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

Feb 15, 2023

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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So, whether you're a student looking to better your essay writing skills or want to remain up to date on the latest social media advancements, Jenni.ai is here to help. Jenni.ai is the ideal tool for helping you write your finest essay ever, thanks to its simple design, an extensive database of example essays, and cutting-edge AI technology. So, why delay? Sign up for a free trial of Jenni.ai today and begin exploring the worlds of social networking and essay writing!

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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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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 Editor

7 Example Essays on Social Media

1. The Unprecedented Advantages of Social Media

• Introduction: Diving into the modern digital era, the essence and power of social media cannot be understated in its role of interconnecting the globe. Social media platforms, from the versatile Facebook to the snippet-filled Instagram, have transformed traditional communication paradigms, embodying Marshall McLuhan's global village theory, wherein technologies collapse temporal and spatial barriers, enmeshing the world in a tapestry of interconnected networks, conversations, and shared information.
• Global Communication
• Talent Showcase
• Online Scams
• Conclusion: Henceforth, social media persists as a double-edged sword. On one side, it extols the virtues of interconnectedness, forming an intricately woven global community, while on the other, it presents numerous challenges such as isolation and deception. Navigating through the intricate matrix of virtual interactions necessitates awareness, digital literacy, and an ethic of care to safeguard our psychosocial well-being while fostering genuine global camaraderie.

2. Navigating Through the Downsides of Social Media

• Introduction: While the digital realm opens gateways to global conversations, it is also fraught with myriad challenges that cannot be sidelined. The tumultuous seas of social media harbor storms such as cyberbullying and misinformation, mandating an exploration into its darker aspects. Incorporating the "Spiral of Silence" theory, we probe into the psychological and social impacts brought upon by the negative facets of online platforms, which sometimes lead to stifled voices and impaired social interactions.
• Social Awareness
• Diversified Learning
• Cyberbullying
• Misinformation
• Conclusion: The voyage through the perplexing expanse of social media underscores the quintessential need for a fortified digital ship. Arming oneself with knowledge and analytical skills becomes imperative to steer through the stormy waters of misinformation, negativity, and potential threat, ensuring that the essence of genuine socialization and knowledge acquisition is not drowned amidst the chaotic waves of negatives.

3. Social Media: A Beacon for Social Change

• Introduction: Amidst the clamor of everyday digital interactions, social media has surfaced as a potent platform for societal metamorphosis. The tendrils of change have entwined with the roots of online platforms, providing marginalized voices a stage to echo their stories, demands, and struggles, shattering the conventional barriers of silence and suppression. Theories like the "Power of Identity" by Manuel Castells provide a lens through which we view social media as a catalytic agent for socio-political transformations and grassroots movements.
• Mobilization
• Voice Amplification
• Narrative Manipulation
• Verification Challenges
• Conclusion: Social media, whilst being a pulsating beacon of change and revolution, also demands meticulous scrutiny and verification of cascading information. The power it holds in mobilizing masses and driving socio-political shifts underscores the necessity to approach its offerings with a critical mind and an authentic heart, ensuring that the waves of change are grounded in truth, equity, and genuine social upliftment.

I've expanded on the first three topics with more depth in the Introduction and Conclusion as per your request. Should you require a similar in-depth expansion for the remaining topics, please let me know!

4. The Role of Social Media in Modern Marketing

• Introduction: Peering into the nuanced domain of digital marketing, social media emerges as a colossal pillar that upholds the realms of contemporary marketing practices. By entwining Chris Anderson’s “Long Tail” theory with the exponential surge of online platforms, we decipher the mechanisms through which social media has become an unparalleled medium for businesses, brands, and entrepreneurs to cascade their offerings to a global audience, meticulously carving niches and tapping into diversified consumer bases with unprecedented precision and scalability.
• Targeted Marketing
• Brand Awareness
• Content Saturation
• Privacy Concerns
• Conclusion: Social media, in its versatile and expansive nature, orchestrates a symphony where businesses and consumers converge in a dynamic marketplace. The amplified reach and the nuanced targeting it enables, however, beckon a conscious pondering over ethical practices, data privacy, and the quality of content. The future of digital marketing through social media demands a harmonious balance between strategic brand proliferation and an unwavering commitment towards ethical, consumer-centric practices.

