies suggest that social media are also important platforms particularly for adolescent boys to practise and create intimacy between friends. This may relate to typical social roles seen offline. For example, girls’ friendships during adolescence are characterized by higher levels of intimacy than boys’ friendships ( Buhrmester, 1996 ), and this may become an accepted norm (i.e., boys are not expected to self-disclose). However, due to feelings of disinhibition, the constraints of social roles in offline contexts may not hold in online contexts (therefore boys may feel more at ease to self-disclose intimate information online). However, this is only a theory, and future research could investigate the reasons for increased self-disclosure online among boys.

Related to friendship maintenance, children and adolescents also use social media as a space outside school to repair relationships that may have been fractured during the school day. Reich (2010) reports that teens have used social media to help them solve problems with friends. In line with the reduced cues, asynchronicity, and feelings of disinhibition offered by these sites, it may be easier for adolescents to repair these relationships on social media rather than FTF. O’Sullivan (2000) found that people preferred to communicate with others via mediated channels (e.g., email) when sensitive or embarrassing information was being discussed or divulged, as these channels allow people to better control information that may threaten self-presentation. Given this, it is understandable that adolescents may choose social media platforms to make amends for issues that may have occurred during the school day. The ability to maintain and repair relationships is important particularly during adolescence, when belonging to a peer group is extremely important ( Brown, 1990 ), and when friendships are seen as important for cognitive, social, and emotional development ( Newcomb & Bagwell, 1996 ). Social media can therefore offer an alternative way for these friendships to be developed and maintained, but also crucially the idiosyncratic features of social media sites might allow young people to resolve conflicts and ambiguity with greater ease.

Adolescence is also a period of time where children begin to exhibit greater independence, and it is also a time of identity exploration with the reference point for this development of identity shifting to friends rather than family ( Kroger, 2000 ). Greenhow and Robelia (2009) suggest that “adolescence is a time when young people explore the physical, sexual, occupational, and ethnic dimensions of their identity within a larger social context” (p. 123). This exploration also allows the individual to learn how to appropriately socially interact with others and how to manage the impressions people have of them. boyd (2008) asserts that social media are a social context where young people can learn about social interactions, how to behave, and decide how they want others to perceive them through a process of impression management. These platforms are a place where adolescents in particular disclose intimate information about themselves, allowing others to comment on this information ( Ahn, 2011 ). boyd argues that these messages and comments left by others (both positive and negative) are a way for adolescents to experience the process of impression management. Posting content onto their own profile may lead others to leave some sort of feedback, and it is this feedback (positive or negative) that helps the young person to decide whether or not to continue behaving in a certain way. In other words, they are using this process as a way of deciding who they want to be. Manago, Graham, Greenfield, and Salimkhan (2008) support this idea and show that receiving social verification in the form of positive feedback on identity explorations can have a reinforcing effect. Thus, social media platforms provide social spaces where young people can experiment with their identity.

boyd’s (2008) work is part of a larger body of research that examines online identity development among adolescents. Valkenburg, Schouten and Peter (2005) found that half of their sample of 9- to 18-year-olds reported that they had used instant messaging platforms or chat rooms for identity exploration. Social media in particular offers users the ability to construct, modify, or completely change their self-presentation ( Coyle & Vaughn, 2008 ; Livingstone, 2008 ), and it is this flexibility that provides young people with opportunities to explore their identity ( Livingstone, 2009 ; Mitchell & Ybarra, 2009 ); for example, many sites allow the user to decorate their profile page, add links to external sites, post pictures and video clips, and to update their status. In line with Walther’s Hyperpersonal Communication Theory (Walther, 1995 , 1996 ), the asynchronous nature of social media interactions (and to some extent the reduced cues) may provide a safe environment for identity development to those who are less confident, enabling them to express themselves in a more confident way; social media allow the user time to consider their responses and if they do become embarrassed, the emotion is invisible to others ( Valentine & Holloway, 2002 ). Valentine and Holloway also argue that this type of interaction actually provides a higher level of control to the individual over their identity construction, and Greenhow and Robelia (2009) report that young people find construction of identity easier to carry out on social media than they do offline. Another possible reason for this is that it provides a non-adult (and therefore potentially non-judgmental) environment in which to explore identity ( Livingstone, 2008 ).

Although there may be legitimate concerns about the use of social media by young people, this section shows that social media platforms can be a useful place for young people to connect with others, to maintain their relationships, and to explore their identity.

This chapter discussed several positive aspects associated with the use of social media. It is clear that social media are forever changing and the new characteristics of different platforms need to be studied, for example, more recent social media like Snapchat offer the ability to post content that has a very short life span. The impact of ephemerality on aspects like disinhibition and the value this holds to certain groups of people (e.g., the socially anxious) has yet to be studied. While this could potentially encourage negative behaviors, it is also possible that platforms that offer this level of control over content will be particularly attractive to the types of people discussed in Who Benefits Most from Social Media Use (e.g. people who are socially anxious). Research must therefore play “catch up” with this constantly changing landscape.

Despite social media getting bad press in mainstream media, there are many positive outcomes associated with its use. However, it is important to remain cautious about proclaiming that using social media causes positive outcomes. As with the literature examining the negative aspects of social media, much of the literature discussed in this chapter includes cross-sectional, non-experimental studies that clearly have their limitations in being able to provide firm conclusions on cause and effect relationships, which should be borne in mind when drawing conclusions. Nevertheless, social media platforms are used by billions of people and are also integrated into many areas of everyday life. It is therefore imperative that research continues to investigate how these platforms can affect relationships, social support, and well-being.

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Office of the Surgeon General (OSG). Social Media and Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory [Internet]. Washington (DC): US Department of Health and Human Services; 2023.

Social Media and Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory [Internet].

Social media has both positive and negative impacts on children and adolescents.

The influence of social media on youth mental health is shaped by many complex factors, including, but not limited to, the amount of time children and adolescents spend on platforms, the type of content they consume or are otherwise exposed to, the activities and interactions social media affords, and the degree to which it disrupts activities that are essential for health like sleep and physical activity. 6 Importantly, different children and adolescents are affected by social media in different ways, based on their individual strengths and vulnerabilities, and based on cultural, historical, and socio-economic factors. 7 , 8 There is broad agreement among the scientific community that social media has the potential to both benefit and harm children and adolescents. 6 , 9

Brain development is a critical factor to consider when assessing the risk for harm. Adolescents, ages 10 to 19, are undergoing a highly sensitive period of brain development. 10 , 11 This is a period when risk-taking behaviors reach their peak, when well-being experiences the greatest fluctuations, and when mental health challenges such as depression typically emerge. 12 , 13 , 14 Furthermore, in early adolescence, when identities and sense of self-worth are forming, brain development is especially susceptible to social pressures, peer opinions, and peer comparison. 11 , 13 Frequent social media use may be associated with distinct changes in the developing brain in the amygdala (important for emotional learning and behavior) and the prefrontal cortex (important for impulse control, emotional regulation, and moderating social behavior), and could increase sensitivity to social rewards and punishments. 15 , 16 As such, adolescents may experience heightened emotional sensitivity to the communicative and interactive nature of social media. 16 Adolescent social media use is predictive of a subsequent decrease in life satisfaction for certain developmental stages including for girls 11–13 years old and boys 14–15 years old. 17 Because adolescence is a vulnerable period of brain development, social media exposure during this period warrants additional scrutiny.

• The Potential Benefits of Social Media Use Among Children and Adolescents

Social media can provide benefits for some youth by providing positive community and connection with others who share identities, abilities, and interests. It can provide access to important information and create a space for self-expression. 9 The ability to form and maintain friendships online and develop social connections are among the positive effects of social media use for youth. 18 , 19 These relationships can afford opportunities to have positive interactions with more diverse peer groups than are available to them offline and can provide important social support to youth. 18 The buffering effects against stress that online social support from peers may provide can be especially important for youth who are often marginalized, including racial, ethnic, and sexual and gender minorities. 20 , 21 , 22 For example, studies have shown that social media may support the mental health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, transgender, queer, intersex and other youths by enabling peer connection, identity development and management, and social support. 23 Seven out of ten adolescent girls of color report encountering positive or identity-affirming content related to race across social media platforms. 24 A majority of adolescents report that social media helps them feel more accepted (58%), like they have people who can support them through tough times (67%), like they have a place to show their creative side (71%), and more connected to what’s going on in their friends’ lives (80%). 25 In addition, research suggests that social media-based and other digitally-based mental health interventions may also be helpful for some children and adolescents by promoting help-seeking behaviors and serving as a gateway to initiating mental health care. 8 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29

• The Potential Harms of Social Media Use Among Children and Adolescents

Over the last decade, evidence has emerged identifying reasons for concern about the potential negative impact of social media on children and adolescents.

