Social media usage has grown significantly in the recent past. people of different ages utilize various social media platforms in their daily lives. the rapid increment in the utilization of social media is as a result of advancement in technology. Through the media platforms, people are able to get information all over the world, entertain themselves and carry out social interactions between friends from different cultural settings. Although many readily assume that they are safe while using social media platforms, in reality they are not since they are open to all kinds of emotional damage. Despite having several advantages, it is also associated with the negative effects on the people’s mental health. This essay argues that social media can negatively affect people’s mental health, such as their self-esteem, body image, and ability to sleep however, it can also have positive effects, such as making talking to others easier and learning new things.
The greatest concern on the excessive utilization of social media is the effect it has on an individual’s mental health. Several studies have shown that using social media is linked to poor psychological wellness, such as depression, anxiety, and feeling isolated (Abi-Jaoude et al. 136). Using social media too much can lead to addictive behaviors like checking notifications over and over and using social media too much, which can cause people to forget about important activities and social relationships. This addiction, in turn, can make people less social, leave them unprotected, and lower their morale. Moreover, social media can be deceiving since on these platforms people tend to post lavish lifestyle which in turn can impact someone as they feel they are living a substandard life.
Cyberbullying is just another undesirable side effect of using social media. Using a computer or other electronic device intending to hurt, harass, or humiliate another person is known as cyberbullying (Bekalu et al. 69). The extensive use of social media and increasing the time spent online opens the doors to be cyberbullied. Cyber attackers use these platforms to offer users lucrative offers with the links to click so that they can redeem their rewards. Once the links are clicked, the attackers will have access to one’s information and control to their devices. Those subjected to cyberbullying are more prone to experience anxiety, depression, and other forms of mental illness, as stated in a study conducted by Bekalu et al. (71). It can take many forms, including disseminating false information about the subject, publishing offensive remarks or pictures, and sending threatening messages. It is impossible to overestimate how damaging cyberbullying is to a person’s mental health (Kross et al. 55). First, online bullying can cause emotions of worry, anxiety, and terror.
Frequent harassment and harsh comments can wear away a person’s confidence and self-belief, leading to feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy. An individual’s mental health may be badly impacted by this, which may result in sad and hopeless feelings. Victims may find it challenging to focus on their education or work due to continuous harassment that they get online (Kross et al. 61). This may result in subpar academic performance, missed deadlines, and even employment loss, all of which may have negative impact on mental health. Lastly, cyberbullying can cause social retreat and isolation. Victims may avoid social situations and interpersonal interactions because they feel humiliated or embarrassed about what is occurring. This will cause the feeling of loneliness as they feel lack of belonging in the society which in turn affect their mental health
These platforms can make people feel less fortunate, especially if they compare themselves to other people online (Ariantini et al. 99). This is because social media platforms often show an idealized version of real life, which can make people feel bad about their own lives or insecure. Also, social media can make people feel neglected and disconnected if they don’t interact with other people online meaningfully (Ariantini et al. 100). The reason for these feelings is that it can be a shallow way to connect with people and does not give the same level of support and connection as face-to-face interactions.
Peer pressure and online harassment are potential negative effects of social media that can seriously harm people’s mental health and general welfare (Bhimani et al. 263). This is due to the fact that social media platforms give people a place to engage in damaging and unpleasant behavior without being held to the same standard of accountability as in-person encounters. One such effect is the social media addiction phenomena, which can have various detrimental effects like decreased productivity, anxiety, and sadness (Bhimani et al. 258). Since social media platforms are intended to be addictive, people may find it difficult to resist the constant stream of information and excitement they receive. These platforms can also contribute to FOMO (fear of missing out) and social comparison, resulting in low self-esteem and inadequacy (Bhimani et al. 258). This is because social media sites frequently display an idealized reality, making users feel inferior to their peers.
Despite negatively impacting an individual’s mental health, social media have numerous benefits to a person’s life. Social networking has become a potent tool for improving social and mental well-being across various age groups. A 2019 study by Bekalu et al. (73) found that those who use social media often and utilize it for emotional connection and support are more likely to report good mental health and self-rated health. People can interact with others who share their interests and experiences through social media, creating a sense of community and emotional support. Additionally, social media has also been found to be a valuable tool for boosting mental health and suicide prevention among young people, as suggested by Abi-Jaoude et al. (139). Young people can connect with mental health support groups and seek assistance from qualified specialists through social media networks. This has been shown to deliver psychological support, lower despair and anxiety, and prevent young people from engaging in suicidal behavior.