5. Social Media and Mental Health: A Double-Edged Sword

• Introduction: Embarking upon the intricate path of mental health within the social media landscape presents a complex tapestry of supportive communities and potential mental health triggers. The proliferation of online spaces has fashioned both sanctuaries for collective healing and arenas for potential mental health deterrence. The myriad of experiences, from the support found within digital communities to the anxiety spurred by toxic comparison, necessitates an in-depth exploration and conscientious navigation through the omnipresent digital world.
• Support Communities
• Mental Health Awareness
• Comparison Culture
• Conclusion: Thus, social media, a potent tool, enfolds within it the paradox of mental wellness and struggle. The existence of virtual spaces that foster mental health awareness and provide supportive communities commingles with the challenging domains of online bullying, comparison, and potential mental health deterrence. Striking a balance and developing a mindful interaction strategy becomes paramount to harness the positives while safeguarding one’s mental wellbeing amidst the digital tide.

6. Privacy and Security in the Age of Social Media

• Introduction: Traversing through the omnipresent realms of social media, privacy and security emerge as pivotal facets that demand meticulous scrutiny and safeguarding. Amidst the plethora of interactions and data exchanges that social media platforms facilitate, rests a substantial concern pertaining to the safeguarding of user data, personal information, and overall digital privacy. The embodiment of such concerns navigates us through a crucial discourse regarding digital ethics, cybersecurity, and the imperativeness of establishing robust data protection mechanisms.
• Personalized Content
• Seamless Connectivity
• Data Breaches
• Misuse of Information
• Conclusion: Delving into the dimensions of privacy within the digital domain underscores the significant necessity to conjure, implement, and uphold stringent data protection policies and mechanisms. As social media platforms burgeon and data becomes an invaluable asset, the ethical utilization and safeguarding of personal information emerge not merely as a technical requisite but as a moral imperative, ensuring that the digital space remains secure, authentic, and respectful towards user privacy.

7. Future Trajectories: Social Media in the Coming Decades

• Introduction: Envisaging the future trajectory of social media, we stand on the precipice of advanced integrations, technological amalgamations, and potentially, an entirely revamped digital interaction paradigm. Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are no longer distant concepts but imminent integrations, poised to redefine the constructs of digital interactions, online experiences, and the very essence of social media platforms as we comprehend them today.
• Technological Integration
• Immersive Experiences
• Digital Divide
• Hyper-realistic Misinformation
• Conclusion: Standing on the cusp of technological evolution within social media, the future beckons with promises of enhanced, immersive, and potentially transformative digital experiences. However, it simultaneously demands a conscientious, equitable, and ethical approach towards technology development, deployment, and access. Ensuring that the evolution of social media is inclusive, accessible, and ethically configured becomes paramount to navigate towards a future where technology amplifies connectivity, rather than disparity.

These in-depth insights into each topic provide a comprehensive understanding and theoretical grounding, offering a balanced and informed perspective on each facet of social media. If further expansion or specific details are needed, please let me know!

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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.

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Social Media Networks: Positive and Negative Sides Essay

Evidence in a rogerian argument, toulmin method argument, methods comparison, works cited.

Social media are potentially dangerous because of the same features that make digital networks positive in individuals’ lives. Children and young adults perceive social media websites to be very good and can be pushed to join them. There are no dangers on the websites that do not emerge anywhere else online already. In an innovative online space with which members of society are unfamiliar, there is a danger. Like most possible online hazards, problems can begin if data is not monitored correctly. For instance, cyberbullying is allowed by anonymity (Uhls et al. 69). This inconvenience is particularly problematic for teenagers because perpetrators can target and take prey without assuming responsibility for susceptible high school students. Stalking could also be a problem because netizens sometimes can share their location, making it easier for the bullies to monitor their habits quickly.