A longitudinal cohort study of U.S. adolescents aged 12–15 (n=6,595) that adjusted for baseline mental health status found that adolescents who spent more than 3 hours per day on social media faced double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes including symptoms of depression and anxiety. 30

As of 2021, 8th and 10th graders now spend an average of 3.5 hours per day on social media. 31 In a unique natural experiment that leveraged the staggered introduction of a social media platform across U.S. colleges, the roll-out of the platform was associated with an increase in depression (9% over baseline) and anxiety (12% over baseline) among college-aged youth (n = 359,827 observations). 32 The study’s co-author also noted that when applied across the entirety of the U.S. college population, the introduction of the social media platform may have contributed to more than 300,000 new cases of depression. 32 , 33 If such sizable effects occurred in college-aged youth, these findings raise serious concerns about the risk of harm from social media exposure for children and adolescents who are at a more vulnerable stage of brain development.

Limits on the use of social media have resulted in mental health benefits for young adults and adults. A small, randomized controlled trial in college-aged youth found that limiting social media use to 30 minutes daily over three weeks led to significant improvements in depression severity. 34 This effect was particularly large for those with high baseline levels of depression who saw an improvement in depression scores by more than 35%. 35 Another randomized controlled trial among young adults and adults found that deactivation of a social media platform for four weeks improved subjective well-being (i.e., self-reported happiness, life satisfaction, depression, and anxiety) by about 25–40% of the effect of psychological interventions like self-help therapy, group training, and individual therapy. 36

In addition to these recent studies, correlational research on associations between social media use and mental health has indicated reason for concern and further investigation. These studies point to a higher relative concern of harm in adolescent girls and those already experiencing poor mental health, 37 , 38 , 39 as well as for particular health outcomes like cyberbullying-related depression, 40 body image and disordered eating behaviors, 41 and poor sleep quality linked to social media use. 42 For example, a study conducted among 14-year-olds (n = 10,904) found that greater social media use predicted poor sleep, online harassment, poor body image, low self-esteem, and higher depressive symptom scores with a larger association for girls than boys. 43 A majority of parents of adolescents say they are somewhat, very, or extremely worried that their child’s use of social media could lead to problems with anxiety or depression (53%), lower self-esteem (54%), being harassed or bullied by others (54%), feeling pressured to act a certain way (59%), and exposure to explicit content (71%). 44

Unless otherwise noted in the text, all material appearing in this work is in the public domain and may be reproduced without permission. Citation of the source is appreciated.

• Cite this Page Office of the Surgeon General (OSG). Social Media and Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory [Internet]. Washington (DC): US Department of Health and Human Services; 2023. Social Media Has Both Positive and Negative Impacts on Children and Adolescents.
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• Published: 06 July 2023

Pros & cons: impacts of social media on mental health

• Ágnes Zsila 1 , 2 &
• Marc Eric S. Reyes   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-5280-1315 3  

BMC Psychology volume  11 , Article number:  201 ( 2023 ) Cite this article

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The use of social media significantly impacts mental health. It can enhance connection, increase self-esteem, and improve a sense of belonging. But it can also lead to tremendous stress, pressure to compare oneself to others, and increased sadness and isolation. Mindful use is essential to social media consumption.

Social media has become integral to our daily routines: we interact with family members and friends, accept invitations to public events, and join online communities to meet people who share similar preferences using these platforms. Social media has opened a new avenue for social experiences since the early 2000s, extending the possibilities for communication. According to recent research [ 1 ], people spend 2.3 h daily on social media. YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat have become increasingly popular among youth in 2022, and one-third think they spend too much time on these platforms [ 2 ]. The considerable time people spend on social media worldwide has directed researchers’ attention toward the potential benefits and risks. Research shows excessive use is mainly associated with lower psychological well-being [ 3 ]. However, findings also suggest that the quality rather than the quantity of social media use can determine whether the experience will enhance or deteriorate the user’s mental health [ 4 ]. In this collection, we will explore the impact of social media use on mental health by providing comprehensive research perspectives on positive and negative effects.

Social media can provide opportunities to enhance the mental health of users by facilitating social connections and peer support [ 5 ]. Indeed, online communities can provide a space for discussions regarding health conditions, adverse life events, or everyday challenges, which may decrease the sense of stigmatization and increase belongingness and perceived emotional support. Mutual friendships, rewarding social interactions, and humor on social media also reduced stress during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 4 ].

On the other hand, several studies have pointed out the potentially detrimental effects of social media use on mental health. Concerns have been raised that social media may lead to body image dissatisfaction [ 6 ], increase the risk of addiction and cyberbullying involvement [ 5 ], contribute to phubbing behaviors [ 7 ], and negatively affects mood [ 8 ]. Excessive use has increased loneliness, fear of missing out, and decreased subjective well-being and life satisfaction [ 8 ]. Users at risk of social media addiction often report depressive symptoms and lower self-esteem [ 9 ].

Overall, findings regarding the impact of social media on mental health pointed out some essential resources for psychological well-being through rewarding online social interactions. However, there is a need to raise awareness about the possible risks associated with excessive use, which can negatively affect mental health and everyday functioning [ 9 ]. There is neither a negative nor positive consensus regarding the effects of social media on people. However, by teaching people social media literacy, we can maximize their chances of having balanced, safe, and meaningful experiences on these platforms [ 10 ].

We encourage researchers to submit their research articles and contribute to a more differentiated overview of the impact of social media on mental health. BMC Psychology welcomes submissions to its new collection, which promises to present the latest findings in the emerging field of social media research. We seek research papers using qualitative and quantitative methods, focusing on social media users’ positive and negative aspects. We believe this collection will provide a more comprehensive picture of social media’s positive and negative effects on users’ mental health.

Data Availability

Not applicable.

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Ágnes Zsila was supported by the ÚNKP-22-4 New National Excellence Program of the Ministry for Culture and Innovation from the source of the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund.

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Ágnes Zsila

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6 Example Essays on Social Media | Advantages, Effects, and Outlines

Got an essay assignment about the effects of social media we got you covered check out our examples and outlines below.

Social media has become one of our society's most prominent ways of communication and information sharing in a very short time. It has changed how we communicate and has given us a platform to express our views and opinions and connect with others. It keeps us informed about the world around us. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn have brought individuals from all over the world together, breaking down geographical borders and fostering a genuinely global community.

However, social media comes with its difficulties. With the rise of misinformation, cyberbullying, and privacy problems, it's critical to utilize these platforms properly and be aware of the risks. Students in the academic world are frequently assigned essays about the impact of social media on numerous elements of our lives, such as relationships, politics, and culture. These essays necessitate a thorough comprehension of the subject matter, critical thinking, and the ability to synthesize and convey information clearly and succinctly.

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Want to learn how to write an argumentative essay? Check out these inspiring examples!

We will provide various examples of social media essays so you may get a feel for the genre.

6 Examples of Social Media Essays

Here are 6 examples of Social Media Essays:

The Impact of Social Media on Relationships and Communication

Introduction:.

The way we share information and build relationships has evolved as a direct result of the prevalence of social media in our daily lives. The influence of social media on interpersonal connections and conversation is a hot topic. Although social media has many positive effects, such as bringing people together regardless of physical proximity and making communication quicker and more accessible, it also has a dark side that can affect interpersonal connections and dialogue.

Positive Effects:

Connecting People Across Distances

One of social media's most significant benefits is its ability to connect individuals across long distances. People can use social media platforms to interact and stay in touch with friends and family far away. People can now maintain intimate relationships with those they care about, even when physically separated.

Improved Communication Speed and Efficiency

Additionally, the proliferation of social media sites has accelerated and simplified communication. Thanks to instant messaging, users can have short, timely conversations rather than lengthy ones via email. Furthermore, social media facilitates group communication, such as with classmates or employees, by providing a unified forum for such activities.

