Negative Effects of Social Media: December 2023

Sam Knapp

Professor Rico

LA 1050

December 7, 2023

The Negative Effects of Social Media

Social media is among the most common apps and websites people use today. Social media allows people to meet other people, stay informed, keep in touch with friends, or promote a business. The most common apps are Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat. With social media growing in popularity, we find ourselves at a crossroads. Society gets much enjoyment out of social media, but at the same time, it has a negative effect on people. In recent years, it has become increasingly known that social media can have a negative impact on people and their mental health. This essay will examine how social media can cause social anxiety and depression, cyberbullying, and eating disorders.

Caring for our mental health has become more of a normalized concept, but there is not much said as to what causes our mental health to decline. Current data and statistics show that social media adversely affects people with increased time spent on apps and websites. Social media tends to show unrealistic views of other people's lives, which can cause a whirlwind of emotions. I decided to interview one of my male friends to see his opinion of social media.

Interview

Q: How often do you use social media?

A: I use it every day

Q: What apps do you use most often?

A: The apps I use often are Instagram and Facebook.

Q: How often do you use the apps?

A: I use it for like an hour every day

Q: Does it affect your mental health?

A: It does a little

Q: Have you ever thought you wished to be as skinny, handsome, or in shape as someone in a photo?

A: Yes, I have.

Recognizing Social Media Addiction and its negative impacts – Kevi_Sakhrie Q: Did you ever want to lose weight or change yourself because of it?

Q: How did you overcome it?

A: I had to realize that I couldn't live my life thinking I needed to look like someone else. I have to be happy in my own skin and be comfortable with who I am.

Q: Do you talk to someone when you're sad about it?

A: Yes, I do. I think mental health needs to be taken more seriously.,

Social Anxiety and Depression

Using social media has been shown to be correlated with social anxiety and depression. One reason the correlation seems more than coincidental is that an increase in depression and anxiety occurred in tandem with the rise in smartphone use. Now, let us get into my reasons. The first reason is that “people are spending much less time connecting with their peers in person and more time connecting electronically, principally through social media” (Miller 7). This means the lack of human interaction can leave someone feeling disconnected and unable to decipher reality. “The less you are connected with human beings in a deep, empathic way, the less you are getting the benefits of a social interaction” (Miller 8). The lack of human interactions is what may cause depression and anxiety. I read an article in Harvard Magazine and it explained that people who use social media are more prone to depression and anxiety. It was also reported that “researchers identified links between particular social-media platforms and depression in certain age groups. For example, Facebook use was associated with depression among people younger than 35, but not for those over 35. In the over-35 group, TikTok and Snapchat were connected to depression symptoms” (Harvard Magazine 6). It looks like the more we use social media, the less we think about being present at the moment. Another aspect of social media is when people are reviewing others’ social activity, “people tend to make comparisons such as, “Did I get as many likes as someone else?,” or “Why didn’t this person like my post, but this other person did?” They are searching for validation on the internet that serves as a replacement for meaningful connection they might otherwise make in real life” (McLean 10). If people are not getting the validation that they are looking for, it can make them depressed or anxious. Continuing on this cycle does nothing to help someone’s mental health.

Cyberbullying

Another reason people are affected by social media is cyberbullying. Let us begin by defining what cyberbullying is; it is the “use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person. Online threats and mean, aggressive, or rude texts, tweets, posts, or messages all count. So does posting personal information, pictures, or videos designed to hurt or embarrass someone else” (Ben-Joseph 1). Cyberbullying can be easier to commit because the bully is not confronting them face-to-face. Hiding behind a screen gives them the courage to say things they would not usually say. With cyberbullying, people can be tormented every time they check their computer or device. It has been shown that “cyberbullying can lead to serious, long-lasting problems. The stress of being in a constant state of upset or fear can lead to problems with mood, energy level, sleep, loss of appetite, and suicidal thoughts” (Ben-Joseph 6). Cyberbullying can happen to anyone at any age if you are using a social media platform. There are different types of cyberbullying. Examples are offensive name-calling, spreading false rumors, receiving explicit images that were not asked for, and physical threats. Unfortunately, statistics show that "61% of people say they are bullied for their appearance, 25% for academic/intelligence, 17% for race, 15% for sexuality, 15% for financial status, and 11 % for religion" (Seitz 9).

Eating Disorders

Lastly, social media can cause eating disorders in both men and women. The definition of an eating disorder, defined by the American Psychiatric Association, is a "behavioral condition characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions. They can be severe conditions affecting physical, psychological, and social function" (APA 1). Being unhappy with your body weight or shape is the primary reason for eating disorders, but spending a great deal of time on social media can be a contributing factor. One study found that "adolescents and young adults put too much focus on how they are perceived online. This makes them very conscious about body weight, body shape, calorie intake, and exercise" (Dutta 9). It does not help the situation when there are Instagram and TikTok accounts that are made to glorify eating disorders and make them look glamorous. Viewers start to think that having an eating disorder is attractive, and it grabs people's attention. Not all people are triggered by what they see, but there is still a large group that is. Social media platforms like YouTube states, "We work hard to strike a balance between removing harmful videos about eating disorders and allowing space for creators and viewers to talk about personal experiences, seek help, and raise awareness" (Conger 18). If you think about it, is it really enough being done? Some users are getting wise to the rules and hide the fact that they are promoting eating disorders. People are impressionable, especially adolescents, and the celebrities they follow also set bad examples. Celebrities post what they barely eat, photoshopped pictures, or their third workout of the day, setting an unattainable standard. These unattainable standards increase viewers' desire to be thin and what drastic measures they need to take to achieve it.

In conclusion, it has become increasingly known that social media can have a negative impact on people and their mental health. The adverse effects can cause social anxiety and depression, cyberbullying, and eating disorders. Some people can not see their lives without social media and are unaware of what it may be doing to them. Having a healthy relationship with social media is your best bet, limiting how much time you spend on it. With mindfulness, we can learn to focus on the good parts of social media and avoid the common pitfalls.