For constructional reasons, social media bring together people who are dissatisfied, disappointed, and misguided, fosters bad ideas and perceptions further, or even increases the possibility of such things as coordinated terror acts. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to adverse effects associated with innovative advances (Uhls et al. 68). They have been brought up on the Net, social media, and digital innovations, so that these things are an increasingly important feature. Youngsters are also impressive, eager to accept, and comparatively unfamiliar, and can judge by the cloud. The majority of adults nowadays consider what the world was like before introducing the internet, social networks, and portable devices. However, there have been problems, particularly for grownups susceptible to addiction or mental health problems.

Additionally, the emergence of the social media podia promotes the spread of false and unreliable information. In social networks and beyond, the problem of propaganda and misinformation is now critically important. Anyone who finds an incorrect statement on social media may spread it actively by sharing otherwise (Uhls et al. 69). When its creators first post disinformation online, one way of applying it is via the actions of each user of digital networking. Ordinary people can spread information through deliberate sharing on their social networks–a core component of platforms like Facebook and Twitter. However, because the issue is so widespread, the possibility of misleading information in action is relatively rare. Most users who produce misinformation also do not share correct information, so the impact of false news itself can be complex to interpret.

People on social media are more anxious than ever since they spend their time on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. It also leads to severe problems with mental health, including anxiety and depression. Misinformation about current news could lead to the possible causes of undesirable stress. It helps to understand whether the application of digital media is stressful. More information now than ever flows into people’s lives — much of it is distressing and difficult (Uhls et al. 68). Other disruptions and distractions are available. People can now more easily track what friends, frenzies, and enemies do and keep track of raises and falls almost constantly. They can now more easily track what acquaintances, agitations, and enemies do and keep track of their rises and falls almost constantly. The revealing of personal information presents more external pressure to digital media users. These innovations are designed to overcome human lives, generate time and societal pressures, putting people at risk of the negative impacts of stress on their wellbeing.

Notably, regulating the use of the various digital communication podia will play a crucial role in reducing the adversities associated with the inventions. Instead, society will benefit from the use of the different online platforms. For instance, in the digital public sphere of the 21st century, internet giants are vital institutions. Without trustable and dependable institutions governed by public and professional standards, a public realm does not function correctly. Internet regulation aims to encourage internet service providers to become responsible and trusted institutions to support a cheerful and energetic digital public arena. Users can contour what individuals consider, presume, and do by controlling the data and disseminating knowledge. Thus, it is possible to reduce the negative consequences associated with uncontrolled social media applications.

On the positive side, the availability of alternative social media promotes relationship building. The way individuals communicate today is changing with social media. It is to one’s most significant advantage to be aware of every new way of managing their reputation online. The online community promoters of social networking websites claim that they promote enhanced association with family and friends, offering valuable welfare opportunities and materials for teachers, library staff, and students, facilitating political and social change, and disseminating practical information quickly. Community members can connect and voice their opinions with a broad spectrum of target audiences with their personal views about different subjects. The social network sharing function allows an immense number of individuals to express their opinions on any topic. People have the advantage of making groups with like-minded people who share related stories and ask for their views or insights on the subject (Uhls et al. 68). Societies can expand their professional network enormously online from a professional point of view by contacting colleagues, role models, mentors, and other specialists. If people cultivate these relationships, they have a completely new network to use when looking for possibilities or professional advice.