Negative Effects:

Decreased Face-to-Face Communication

The decline in in-person interaction is one of social media's most pernicious consequences on interpersonal connections and dialogue. People's reliance on digital communication over in-person contact has increased along with the popularity of social media. Face-to-face interaction has suffered as a result, which has adverse effects on interpersonal relationships and the development of social skills.

Decreased Emotional Intimacy

Another adverse effect of social media on relationships and communication is decreased emotional intimacy. Digital communication lacks the nonverbal cues and facial expressions critical in building emotional connections with others. This can make it more difficult for people to develop close and meaningful relationships, leading to increased loneliness and isolation.

Increased Conflict and Miscommunication

Finally, social media can also lead to increased conflict and miscommunication. The anonymity and distance provided by digital communication can lead to misunderstandings and hurtful comments that might not have been made face-to-face. Additionally, social media can provide a platform for cyberbullying , which can have severe consequences for the victim's mental health and well-being.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the impact of social media on relationships and communication is a complex issue with both positive and negative effects. While social media platforms offer many benefits, such as connecting people across distances and enabling faster and more accessible communication, they also have a dark side that can negatively affect relationships and communication. It is up to individuals to use social media responsibly and to prioritize in-person communication in their relationships and interactions with others.

The Role of Social Media in the Spread of Misinformation and Fake News

Social media has revolutionized the way information is shared and disseminated. However, the ease and speed at which data can be spread on social media also make it a powerful tool for spreading misinformation and fake news. Misinformation and fake news can seriously affect public opinion, influence political decisions, and even cause harm to individuals and communities.

The Pervasiveness of Misinformation and Fake News on Social Media

Misinformation and fake news are prevalent on social media platforms, where they can spread quickly and reach a large audience. This is partly due to the way social media algorithms work, which prioritizes content likely to generate engagement, such as sensational or controversial stories. As a result, false information can spread rapidly and be widely shared before it is fact-checked or debunked.

The Influence of Social Media on Public Opinion

Social media can significantly impact public opinion, as people are likelier to believe the information they see shared by their friends and followers. This can lead to a self-reinforcing cycle, where misinformation and fake news are spread and reinforced, even in the face of evidence to the contrary.

The Challenge of Correcting Misinformation and Fake News

Correcting misinformation and fake news on social media can be a challenging task. This is partly due to the speed at which false information can spread and the difficulty of reaching the same audience exposed to the wrong information in the first place. Additionally, some individuals may be resistant to accepting correction, primarily if the incorrect information supports their beliefs or biases.

In conclusion, the function of social media in disseminating misinformation and fake news is complex and urgent. While social media has revolutionized the sharing of information, it has also made it simpler for false information to propagate and be widely believed. Individuals must be accountable for the information they share and consume, and social media firms must take measures to prevent the spread of disinformation and fake news on their platforms.

The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health and Well-Being

Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with billions of people around the world using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay connected with others and access information. However, while social media has many benefits, it can also negatively affect mental health and well-being.

Comparison and Low Self-Esteem

One of the key ways that social media can affect mental health is by promoting feelings of comparison and low self-esteem. People often present a curated version of their lives on social media, highlighting their successes and hiding their struggles. This can lead others to compare themselves unfavorably, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

Another way that social media can negatively impact mental health is through cyberbullying and online harassment. Social media provides a platform for anonymous individuals to harass and abuse others, leading to feelings of anxiety, fear, and depression.

Social Isolation

Despite its name, social media can also contribute to feelings of isolation. At the same time, people may have many online friends but need more meaningful in-person connections and support. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression.

Addiction and Overuse

Finally, social media can be addictive, leading to overuse and negatively impacting mental health and well-being. People may spend hours each day scrolling through their feeds, neglecting other important areas of their lives, such as work, family, and self-care.

In sum, social media has positive and negative consequences on one's psychological and emotional well-being. Realizing this, and taking measures like reducing one's social media use, reaching out to loved ones for help, and prioritizing one's well-being, are crucial. In addition, it's vital that social media giants take ownership of their platforms and actively encourage excellent mental health and well-being.

The Use of Social Media in Political Activism and Social Movements

Social media has recently become increasingly crucial in political action and social movements. Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have given people new ways to express themselves, organize protests, and raise awareness about social and political issues.

Raising Awareness and Mobilizing Action

One of the most important uses of social media in political activity and social movements has been to raise awareness about important issues and mobilize action. Hashtags such as #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter, for example, have brought attention to sexual harassment and racial injustice, respectively. Similarly, social media has been used to organize protests and other political actions, allowing people to band together and express themselves on a bigger scale.

Connecting with like-minded individuals

A second method in that social media has been utilized in political activity and social movements is to unite like-minded individuals. Through social media, individuals can join online groups, share knowledge and resources, and work with others to accomplish shared objectives. This has been especially significant for geographically scattered individuals or those without access to traditional means of political organizing.

Challenges and Limitations

As a vehicle for political action and social movements, social media has faced many obstacles and restrictions despite its many advantages. For instance, the propagation of misinformation and fake news on social media can impede attempts to disseminate accurate and reliable information. In addition, social media corporations have been condemned for censorship and insufficient protection of user rights.

In conclusion, social media has emerged as a potent instrument for political activism and social movements, giving voice to previously unheard communities and galvanizing support for change. Social media presents many opportunities for communication and collaboration. Still, users and institutions must be conscious of the risks and limitations of these tools to promote their responsible and productive usage.

The Potential Privacy Concerns Raised by Social Media Use and Data Collection Practices

With billions of users each day on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, social media has ingrained itself into every aspect of our lives. While these platforms offer a straightforward method to communicate with others and exchange information, they also raise significant concerns over data collecting and privacy. This article will examine the possible privacy issues posed by social media use and data-gathering techniques.

Data Collection and Sharing

The gathering and sharing of personal data are significant privacy issues brought up by social media use. Social networking sites gather user data, including details about their relationships, hobbies, and routines. This information is made available to third-party businesses for various uses, such as marketing and advertising. This can lead to serious concerns about who has access to and uses our personal information.

Lack of Control Over Personal Information

The absence of user control over personal information is a significant privacy issue brought up by social media usage. Social media makes it challenging to limit who has access to and how data is utilized once it has been posted. Sensitive information may end up being extensively disseminated and may be used maliciously as a result.

Personalized Marketing

Social media companies utilize the information they gather about users to target them with adverts relevant to their interests and usage patterns. Although this could be useful, it might also cause consumers to worry about their privacy since they might feel that their personal information is being used without their permission. Furthermore, there are issues with the integrity of the data being used to target users and the possibility of prejudice based on individual traits.

Government Surveillance

Using social media might spark worries about government surveillance. There are significant concerns regarding privacy and free expression when governments in some nations utilize social media platforms to follow and monitor residents.

In conclusion, social media use raises significant concerns regarding data collecting and privacy. While these platforms make it easy to interact with people and exchange information, they also gather a lot of personal information, which raises questions about who may access it and how it will be used. Users should be aware of these privacy issues and take precautions to safeguard their personal information, such as exercising caution when choosing what details to disclose on social media and keeping their information sharing with other firms to a minimum.

The Ethical and Privacy Concerns Surrounding Social Media Use And Data Collection

Our use of social media to communicate with loved ones, acquire information, and even conduct business has become a crucial part of our everyday lives. The extensive use of social media does, however, raise some ethical and privacy issues that must be resolved. The influence of social media use and data collecting on user rights, the accountability of social media businesses, and the need for improved regulation are all topics that will be covered in this article.

Effect on Individual Privacy:

Social networking sites gather tons of personal data from their users, including delicate information like search history, location data, and even health data. Each user's detailed profile may be created with this data and sold to advertising or used for other reasons. Concerns regarding the privacy of personal information might arise because social media businesses can use this data to target users with customized adverts.

Additionally, individuals might need to know how much their personal information is being gathered and exploited. Data breaches or the unauthorized sharing of personal information with other parties may result in instances where sensitive information is exposed. Users should be aware of the privacy rules of social media firms and take precautions to secure their data.

Responsibility of Social Media Companies:

Social media firms should ensure that they responsibly and ethically gather and use user information. This entails establishing strong security measures to safeguard sensitive information and ensuring users are informed of what information is being collected and how it is used.

Many social media businesses, nevertheless, have come under fire for not upholding these obligations. For instance, the Cambridge Analytica incident highlighted how Facebook users' personal information was exploited for political objectives without their knowledge. This demonstrates the necessity of social media corporations being held responsible for their deeds and ensuring that they are safeguarding the security and privacy of their users.