Social media allows people to interact and form groups based on common interests and objectives. This can assist in developing social capital and support networks that can give people a feeling of community and emotional support. Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube have revolutionized how people engage and communicate. Social media now serves as a useful resource for language learners and a way for people to interact with friends and family. The ability to communicate with native speakers and utilize the language in real-world situations is one of the significant advantages of social media in language acquisition. Using social media in English language instruction can boost students’ motivation and language competency (Ariantini et al. 105). Students can communicate with native speakers and practice their language abilities in authentic settings by using these platforms. The abundance of real content available on social networks, including blogs, videos, podcasts, and online forums, can aid language learners in developing their reading, writing, and listening abilities.
Social networking also enables cultural interchange, which is crucial for language learning. Native speakers from various cultural backgrounds can be interacted with by students, who can then learn about their practices, beliefs, and traditions. Language learners can gain a more excellent knowledge of the language and culture they are learning by conversing with native speakers. Postgraduate students frequently struggle with academic loneliness, which can be significantly mitigated by using social media. They draw attention to the fact that graduate students frequently work alone and may have few opportunities for social connection with peers and teachers, resulting in isolation and loneliness. McLaughlin et al. (64) contend that social media might give graduate students a sense of belonging and support. Postgraduate students can interact with peers who share their interests and challenges by joining social media groups or online communities, creating a space for sharing experiences, asking for advice, and getting emotional support. Postgraduate students may feel less alone and be more driven to work towards their academic objectives with the aid of this sense of community.
Social media can be enormously beneficial for postgraduate students studying online or with little possibility for face-to-face engagement with peers and teachers. This is because remote learning can be alienating, and certain students may find it difficult to feel a part of their academic community (McLaughlin et al. 69). These students have access to social media to connect with their classmates and professors, exchange experiences, and get support. Students can participate in discussions, work together on projects, and get constructive criticism on their writing through social media sites. Additionally, these platforms can give distant students access to academic events and activities they might not otherwise have, such as webinars or virtual conferences. Online platforms can also assist students in maintaining contact with their school and the academic community, even when they are not physically present. For instance, students can use social media to stay up to speed on research opportunities, scholarships, other resources, and academic policies and procedures.
In Conclusion, the effects of social media on mental health are complicated, and it’s important to know that there can be both good and bad effects. Researchers have found that how people use social media significantly affects their mental health. When used in moderation and with purpose, social media can help your mental health in a number of ways. For example, social media can help people make friends and feel like they belong, which can be especially important for people who feel alone or left out. Social media can also help people express themselves, be creative, and learn new things, which can improve their overall health.
The use of social media platforms is linked to an increased risk of developing addictive behaviors, engaging in cyberbullying, and experiencing other mental health issues. Conversely, it gives people a platform to connect, share their experiences, and look to others for assistance. In addition to this, it has been utilized as a method for the promotion of mental health and the raising of awareness. As a result, individuals need to gain an awareness of the potential dangers posed by social media usage and formulate plans to reduce the likelihood of these dangers occurring. This may include reducing the time spent on social media, keeping a close eye on one’s feelings while using social media, and getting support from a trained expert if necessary. When used appropriately, one’s social media accounts can potentially become a potent instrument for improving their mental health and overall well-being.
Works Cited
Abi-Jaoude, Elia, et al. “Smartphones, social media use and youth mental health.” Canadian Medical Association Journal, vol. 192, no. 6, 2020, pp. E136-E141. Web.
Ariantini, Kadek Puspa, et al. “Integrating social media into English language learning: How and to what benefits according to recent studies.” NOBEL: Journal of Literature and Language Teaching 12.1 (2021): 91-111. Web.
Bekalu, Mesfin A., et al. “Association of Social Media Use with Social Well-Being, Positive Mental Health, and Self-Rated Health: Disentangling Routine Use from Emotional Connection to Use.” Health Education & Behavior, vol. 46, no. 2_suppl, 2019, pp. 69S-80S. Web.
Bhimani, Hardik, et al. “Social media and innovation: A systematic literature review and future research directions.” Technological Forecasting and Social Change, vol. 144, 2019, pp. 251-269. Web.
Kross, Ethan, et al. “Social media and well-being: Pitfalls, progress, and next steps.” Trends in Cognitive Sciences 25.1 (2021): 55-66. Web.
McLaughlin, Christopher James, and Elizabeth Sillence. “Buffering against academic loneliness: The benefits of social media-based peer support during postgraduate study.” Active Learning in Higher Education 24.1 (2023): 63-76. Web.