Controlled use of digital communication channels helps boost a community’s mental wellbeing. The companionship of others is essential to individuals’ lives, making humans social beings. Besides, the association has excellent repercussions on their mental health and happiness because our connections are vital. Self-worthiness can be improved, comforted and joyous, prevent stolenness, and even bring more years of life if one is socially connected with others. Many of us have access to social media sites in the present era, including Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. It is important to recall that social networking is not a substitute for actual human connections, though each has its advantages. It requires cooperation with others at personal levels to trigger hormones that reduce stress and leave you feeling happy, healthier, and better. Ironically, spending lots of time on media platforms could make a person feel lonely and separate—and exacerbate psychological problems such as anguish and depression—on a technology that is supposed to bring people together.

The introduction of new social media platforms is crucial for boosting the educational goals of their users. The use of technology in education enables students to obtain more information, interact with educational groups or other systems that facilitate teaching. Networking site tools provide multiple opportunities for participants and entities to strengthen methods of learning. All stakeholders, such as children, teachers, and students, are empowered. Online tools are an efficient way of sharing information and community building. One study shows that YouTube, Snapchat, and Instagram are among teenagers’ best-known online platforms (Uhls et al. 68). Others use it only for entertainment purposes, but it can also encourage excellent and valuable operations. For example, learners use the best software to search for information, promote positive stories, share helpful anything, and participate in projects.

Controlled use of social media can help business people realize their aims of beating their significant competitors for the limited market. Digital networks are not only about customers’ online retailers. Indeed, social media is rooted in the connection between people and people. Businesses have noticed and used various techniques to market their brand the benefits of online networks in the population’s lives. Several custom apps are produced on online platforms with the main aim of promoting the brand or product. As social media marketing is economical and advertisers have an enormous audience, they move more into social marketing (Uhls et al. 68). Social media could be a reliable and straightforward way to launch a marketing strategy with a significant impact with a minimum investment. An excellent digital system should contain an intelligent mix of interactive content or a responsive ‘person’ who can develop a focused public that wants to see the products, services, and brands of their own and advise other companies.

Increased online spending hours may be linked to both addictions and cyberbullying. In recent years, online cyberbullying has become an important topic for young people and social media. But approximately two-thirds say that racially insensitive, misogynistic, homophobic, or religious hate content is often or occasionally found on social media. Unintended stressors from social media cause most teens psychological problems. Although the innovative communication approaches might have negative consequences for the systems’ users, regulating the use of the digital communication tools will help in guaranteeing that they enjoy the associated benefits instead.

I consider the Rogerian argument model to be more effective and easy to write compared to the Toulmin argument. The Rogerian discussion aims to create a cooperative situation between two or more arguing parties. One advantage of the idea of Roger would be that the author or speaker receives the audience’s attention and helps prevent them from reasoning in opposition immediately. In all this, most individuals are sensible because of incomplete knowledge or contextually incomplete position disparities. This theoretical viewpoint assumes that many differences in opinion misunderstand the generally good position of the other party. It acknowledges that most conceptual discrepancies are terminological misinterpretations or misuse (Aqeel et al. 181). The downside is that it takes a lot of work to put ego, empathy, caring for other factions, graciousness, and inventiveness aside. Thus, arguing in such a format makes me value the opinions of the opposing side and ensures that I develop a broader viewpoint when it comes to the issues associated with social media.

However, although the Toulmin model made me present my arguments regarding the benefits associated with using the various social media channels, debaters considering this structure tend to disregard the opinions of the perceived critiques. This type of argument is used when solutions to problems and problems are unclear or absolute, with the sophistication of the contexts taken into account (Aqeel et al. 182). It enables you to assess in detail how each component of your argument works, whether in seclusion and accordance with the others, indicating that the Toulmin method is applicable. Thus, I would consider the Rogerian model because of its inclusive and neutral approach to arguing controversial topics such as social media’s significance.

Aqeel, Asim, et al. “Logical Reasoning and Fallacious in Post Graduate Research in Pakistan.” Pakistan Journal of Society, Education and Language (PJSEL), vol. 6, no.1, 2020, pp. 178-201.

Uhls, Yalda T., et al. “Benefits and Costs of Social Media in Adolescence.” Pediatrics, vol. 2, 2017, pp. S67-S70.