Better Regulation Is Needed

There is a need for tighter regulation in this field, given the effect, social media has on individual privacy as well as the obligations of social media firms. The creation of laws and regulations that ensure social media companies are gathering and using user information ethically and responsibly, as well as making sure users are aware of their rights and have the ability to control the information that is being collected about them, are all part of this.

Additionally, legislation should ensure that social media businesses are held responsible for their behavior, for example, by levying fines for data breaches or the unauthorized use of personal data. This will provide social media businesses with a significant incentive to prioritize their users' privacy and security and ensure they are upholding their obligations.

In conclusion, social media has fundamentally changed how we engage and communicate with one another, but this increased convenience also raises several ethical and privacy issues. Essential concerns that need to be addressed include the effect of social media on individual privacy, the accountability of social media businesses, and the requirement for greater regulation to safeguard user rights. We can make everyone's online experience safer and more secure by looking more closely at these issues.

In conclusion, social media is a complex and multifaceted topic that has recently captured the world's attention. With its ever-growing influence on our lives, it's no surprise that it has become a popular subject for students to explore in their writing. Whether you are writing an argumentative essay on the impact of social media on privacy, a persuasive essay on the role of social media in politics, or a descriptive essay on the changes social media has brought to the way we communicate, there are countless angles to approach this subject.

However, writing a comprehensive and well-researched essay on social media can be daunting. It requires a thorough understanding of the topic and the ability to articulate your ideas clearly and concisely. This is where Jenni.ai comes in. Our AI-powered tool is designed to help students like you save time and energy and focus on what truly matters - your education. With Jenni.ai , you'll have access to a wealth of examples and receive personalized writing suggestions and feedback.

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Mindful Social Media: How to Use Social Media in Positive & Healthy Ways

You can learn to use social media in ways that will only benefit you..

(Lenka Horavova / Shutterstock.com)

Social media: for many of us, it started out as a fun, convenient way to connect with friends. We look back to Myspace as a tool for socializing and expressing ourselves. Many may also remember the early days of Facebook when college buddies could post inside jokes and party photos on each others’ walls. Who remembers the shock of 2006 when Mark Zuckerberg introduced the news feed for the first time?

Sure, social media provides amazing, powerful features for sharing moments and memories, promoting business endeavors, keeping in touch with the people we meet around the world, and so much more. However, without even realizing it, what started out as simple social networking platforms have evolved into something much bigger, potentially harmful, and worth examining.

The Connection Between Social Media & Mental Health

The overrepresentation of attractive people leading idealized lives invites social comparison, personal dissatisfaction, and potentially severe mental health issues. Mounting evidence shows that teenagers and young adults who frequently spend time on social media suffer from a significantly higher rate of depression than previous generations who grew up without.

Meanwhile, rather than building stronger social connections, social media can actually diminish a person’s capacity for empathy. Our brains, which evolved thousands of years before any hashtags or Tweets, have difficulty processing the constant stimulation of online socializing without the ability to read facial expressions and body language.

The Problem with Targeted Ads & Mental Health

“But what if I like getting ads based on my interests?”

Targeted ads might seem convenient, or useful even. After all, you get presented with the type of items you would have needed or wanted without having to shop around or leave the house. The algorithms that monitor social media behavior have become so advanced that traditional advertising aimed to meet the unmet needs of the consumer has evolved into something much more sinister.

In his book, Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now, Jaron Lanier, considered a founding father of virtual reality, writes, “The original ads on Google were cute and harmless. But as the internet, the devices, and the algorithms advanced, advertising inevitably morphed into mass behavior modification.”

“People think they’re being productive and improving society on social media. Actually, they’re not because the part of the social media machine that’s operating behind the scenes, which are the algorithms that are attempting to engage people more and more and influence them on behalf of advertisers,” Lanier explains.

In other words, The algorithms used by Facebook and other popular platforms learn our behavioral patterns, and based on that information, will automatically generate posts and articles that trigger emotional responses, often negative.

Just ask former Facebook VP, Chamath Palihapitiya, who publicly warned about the use of social media:

“It literally is at a point now where I think we have created tools that are ripping apart the social fabric of how society works. That is truly where we are. The short-term, dopamine-driven feedback loops that we have created are destroying how society works: no civil discourse, no cooperation, misinformation, mistruth. And it’s not an American problem. This is not about Russian ads. This is a global problem.”

Healthly Habits for Mindful Social Media Use

Many people, like Jaron Lanier and Chamath Palihapitiya, have started a movement toward minimizing social media use or just to outright get rid of all accounts. While the latter may seem extreme, the facts are clear: those looking to avoid the negative sides of social media need to consider how to use the platforms intentionally in positive, healthy ways.

Start from Scratch

Do you really need to know what kind of sandwich that guy you met at a frat party 12 years ago ate for lunch? Those who have had social media accounts may have accumulated hundreds if not thousands of Facebook “friends” over the years, essentially strangers. We unnecessarily share intimate moments and photos with these people. By deleting your accounts and creating new ones, you can go back and strictly follow or friend the people you actually speak to or consider important in your life.

Decluttering Social Media

Some of us have businesses and other important information linked to social media accounts which make it difficult to just sign off cold turkey. Decluttering accounts helps to slowly remove the pages, friends, and other unnecessary clutter. Ask yourself: Does this person or page bring value to your life? If not, slowly unfollowing or unliking those pages will help control the content you receive on social media and retain the people and pages worth your time.

Delegate Time for Social Media Use

Social media platforms are deliberately addictive for users, and the average adult could spend up to two hours a day on social media . Setting aside a certain period of time each day to catch up with contacts and posts will help regulate how much time you spend on social media. You can also cut time online by keeping your devices in a different room in the house, turning your phone off while working, or by delegating one day a week to unplug.

Delete Apps from Your Smartphone

Having social media apps on your smartphone just increases the impulse to use social media throughout the day. Removing apps from your smartphone eliminates the temptation to constantly check accounts. If you restrict social media apps to certain devices that you use less, like your laptop or tablet, you can designate a limited amount of time each day or once a week for checking updates and responding to messages.

Turn Off All Notifications

The relentless beeping, buzzing, and flashing lights from notifications create a constant flood of distractions. Turning off all notifications across social media platforms means you can decide when to access the apps without getting interrupted throughout the day.

Restrict Social Media to Messenger Apps

People rely on Whatsapp, Facebook, and other apps to keep in touch with friends and family. You can avoid scrolling your news feed and still stay in touch with people by only using the messenger apps on your computer or smartphone. Keep in mind, however, that these apps still harvest the information shared in messages.

Stick to the Positive Side of Social Media

We can use social media as a helpful tool to get beneficial, empowering information. Strictly following posts and people that motivate and inspire will help to counteract the barrage of fake news and incendiary content shared on the web. Follow pages that bring joy to your life such as good news media , wellness sites, spiritual discussions, and other content that will lift you up rather than bringing you down.

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The Pros and Cons of Social Media for Youth

A new review article looks at how social media affects well-being in youth...

Posted October 16, 2021 | Reviewed by Lybi Ma

• Social media has both positive and negative effects on well-being in youth.
• Social media impacts four distinct areas for youth: connections, identity, learning, and emotions.

More than 90 percent of teenagers in the U.S. have a smartphone. Access to this type of technology and social networking changes the playing field for young people who are simultaneously developing a sense of identity and new social relationships.

We have certainly heard about the downside of teens and smartphones: cyberbullying, anxiety , and a misrepresented sense of body image . Research demonstrates there are some benefits too, including the ability to keep in touch with friends and loved ones – especially when the COVID-19 pandemic limited in-person social interactions.

A new systematic review published in the journal Adolescent Research Review combines the evidence from qualitative studies that investigate adolescent social media use.

The authors found, in short, that the links between adolescent well-being and social media are complicated and depend on a broad range of factors.

“Adults have always been concerned about how the latest technology will harm children,” said Amanda Purington, director of evaluation and research for ACT for Youth in the BCTR and a doctoral candidate in Cornell’s Social Media Lab. “This goes back to radio programs, comic books, novels – you name it, adults were worried about it. The same is now true for social media. And yes, there are concerns – there are many potential risks and harms. But there are potential benefits, too.”

Reviewing 19 studies of young people ages 11 to 20, the authors identified four major themes related to social media and well-being that ultimately affected aspects of young people’s mental health and sense of self.