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Bibliography

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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.

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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Science News

Social media harms teens’ mental health, mounting evidence shows. what now.

Understanding what is going on in teens’ minds is necessary for targeted policy suggestions

Most teens use social media, often for hours on end. Some social scientists are confident that such use is harming their mental health. Now they want to pinpoint what explains the link.

Carol Yepes/Getty Images

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By Sujata Gupta

February 20, 2024 at 7:30 am

In January, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook’s parent company Meta, appeared at a congressional hearing to answer questions about how social media potentially harms children. Zuckerberg opened by saying: “The existing body of scientific work has not shown a causal link between using social media and young people having worse mental health.”

But many social scientists would disagree with that statement. In recent years, studies have started to show a causal link between teen social media use and reduced well-being or mood disorders, chiefly depression and anxiety.

Ironically, one of the most cited studies into this link focused on Facebook.

Researchers delved into whether the platform’s introduction across college campuses in the mid 2000s increased symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. The answer was a clear yes , says MIT economist Alexey Makarin, a coauthor of the study, which appeared in the November 2022 American Economic Review . “There is still a lot to be explored,” Makarin says, but “[to say] there is no causal evidence that social media causes mental health issues, to that I definitely object.”

The concern, and the studies, come from statistics showing that social media use in teens ages 13 to 17 is now almost ubiquitous. Two-thirds of teens report using TikTok, and some 60 percent of teens report using Instagram or Snapchat, a 2022 survey found. (Only 30 percent said they used Facebook.) Another survey showed that girls, on average, allot roughly 3.4 hours per day to TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, compared with roughly 2.1 hours among boys. At the same time, more teens are showing signs of depression than ever, especially girls ( SN: 6/30/23 ).

As more studies show a strong link between these phenomena, some researchers are starting to shift their attention to possible mechanisms. Why does social media use seem to trigger mental health problems? Why are those effects unevenly distributed among different groups, such as girls or young adults? And can the positives of social media be teased out from the negatives to provide more targeted guidance to teens, their caregivers and policymakers?

“You can’t design good public policy if you don’t know why things are happening,” says Scott Cunningham, an economist at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

Increasing rigor

Concerns over the effects of social media use in children have been circulating for years, resulting in a massive body of scientific literature. But those mostly correlational studies could not show if teen social media use was harming mental health or if teens with mental health problems were using more social media.

Moreover, the findings from such studies were often inconclusive, or the effects on mental health so small as to be inconsequential. In one study that received considerable media attention, psychologists Amy Orben and Andrew Przybylski combined data from three surveys to see if they could find a link between technology use, including social media, and reduced well-being. The duo gauged the well-being of over 355,000 teenagers by focusing on questions around depression, suicidal thinking and self-esteem.

Digital technology use was associated with a slight decrease in adolescent well-being , Orben, now of the University of Cambridge, and Przybylski, of the University of Oxford, reported in 2019 in Nature Human Behaviour . But the duo downplayed that finding, noting that researchers have observed similar drops in adolescent well-being associated with drinking milk, going to the movies or eating potatoes.

Holes have begun to appear in that narrative thanks to newer, more rigorous studies.

In one longitudinal study, researchers — including Orben and Przybylski — used survey data on social media use and well-being from over 17,400 teens and young adults to look at how individuals’ responses to a question gauging life satisfaction changed between 2011 and 2018. And they dug into how the responses varied by gender, age and time spent on social media.

Social media use was associated with a drop in well-being among teens during certain developmental periods, chiefly puberty and young adulthood, the team reported in 2022 in Nature Communications . That translated to lower well-being scores around ages 11 to 13 for girls and ages 14 to 15 for boys. Both groups also reported a drop in well-being around age 19. Moreover, among the older teens, the team found evidence for the Goldilocks Hypothesis: the idea that both too much and too little time spent on social media can harm mental health.