The first theme, connections, describes how social media either supports or hinders young people’s relationships with their peers, friends, and family. The studies in the review provided plenty of examples of ways that social media helped youth build connections with others. Participants reported that social media helped to create intimacy with friends and could improve popularity. Youth who said they were shy reported having an easier time making friends through social media. Studies also found social media was useful in keeping in touch with family and friends who live far away and allowing groups to communicate in masse. In seven papers, participants identified social media as a source of support and reassurance.

In 13 of the papers, youth reported that social media also harmed their connections with others. They provided examples of bullying and threats and an atmosphere of criticism and negativity during social media interactions. Youth cited the anonymity of social media as part of the problem, as well as miscommunication that can occur online.

Study participants also reported a feeling of disconnection associated with relationships on social media. Some youth felt rejected or left out when their social media posts did not receive the feedback they expected. Others reported feeling frustrated, lonely , or paranoid about being left out.

The second theme, identity, describes how adolescents are supported or frustrated on social media in trying to develop their identities.

Youth in many of the studies described how social media helped them to “come out of their shells” and express their true identities. They reported liking the ability to write and edit their thoughts and use images to express themselves. They reported that feedback they received on social media helped to bolster their self-confidence and they reported enjoying the ability to look back on memories to keep track of how their identity changed over time.

In eight studies, youth described ways that social media led to inauthentic representations of themselves. They felt suspicious that others would use photo editing to disguise their identities and complained about how easy it was to deliver communications slyly, rather than with the honesty required in face-to-face communication. They also felt self-conscious about posting selfies, and reported that the feedback they received would affect their feelings of self-worth .

The third theme, learning, describes how social media use supports or hinders education . In many studies, participants reported how social media helped to broaden their perspectives and expose them to new ideas and topics. Many youths specifically cited exposure to political and social movements, such as Black Lives Matter.

On the flip side, youth in five studies reported that social media interfered with their education. They said that phone notifications and the pressure to constantly check in on social media distracted them from their studies. Participants reported that they found it difficult to spend quiet time alone without checking their phones. Others said the 24-7 nature of social media kept them up too late at night, making it difficult to get up for school the next day.

The fourth theme, emotions, describes the ways that social media impacts young people’s emotional experiences in both positive and negative ways. In 11 papers, participants reported that social media had a positive effect on their emotions. Some reported it improved their mood, helped them to feel excited, and often prompted laughter . (Think funny animal videos.) Others reported that social media helped to alleviate negative moods, including annoyance, anger , and boredom . They described logging onto social media as a form of stress management .

But in nearly all of the papers included in the review, participants said social media was a source of worry and pressure. Participants expressed concern about judgment from their peers. They often felt embarrassed about how they looked in images. Many participants expressed worry that they were addicted to social media. Others fretted about leaving a digital footprint that would affect them later in life. Many participants reported experiencing pressure to constantly respond and stay connected on social media. And a smaller number of participants reported feeling disturbed by encountering troubling content, such as self-harm and seeing former partners in new relationships.

“As this review article highlights, social media provides spaces for adolescents to work on some of the central developmental tasks of their age, such as forming deeper connections with peers and exploring identity,” Purington said. “I believe the key is to help youth maximize these benefits while minimizing risks, and we can do this by educating youth about how to use social media in ways that are positive, safe, and prosocial.”

The take-home message: The body of evidence on social media and well-being paints a complicated picture of how this new technology is affecting youth. While there are certainly benefits when young people use social media, there is also a broad range of pressures and negative consequences.

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research at Cornell University is focused on using research findings to improve health and well-being of people at all stages of life.

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At any moment, someone’s aggravating behavior or our own bad luck can set us off on an emotional spiral that threatens to derail our entire day. Here’s how we can face our triggers with less reactivity so that we can get on with our lives.

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7 Positive Effects Social Media Is Having on Society

Social media is often condemned as a bad thing, but there are a number of ways social media is having a positive impact on society...

Is social media having a good or bad influence on society? With the vast majority of us now using social media in some form or another, it's an important question to answer.

While, like everything else, there are some bad things about social media, there are also plenty of positives. And it's those positive aspects of social media that we're here to talk about.

1. Social Media Makes It Easier to Make Friends

One of the biggest positives of social media is that it has never been easier to make friends. Just a decade ago, it was pretty tough to connect with people, unless you were the overly outgoing type able to make conversation with anyone and everyone at a party.

The rise of smartphones helped change this, connecting people in a new way. But then social networks sprang up, and the whole idea of friendship changed again. And there's no going back.

It's entirely possible to have hundreds or even thousands of friends on Facebook. They may not be friends you spend time with in the real world, but they're friends nonetheless. There are several people I consider friends who I have never met in real life, but that doesn't lessen the connection we have thanks to our interactions on social media.

Social media can help you make and keep friends.

2. Social Media Fosters Empathy

All of us probably spend a little too long talking about ourselves on social media sites. Which is perfectly natural. We're sharing our lives---the ups and downs, the twists and turns---with people we think will care.

They generally do care, and will tell you so. They will listen to what you have to say, and help you deal with any problems you may be facing. If this isn't the case, then you may want to find new friends.

The point is that by all of us sharing our experiences on social networks, we're able to empathize with each other. A friend may have gone through a similar ordeal that you are currently going through, and they will be able to help you get through it.

You'll also be able to see for yourself that they made it out of the other side, that this issue didn't derail them, and that they are perhaps better for the experience. Which is another reason why social media is good for you.

Social media can act as a kind of group therapy session.

3. Social Media Allows for Speedy Communication

Our time is being stretched thinner and thinner by work and family commitments. But social networking sites offer a chance to communicate in a speedy and efficient manner, especially when everyone involved is familiar with social media slang terms .

Writing a Tweet takes all of 20 seconds, and with cross-posting to other social networks switched on, that update can reach everyone you want it to reach (and probably more besides) in an instant.

One of the reasons why many people dislike making phone calls is the unnecessary small talk they necessitate. You can't just say what you want to say and then hang up. Because doing so is seen as rude. Instead, you have to swap pleasantries before saying what you want to say, and then swap more pleasantries before the conversation comes to a natural conclusion.

Social media allows you to live a life unhindered by small talk.

4. Social Media Makes the World Seem Smaller

It isn't just your inner circle of close friends and even closer family members that social networking sites allow you to communicate with easily and effectively. One of the good things about social media is its power to open the world up to you, making it a smaller place than it has ever been before.

So much so that I actually haven't a clue where many of my contacts reside. When it comes to social media, everyone is equal, regardless of location.

Family members living abroad can be kept abreast of the latest happenings in your world as quickly as those living next door. Friends you haven't seen since school, and who have since moved away, are able to keep in touch. Social networking sites mean someone's physical location has become a lot less important.

Social media has made the world a much smaller place.

5. Social Media Helps You Build Relationships

There is no doubting that having social networking in our lives can lead to relationships breaking up. But there is another side to the story, which is that people are moving onto other, perhaps better, relationships.

Social networks can put you (back) in touch with people who you have lots in common with, and that common ground is often the starting point for long-lasting relationships.

As painful as breakups can be (even with the help of breakup apps ), they can sometimes be the right thing for all concerned. What's to say that the new relationship, founded on the steps of Facebook, isn't the one that will last? Even if it doesn't turn into a spectacular coupling, it could be the friendship that is needed at the time. Which has to be a positive thing.

Social media can help foster friendships and more besides.

6. Social Media Helps News Travel Faster

New lines of communication have opened the world up in a big way. No more so than when it comes to news, which can makes its way around the world and back again with seconds.

Social media has taken this spread of news to the next level, with eyewitnesses able to report on news stories as they happen. Which means we no longer need to wait for news crews and journalists to be dispatched to the heart of the action.

Of course, some of you will be wondering whether this is actually a good thing based on how prevalent fake news is online. But social media sites are even tackling that problem, increasingly labeling misinformation and directing users to better sources.

So, this isn't the fault of social media, but the users willing to believe anything and everything they read online.

Social media helps news travel further, faster, keeping us all more informed.

7. Social Media Helps You Find Common Ground

As previously mentioned, social networking sites can help you find people you share interests with. Facebook, for example, asks you to list who and what you are interested in right from the start. This makes it much easier to find common ground with other users.

On Twitter you should be following those who have something to say that you're interested in, making connections with like-minded individuals much easier than you would offline.

This does require the sharing of information and giving up a certain amount of privacy. Which is enough for some people to reject social networking outright. Keeping personal information private is necessary, but sharing your likes and dislikes can actually contribute to an open society.

Social networking sites make fitting in easier, as long as you open up a little.

So, Is Social Media Good for Society?

As with most things in life, there are positive and negative things about social networking and the sites that facilitate it. But social isn't inherently good or bad for society. It's capable of having a positive impact on society in the ways outlined above. It all comes down to users and the way they use social media.

Essay on Social Media for School Students and Children

500+ words essay on social media.

Social media is a tool that is becoming quite popular these days because of its user-friendly features. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more are giving people a chance to connect with each other across distances. In other words, the whole world is at our fingertips all thanks to social media. The youth is especially one of the most dominant users of social media. All this makes you wonder that something so powerful and with such a massive reach cannot be all good. Like how there are always two sides to a coin, the same goes for social media. Subsequently, different people have different opinions on this debatable topic. So, in this essay on Social Media, we will see the advantages and disadvantages of social media.

Advantages of Social Media

When we look at the positive aspect of social media, we find numerous advantages. The most important being a great device for education . All the information one requires is just a click away. Students can educate themselves on various topics using social media.

Moreover, live lectures are now possible because of social media. You can attend a lecture happening in America while sitting in India.

Furthermore, as more and more people are distancing themselves from newspapers, they are depending on social media for news. You are always updated on the latest happenings of the world through it. A person becomes more socially aware of the issues of the world.

In addition, it strengthens bonds with your loved ones. Distance is not a barrier anymore because of social media. For instance, you can easily communicate with your friends and relatives overseas.

Most importantly, it also provides a great platform for young budding artists to showcase their talent for free. You can get great opportunities for employment through social media too.

Another advantage definitely benefits companies who wish to promote their brands. Social media has become a hub for advertising and offers you great opportunities for connecting with the customer.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Disadvantages of Social Media

Despite having such unique advantages, social media is considered to be one of the most harmful elements of society. If the use of social media is not monitored, it can lead to grave consequences.

Thus, the sharing on social media especially by children must be monitored at all times. Next up is the addition of social media which is quite common amongst the youth.

This addiction hampers with the academic performance of a student as they waste their time on social media instead of studying. Social media also creates communal rifts. Fake news is spread with the use of it, which poisons the mind of peace-loving citizens.

In short, surely social media has both advantages and disadvantages. But, it all depends on the user at the end. The youth must particularly create a balance between their academic performances, physical activities, and social media. Excess use of anything is harmful and the same thing applies to social media. Therefore, we must strive to live a satisfying life with the right balance.

FAQs on Social Media

Q.1 Is social media beneficial? If yes, then how?

A.1 Social media is quite beneficial. Social Media offers information, news, educational material, a platform for talented youth and brands.

Q.2 What is a disadvantage of Social Media?

A.2 Social media invades your privacy. It makes you addicted and causes health problems. It also results in cyberbullying and scams as well as communal hatred.

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Social Media: Negative and Positive Impacts

It is evident that social media has negative and positive impacts on the lives of many people. MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and other social media networks have brought changes to the communication industry. This can be attributed to advanced technology and innovation. Equally, many people are conducting research with an aim of contributing to social media. In my opinion, social media is part of the human life in the 21st century.

In fact, it has reached a point where people cannot do without social media. However, social media has two contradicting perspectives. One of the perspectives views social media as an aspect that has made life easy as compared to the last century. On the other hand, some people view social media as an aspect that has made more harm than good to society. Thus, this paper seeks to bring out the two aspects in a clear manner.

Social media has enabled people to get connected regardless of the distance between them. For instance, social media has facilitated communication between people in different continents. It has been determined to be the best and cheapest way of communication.

Unlike the use of cellphones, there is an opportunity for video conferencing. Research shows that the only cost incurred encompasses internet services. Once a person is connected to a reliable internet service provider, they can communicate with their friends, peers, family members and other people in any part of the world.

Social media has enabled many people to get connected in many parts of the world. Equally, remarkable business operations have been accomplished through social media. In the same way, social media has enabled people that had lost contact to reunite.

Besides, people need not travel because they can use video conferencing to communicate via social media. Thus, travel costs and the burden associated with traveling have been eliminated by the use of social media.

Equally, social media is used in marketing and advertising activities. This presents customers and consumers an opportunity to make a choice of products that they need. Additionally, social media has seen to it that there is proper dissemination of information of consumer products. Thus, it has seen the proliferation of business activities across the globe.

On the other hand, some people view social media as a bad thing. In fact, some people have associated social media with negative aspects. For instance, they claim that social media makes people lazy. Before social media was invented, people travelled so that they would meet with other people. In most cases, people would walk to the place where they agreed to meet.

Equally, after meeting, some people would decide to take a walk. This made them active and made their bodies healthy. However, the introduction of social media brought about many changes. People became lazy because they would communicate at the comfort of their beds and couches.

Further, this made them have poor health. In fact, most users of social media do not travel or even go for walks. Hence, the body does not burn the extra calories resulting in excess weight gain and the associated medical conditions.

Also, some schools of thoughts say that social media has isolated people rather than connecting them. In my opinion, this is true. For instance, people do not physically meet with their relatives, neighbors, friends, and even peers.

Social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Skype detach people instead of connecting them. People spend most of their time chatting over the social media at the expense of physical meeting. This underpins isolation and personal contact is lost.

There are other times that people misunderstand each other. Research shows that some of them find solace in the use of social media. People whose relationships are not working tend to run to the social media for help. Social media has become a channel of airing their views and sentiments. They are consoled and encouraged on the social media by other social media users.

Equally, some seek fame on the social media. Likewise, some people upload photos of magnificent places and even outfits that they love with the main aim of seeking attention. True to that, they get attention from friends and other users of social media.

However, this does not solve their problems. In fact, the situation worsens. After going offline, they find themselves in the same situation. Thus, they are not even ready to reconcile with their loved ones. Besides, social media has facilitated infidelity and other social evils encompassing marriages. It has facilitated cheating that has led to sour relationships among lovers and couples.

Others social evils that have been associated with social media include sharing of illegal or unethical content. For instance, some users of social media share pornographic material on the internet. Similarly, drug and child trafficking have been associated with social media. Communication relating to the above unethical practices has been achieved through the use of social media networks owing to their security aspects.

In summary, social media is an invention that has made communication and dissemination of information easy. However, it has been associated with negative aspect and social evils. Therefore, people have the responsibility of doing the right thing or ethical things when using the social media.

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Persuasive Essay Writing

Persuasive Essay About Social Media

Learn How to Write a Persuasive Essay About Social Media With Examples

Published on: Jan 26, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 29, 2024

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Are you looking to learn how to write a persuasive essay about social media? 

Perfect, you've come to the right place!

From navigating the power of hashtags to analyzing changes in public opinion, these examples will help guide you on your journey. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro at writing persuasive essays or just a starter, look at these examples to be inspired.

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Brief Overview of Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay persuades the reader or audience to take a particular stance on an issue. It is used to present an opinion on any subject, and it typically takes the form of an academic essay. It includes evidence and facts supporting its arguments.

The writer must use facts and reliable sources to back up his or her claims.

It is also important that the essay should be well-structured. It should have clear arguments and a logical flow from one point to another.

Learn more about crafting perfect persuasive essays with the help of our detailed guide.

Persuasive Essay Examples About Social Media

Are you a student unsure how to write persuasive essays successfully? Well, never fear! 

We've got examples of some amazing persuasive essays about social media that will surely give you inspiration. Let’s take a look at a short persuasive essay example: 

Check these FREE downloadable samples of persuasive essays! 

Persuasive essay about social media on students

Persuasive essay about social media addiction

Persuasive Essay about Social Media Platforms are Danger to Our Privacy

Persuasive essay about social media beneficial or harmful

Persuasive essay about social media privacy

Persuasive essay on social media is bad for students

Examples of Argumentative Essay about Social Media

To help get your creative juices flowing, look at these example argumentative essays about social media below!

Argumentative essay about social media advantages and disadvantages

Argumentative essay about social media addiction

For more examples of persuasive essays, check out our blog on persuasive essay examples .

How Can You Write a Persuasive Essay About Social Media?      

A persuasive essay about social media can be an interesting and challenging task.