“There’s hardly any effect if you look over everybody. But if you look at specific age groups, at particularly what [Orben] calls ‘windows of sensitivity’ … you see these clear effects,” says L.J. Shrum, a consumer psychologist at HEC Paris who was not involved with this research. His review of studies related to teen social media use and mental health is forthcoming in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research.

Cause and effect

That longitudinal study hints at causation, researchers say. But one of the clearest ways to pin down cause and effect is through natural or quasi-experiments. For these in-the-wild experiments, researchers must identify situations where the rollout of a societal “treatment” is staggered across space and time. They can then compare outcomes among members of the group who received the treatment to those still in the queue — the control group.

That was the approach Makarin and his team used in their study of Facebook. The researchers homed in on the staggered rollout of Facebook across 775 college campuses from 2004 to 2006. They combined that rollout data with student responses to the National College Health Assessment, a widely used survey of college students’ mental and physical health.

The team then sought to understand if those survey questions captured diagnosable mental health problems. Specifically, they had roughly 500 undergraduate students respond to questions both in the National College Health Assessment and in validated screening tools for depression and anxiety. They found that mental health scores on the assessment predicted scores on the screenings. That suggested that a drop in well-being on the college survey was a good proxy for a corresponding increase in diagnosable mental health disorders. 

Compared with campuses that had not yet gained access to Facebook, college campuses with Facebook experienced a 2 percentage point increase in the number of students who met the diagnostic criteria for anxiety or depression, the team found.

When it comes to showing a causal link between social media use in teens and worse mental health, “that study really is the crown jewel right now,” says Cunningham, who was not involved in that research.

A need for nuance

The social media landscape today is vastly different than the landscape of 20 years ago. Facebook is now optimized for maximum addiction, Shrum says, and other newer platforms, such as Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok, have since copied and built on those features. Paired with the ubiquity of social media in general, the negative effects on mental health may well be larger now.

Moreover, social media research tends to focus on young adults — an easier cohort to study than minors. That needs to change, Cunningham says. “Most of us are worried about our high school kids and younger.” 

And so, researchers must pivot accordingly. Crucially, simple comparisons of social media users and nonusers no longer make sense. As Orben and Przybylski’s 2022 work suggested, a teen not on social media might well feel worse than one who briefly logs on. 

Researchers must also dig into why, and under what circumstances, social media use can harm mental health, Cunningham says. Explanations for this link abound. For instance, social media is thought to crowd out other activities or increase people’s likelihood of comparing themselves unfavorably with others. But big data studies, with their reliance on existing surveys and statistical analyses, cannot address those deeper questions. “These kinds of papers, there’s nothing you can really ask … to find these plausible mechanisms,” Cunningham says.

One ongoing effort to understand social media use from this more nuanced vantage point is the SMART Schools project out of the University of Birmingham in England. Pedagogical expert Victoria Goodyear and her team are comparing mental and physical health outcomes among children who attend schools that have restricted cell phone use to those attending schools without such a policy. The researchers described the protocol of that study of 30 schools and over 1,000 students in the July BMJ Open.

Goodyear and colleagues are also combining that natural experiment with qualitative research. They met with 36 five-person focus groups each consisting of all students, all parents or all educators at six of those schools. The team hopes to learn how students use their phones during the day, how usage practices make students feel, and what the various parties think of restrictions on cell phone use during the school day.

Talking to teens and those in their orbit is the best way to get at the mechanisms by which social media influences well-being — for better or worse, Goodyear says. Moving beyond big data to this more personal approach, however, takes considerable time and effort. “Social media has increased in pace and momentum very, very quickly,” she says. “And research takes a long time to catch up with that process.”

Until that catch-up occurs, though, researchers cannot dole out much advice. “What guidance could we provide to young people, parents and schools to help maintain the positives of social media use?” Goodyear asks. “There’s not concrete evidence yet.”

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Social Media — Social Media Pros and Cons

Social Media Pros and Cons

• Categories: Effects of Social Media Internet Social Media

About this sample

Words: 889 |

Updated: 7 November, 2023

Words: 889 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Table of contents

Advantages of social media, disadvantages of social media, video version.

Hook Examples for Argumentative Essay on Social Media

• A Startling Statistic: Did you know that over 3.6 billion people worldwide use social media? Join me as we explore the impact of this global phenomenon on our lives and society as a whole.
• An Intriguing Quote: As Oscar Wilde once remarked, “Everything in moderation, including moderation.” These words prompt us to examine the balance between the benefits and drawbacks of social media in our lives.
• A Personal Revelation: My own journey with social media led me to question its role in my life. Join me as I share my experiences and insights into the pros and cons of this omnipresent digital landscape.
• A Societal Mirror: Social media reflects the best and worst of our society, from fostering connections to perpetuating misinformation. Explore with me how it both mirrors and shapes our cultural landscape.
• An Evolving Debate: As technology advances and society changes, so does our understanding of social media’s impact. Join me in examining the ever-evolving debate surrounding the pros and cons of this powerful communication tool.
• Van der Bank, C. M., & van der Bank, M. (2014). The impact of social media: advantages or disadvantages. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 4(2), 1-9. (http://www.ajhtl.com/uploads/7/1/6/3/7163688/article_17_vol4(2)july-nov_2015.pdf)
• Abudabbous, N. (2021). Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media and Its Effects on Young Learners. Available at SSRN 4002626. (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4002626)
• Holmes, W. S. (2011). Crisis communications and social media: Advantages, disadvantages and best practices. (https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1003&context=ccisymposium)
• Roebuck, D., Siha, S., & Bell, R. L. (2013). Faculty usage of social media and mobile devices: Analysis of advantages and concerns. Interdisciplinary Journal of E-Learning and Learning Objects, 9, 171. (https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/facpubs/3171/)
• Farrugia, R. C. (2013). Facebook and relationships: A study of how social media use is affecting long-term relationships. Rochester Institute of Technology. (https://www.proquest.com/openview/04bf6121089bb04b74dcaba7486bd814/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750)

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Positive impacts of social networking

Technology has provided the contemporary humanity with different opportunities of which one of the significant possibilities is improved social networking. As of currently Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other networking sites have become embedded into people’s social life, defining behavior and how they free spend time. To some, the negative impacts are conspicuous, but they fail to appreciate the good that has come with social networking. Hence, this argument maintains that microblogging through Twitter are giving people a sense truly expressively themselves while possibilities like dating, improved connectivity and communication, and at best, giving people the opportunities for micro-fame to feel good about themselves.

The positive side or effects of microblogging has been outlined or identified by Manjoo when discussing the prospects and possibilities brought about by Twitter, which to a greater extent, is part of the microblogging community.  An advantage is that social networks have taken over the corporate environment with many businesses currently using the platforms to advertise and even post job vacancies (Manjoo, par. 8). Therefore, spending the few days on Twitter is worthwhile because to a greater extent, a jobless person following, say a tweet from McDonald seeing a job vacancy can apply and get employed.  For companies with significantly large fans, sites like Twitter have helped few of the people to find jobs. However, the only dangers of microblogging is that to a greater extent, there are always problems or issues with expressing one’s thoughts to strangers, but as long as one is okay and not worried about the horrors of have his or her feelings read by the public or strangers, social networking is a means of expressing views and opinions and contributing to the current debates.   In supporting twitter or microblogging, Caroline McCarthy, referred to the growing trend in Twitter’s popularity, which was 310 million at the beginning of 2016 but as at 2017, the number has grown to 328 million. The reasons, as she puts, is that the stream-of-consciousness evident in micro-blogging allows individuals to view one another in a way more true-to-form in comparison to the curated nature of a bog, Instagram or Facebook post.  Hence, microblogging offers the change for expressing true identities when expressing ideas and opinions which to a greater extent provide a profound sense of higher self-esteem.