Understanding what makes a persuasive essay unique and how to craft arguments that effectively communicate your point of view is important. 

These are a few steps you should follow before writing an effective persuasive essay on social media.

Step 1: Decide Your Stance

First, you must decide on your stance regarding the issue at hand. Are you for or against the use of social media? Are you in support of social media?

After you decide your stance, move on to the research process.

Step 2: Conduct Due Research

Once you have established your position, you must research the topic and develop an argument that supports your stance. 

Make sure to include facts, statistics, and examples to back up your points.

Step 3: Outline Your Essay

Create a structured persuasive essay outline before delving into detailed writing. This roadmap will help organize your thoughts, ensuring a logical flow of arguments. Outline your introduction, key points, counterarguments, and conclusion.

Step 4: Craft Your Introduction 

The introduction should provide context, state the thesis statement , and grab the reader's attention. It precedes deciding your stance and initiates the overall writing process.

Read this free PDF to learn more about crafting essays on social media!

Persuasive essay about social media introduction

Step 5: Write the Body

Organize your arguments logically in the body of the essay. Each paragraph should focus on a specific point, supported by research and addressing counterarguments. This follows the introduction and precedes maintaining a persuasive tone.

Step 6: Address All Counterarguments

It is important to anticipate potential counterarguments from those who oppose your stance. 

Take time to address these points directly and provide evidence for why your opinion is more valid.

Step 7: Maintain a Persuasive Tone

To maintain your audience's attention, it is important to write in a confident and persuasive tone throughout the essay. 

Use strong language that will make readers take notice of your words. 

Check out this video on persuasive writing tones and styles.

Step 8: Conclude Your Essay

Finally, end your essay with a memorable conclusion that will leave your audience with something to think about. 

With these important steps taken into account, you can create an effective persuasive essay about social media!

Step 9: Revise and Edit

After completing your initial draft, take time to revise and edit your essay. Ensure clarity, coherence, and the effective flow of arguments. This step follows the conclusion of your essay and precedes the final check for overall effectiveness.

Persuasive Essay About Social Media Writing Tips

Here are some additional writing tips to refine your persuasive essay on social media.

• Highlight Numbers: Use facts and numbers to show how important social media is.
• Tell Stories: Share real stories to help people connect with the impact of social media.
• Use Pictures: Add charts or pictures to make your essay more interesting and easy to understand.
• Answer Questions: Think about what people might disagree with and explain why your ideas are better.
• Talk About What's Right: Explain why it's important to use social media in a good and fair way.

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Social Media Persuasive Essay Topics

Take a look at these creative and enticing persuasive essay topics. Choose from one of them or get inspiration from these topics.

• Should social media platforms be held accountable for cyberbullying?
• Should age restrictions be stricter for social media access to protect younger users from its negative effects?
• Should social media companies be mandated to prioritize user privacy over targeted advertising?
• Should schools integrate mandatory education on the pitfalls of social media for students?
• Should governments regulate the amount of time users spend on social media to prevent addiction?
• Should social media influencers face stricter guidelines for promoting unrealistic body standards?
• Should there be more transparency about how algorithms on social media platforms amplify divisive content?
• Should employers be allowed to consider an applicant's social media profiles during the hiring process?
• Should there be penalties for social networking sites that propagate false information?
• Should there be a limit on the amount of personal data social media platforms can collect from users?

Check out some more interesting persuasive essay topics to get inspiration for your next essay.

Wrapping up, 

Learning how to write persuasive essays about social media matters in today's digital world is crucial whether you are a high school student or a college student. These examples guide us in exploring both the good and bad sides of social media's impact. 

We hope this persuasive blog on social media has given you a few new ideas to consider when persuading your audience.

But if you are struggling with your essay assignment do not hesitate to seek professional help. At CollegeEssay.org , our writing experts can help you get started on any type of essay. 

With our professional persuasive essay writing service , you can be confident that your paper will be written in utmost detail.

So don't wait any longer! Just ask us ' write my essay ' today and let us help you make the most of your writing experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good persuasive essay topics.

Good persuasive essay topics can include topics related to social media, such as 

• whether or not it should be regulated more heavily,
• the impact of social media on society, 
• how social media has changed our daily lives.

How do you write an introduction for social media essay?

You should start by briefly explaining what the essay will cover and why it is important. 

You should also provide brief background information about the topic and what caused you to choose it for your essay.

What is a good title for a social media essay?

A good title for a social media essay could be "The Impact of Social Media on Society" or "Social Media: Regulation and Responsibility." 

These titles indicate the content that will be discussed in the essay while still being interesting and thought-provoking.

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Comprehensive argumentative essay example on social media, rachel r.n..

• February 22, 2024

What You'll Learn

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media: A Comprehensive Analysis

In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionizing the way we communicate, share information, and interact with one another. With the advent of platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, the world has witnessed unprecedented connectivity and accessibility to vast amounts of information. While proponents argue that social media fosters communication, facilitates networking, and empowers individuals, detractors raise concerns about its detrimental effects on mental health, privacy, and societal well-being. This essay aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the dual nature of social media, exploring both its positive and negative impacts on individuals and society.(Comprehensive Argumentative Essay Example on Social Media)

Firstly, social media platforms serve as powerful tools for communication and networking , allowing individuals to connect with friends, family, and like-minded individuals across geographical boundaries. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter enable users to share updates, photos, and messages in real-time, fostering meaningful relationships and maintaining connections. Moreover, social media facilitates information dissemination, serving as a catalyst for social movements, political activism, and grassroots initiatives. The Arab Spring and the #BlackLivesMatter movement are prime examples of how social media has been instrumental in mobilizing communities and effecting social change.(Comprehensive Argumentative Essay Example on Social Media)

Secondly, social media platforms offer unparalleled opportunities for self-expression and creativity. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube provide individuals with a platform to showcase their talents, share their passions, and express themselves authentically. From photography and videography to music and art, social media empowers individuals to cultivate personal brands and reach a global audience. Influencers and content creators have leveraged social media to build lucrative careers and influence popular culture, democratizing fame and success in the digital age.(Comprehensive Argumentative Essay Example on Social Media)

However, despite its many benefits, social media also has significant drawbacks that cannot be overlooked. One of the most pressing concerns is its impact on mental health and well-being. Studies have shown a correlation between excessive social media use and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The constant comparison to curated and idealized versions of others’ lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy and FOMO (fear of missing out), exacerbating existing insecurities and negative self-perceptions. Moreover, the addictive nature of social media, characterized by endless scrolling and dopamine-driven feedback loops, can disrupt sleep patterns, impair cognitive function, and detract from real-world interactions.(Comprehensive Argumentative Essay Example on Social Media)

Furthermore, social media platforms have raised significant privacy and security concerns, as users’ personal data and online activities are often harvested, analyzed, and monetized without their consent. The Cambridge Analytica scandal, in which the personal information of millions of Facebook users was improperly obtained and used for political advertising purposes, highlighted the inherent risks of entrusting sensitive information to social media companies. Moreover, the proliferation of fake news, misinformation, and online harassment on platforms like Twitter and YouTube has undermined trust in traditional media sources and fueled polarization and division within society.(Comprehensive Argumentative Essay Example on Social Media)

In conclusion, social media is a double-edged sword that presents both opportunities and challenges for individuals and society at large. While it has revolutionized communication, empowered individuals, and facilitated social movements, it has also contributed to mental health issues, privacy breaches, and societal polarization. As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, it is imperative to strike a balance between harnessing the potential of social media for positive change while mitigating its negative impacts through responsible usage, digital literacy, and regulatory measures. Ultimately, the future of social media lies in our collective ability to harness its power for the greater good while safeguarding against its inherent risks and pitfalls.(Comprehensive Argumentative Essay Example on Social Media)

Kent, M. L., & Li, C. (2020). Toward a normative social media theory for public relations. Public Relations Review, 46(1), 101857. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0363811118303527

Hall, J. A., & Liu, D. (2022). Social media use, social displacement, and well-being.  Current Opinion in Psychology ,  46 , 101339. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352250X22000513

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10 Positive and Negative Effects of Social Media on Society

Nowadays, social media is so popular among the young, children, and adults. Each of us uses social media to be updated, to entertain ourselves, to communicate with others, to explore new things, and to connect with the world. Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, etc. are examples of social media. Social media is a part of our lives today, and consciously or unconsciously, it is becoming our habit to continuously go through it and check the notifications.

What is social media?

Social media is a platform where we can communicate with a large number of people, make connections, and interact with them. It operates on the internet.A user usually creates an account on such a platform and allows interaction with the millions of other users available on it according to their preferences and choices. Apart from the interaction, it also allows users to share information, chat with other people, share their opinions, create content, and embrace their differences.

In today’s world, social media is an important part of young people’s lives, determining and shaping their perspectives.The youth typically adopt and pursue social media trends; for example, in dressing styles, the youth adopt dresses and styles that are promoted as trends by social media.

Social media not only allows people to share their opinions, but it also shapes the opinions of its users.Social media have an impact on their users as well as society as a whole, both positive and negative.

Here we will now discuss the negative and positive impacts of social media on society.

Positive impact of social media on   society.

• Builds connectivity and connection: Social media facilitates better communication as well as the development of stronger connections and connectivity around the world. One can talk to a person who lives thousands of miles away from him or her. One can also make connections in his or her respective field or area to promote his or her venture, business, or idea. LinkedIn is an example of social media where you can build connections from across the world and increase your connectivity. Hence, social media is not only connecting people within a society but also connecting people from different societies and cultures, allowing them to exchange their values and beliefs.
• People are empowered by social media because it educates them, makes them aware of them, and gives them a platform to raise their voices, showcase their talents, and promote their businesses. For instance, people on Instagram not only communicate with each other but are also establishing their small businesses and creating content on various things such as dressing style, make-up, fashion hacks, and educational content. Likewise, on YouTube, people do the same thing except chat and earn money through their talent, opinions, and content. Therefore, social media helps generate employment in society and educate its members.
• People are helped both economically and emotionally by social media : Economically, by providing customers to businesses and providing jobs to the unemployed. Emotionally, by demonstrating empathy and love to the people.The person who feels alone should communicate with people online and talk to them. Sometimes, when you post something on your social media account—a sad or happy post—people react accordingly. If you post something sad, people try to cheer you up or console you, and vice versa. Social media in society provides an equal opportunity to be social and interact, especially for those who find it difficult to communicate with others in person.
• Knowledge: on social media, people post massive amounts of content on a wide range of issues and topics. YouTube is a platform where you can find information in English, Hindi, or any other language you are comfortable with. From the fundamentals to the advanced, from simple to complex topics, one can learn for free on social media. There are many teachers, motivators, and religious gurus who provide knowledge in various fields and aspects.
• Provides new skills: Through social media, you can acquire and learn new skills. You can, for example, learn to knit on YouTube or do it yourself (DIY) on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. You can acquire as many skills as you want: cooking, knitting, floral design, rangoli making, python, ethical hacking, etc. Moreover, learning new skills helps one find work and empowers oneself.
• Source to news: social media is a source of news nowadays; people watch news more on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook as compared to news channels and newspapers. People believe that news on social media is more trustworthy and presented in a more interesting format than traditional news channels.
• Sharing of ideas: social media allows the sharing of ideas beyond boundaries, nations, and states. Social media facilitates the exchange of ideas about one’s culture, religion, state, nationality, and environment.
• Raising funds: social media helps many people raise funds for noble causes. Through the help of social media, people start campaigns for donations for a particular case, and everyone can participate in these donations. For Example, Fundraising for blind orphan children
• Creates communities: Social media creates communities of people from various backgrounds who share common interests. People with the same interests connect more with each other. Examples include the science community, the arts community, and the poets’ community. The nature of a community depends on the interests of its members.
• Multiple sources of learning: social media is a hub of knowledge where you can learn anything and everything. The education is provided at no cost. There is not only educational or academic learning, but also other types of learning; you can learn how to improve your personality, improve your communication skills, be more confident, and develop your public speaking skills.

Negative impacts of social media on society

• Contributes to the digital divide: The “digital divide” refers to the gap between those who can access the internet and those who cannot because of illiteracy, poverty, and a lack of resources. Social media is contributing to this by setting trends and engaging more youth, and youth who cannot access or understand the trends, as well as adults, are falling behind.
• Increasing cybercrimes and cyberfrauds : An increase in the use of social media is leading to an increase in cybercrimes and frauds. Cyberbullying, harassment, and stalking are on the rise nowadays, and mostly teenage women are becoming victims of them. Cyber fraud is also on the rise because most people lack digital literacy and are unaware of things like when fraudsters create an account to impersonate someone you know and demand money from you for various reasons.The nature of the frauds varied and could cause confusion and restlessness in your minds.
• Negative information, news, and rumours spread quickly: As the elders say, negativity spreads faster than positivity; similarly, false news or negative news, rumours, and information spread quickly and cause chaos and instability in the social order.Because of the rapid transfer of information, false news or information spreads in no time, which furthers the happenings in society. For example, if you come across WhatsApp messages that claim prejudice or hatred against a particular community, they will spread with more intensity and rage. This false claim creates a false image among people regarding the thing, and the false information is spread. Sometimes, it leads to violent situations in society.
• Social media affects the mental health of individuals: The stalking, cybercrimes, frauds, and hate comments adversely affect people; problems of depression, anxiety, severe tension, and fear are emerging. Sometimes, the conditions get worse, leading to suicide as well. As Durkheim mentioned, suicide is a social fact; either more or less social involvement leads to suicide in an individual, and social media manifests and roots both. For instance, if a user posts her critical view on a sensitive topic, chances are high that she will feel instant backlash from those who are against her views. Another example is that victims of cyberfraud fear using social media. Because of social media, people get traumatised and spend years of their lives living in that trauma and fear.
• People are becoming more addicted to their phones as a result of being disconnected from social reality. People frequently ignore and neglect those around them; they are unaware of what is going on in society because they are constantly immersed in their virtual world, engaging with entertainment and people in their virtual world. People who lack social and communication skills use social media to escape and ignore people in the real world. For instance, we all know a person who has no friends in the real world but has a following of hundreds of thousands on their social media account.
• Effects on health: Social media has an impact not only on mental health, but also on physical health. The constant use of screens such as phones, laptops, and tablets directly impacts the eyes by weakening the eyesight. It also negatively impacts our creativity; it basically lessens our level of creativity. The constant use of social media also makes us lazy and less active, as we are constantly using our devices. People also suffer from insomnia, irritation, and the fear of missing out. As Parsons stated, when an individual is sick, it becomes a non-functional member of society, and sickness is socially sanctioned deviance. In our opinion, social media is also making functional members of society non-functional.
• Unverified information: While social media is undeniably a knowledge hub, not all knowledge and information on it is correct or verified. Due to the large amount of data present on social media, most of it is unverified, and the chances of receiving false information are high. For example, on Facebook and Instagram, you’ll frequently see a post with the words “more you cry, the stronger you become,” and above or below it, “psychological facts”. People consume this false information as fact. There are enormous posts like this. But, in reality, this is far from factual knowledge or information.
• Undermine people: social media do not support people; they often lack support, empathy, and rational behavior. The moment people post something sad or controversial, they start getting backlash, hate comments, and threats, because of which people suffer from anxiety, stress, and depression. People who are unable to follow trends feel isolated. People who are not on social media also feel alienated. People on social media also spread hatred and prejudices against others instead of supporting and appreciating them. People compare themselves to others on social media, which lowers their self-esteem and confidence.
• Make conscious decisions about yourself: People post pictures according to socially constructed beauty standards, in which they seem slim, have radiant skin, and have clear lips (by using filters). Other people who are overweight or slimmer, have acne or pimples on their skin, lack makeup skills, and become self-conscious about their bodies. Teens start to diet, go to the gym, and try to maintain the trending body. Adults also suffer from this. People become self-conscious, which leads to feelings of inadequacy about their bodies and appearance.
• Increased use of poor language: on social media, people use language that has poor grammar, speech, and spelling. LOL, WYD, etc. words are used while chatting with people on social media. The quality of language is deteriorating, and people are losing their culture.

Conclusion-

From the above discussion, we can conclude that despite the various uses of social media, there are many misuses and negative impacts of it on society as a whole as well as on individuals.

Also read: Why do people share everything online?

Yachika Yadav is a sociology post graduate student at Banasthali Vidyapith. She loves to capture moments in nature, apart from drawing and writing poetries. Field of research attracts her the most and in future she want to be a part of that. She is a good listener, learner. And tries to always help others.