Another critical and positive impact of social networking is that has improved connectivity and communication among friends. The social sites like Facebook or Myspace are currently exploding in popularity and as such, drawing as many users into their use or adoption every day.  By creating profiles, linking to friends, posting photos, messaging and updating people about the daily activities, the sites have become a means of easy communication and linking up with friends (Lee par. 2).  In essence, communicating with friends through the web is another and constructive way of spending time online, which to a greater extent, shows the positive impacts or side of social media.   On the other hand, the positive effect of social networking is currently being debated as to the extent it is bringing about social fatigue on users or people. As of now, a person is bombarded with many requests, messages and the daily routines of keeping track with friends. Conversely, Lee argues that this depends, because, for instance, teenagers are at the critical age when they need to find and form social cycles, especially establishing new ties when joining college. It is the same as the older generation, those above 30 years who are moving on since they have more to attend to in life. For instance, Lee reports the fall in the social networking site following, especially Facebook’s audience dropping from 8.7 million to a surprising 7.8 million and MySpace dropping from 49.2 million to a worrying 47.2 million(Lee par. 5).  In the real sense, depending on the age or stage in life, social networking connects and improves communication between and among people hence brings about positive effects although this should be balanced with the fatigue that comes with engaging or communicating on the sites.  The dropping following of social networking means that a group of generation is leaving the bracket while new ones (teens and those between 20 and 30 years) and joining the networking sites.

Another positive impact of social networking is how it has created possibilities for dating. Most of the people who seek online or web dating have challenges because of their status, say short, but with online dating, they have the chance to meet partners. Although studies have reported that people lie a lot, they also indicate that fabrication is minimal and from a social perspective, lying can be considered “a social lubricant” thus part of life (E. McCarthy par. 9). Hence, with the interweaving of the dating sites into the social networking sites like Facebook, lying will be decreased, and people will get more chance to find partners.  Essentially, social networking sites are currently connecting people and as such, presenting more possibilities in a busy and dynamic world where people have no time to attend social functions.

Accordingly, the most considerable success or achievement from social networking is giving people the opportunities and chances of becoming or being famous. Social networking has brought about a new era of people being famous, and as such, to some, it is improving their self-esteem.  For instance, from Interprise poll in 2000, the results of the survey revealed that around 50 percent of the kids below 12 years believed that becoming or being famous is an embedded aspect of the American Dream, also confirmed from a survey on British children that confirmed that around 5 and 10 children agreed that being famous is the best thing in the world (Chaudhry par. 15). Therefore, social networking sites are providing people with the opportunities to feel good about themselves especially when they are praised from the pictures uploaded, videos shared or even the tweets posted.  In this case, social networking sites are presenting people with the best opportunities to feel famous, which is an aspect or element of the teenage and younger adult life.

In conclusion, with social media, people have gotten the chance of expressing their true views to the world, mainly through microblogging.  Another consideration is that improved connectivity and communication bonds people and makes individuals develop close relationships. Online dating for those who are disadvantaged or too busy to attend social functions is helping out people to find their spouses. Lastly, people admire and adore fame since it makes them feel good which they get through social networking.

• Chaudhry, Lakshmi. “Mirror, mirror on the Web.”  p. 157-163. 11 Jan 2007. 3 November 2017.
• Lee, Ellen. “Social sites are becoming too much of a good thing.” p. 152-155. November 6, 2006. Web. 3 November 3, 2017.
• Manjoo Farhad. “Do I really have to join Twitter ” p. 148- 150. 10 April 2009. Web. 3 November 2017.
• McCarthy Caroline. “In defense of Twitter.” p. 150-151. 1 September 2017. Web. 3 November 2017.
• McCarthy Ellen. “Oh, what a tangled online dating web we weave.” 155-157. 20 Dec 2009. Web. 3 November 3, 2017.
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