Is Social Media more helpful or harmful to young people? |
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By: Arianna Denney
Social media affects people in many ways. Social media has become an important part of young people’s lives. It may seem like a beneficial platform for communication and self- expression, it is important to know the potential harm it can cause to some people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Social media platforms show unrealistic expectations and people often compare themselves to other people because of it. Highschool student Sophia Moore says, “Social media can lead to comparisons and the sense that you're not good enough or as good as somebody they saw on social media." This can lead to low self-esteem or even depression. This can really affect people mentally. Social media can also fuel cyberbullying, someone may say something rude about you and that can ruin your day and can cause you to want to change your appearance. This can cause young people to want to isolate themselves and start to feel alone.
The addictive nature of social media can distract people. For example, people can be staring at their phone while crossing the road. Nicole Lyn Pesce publisher of the Market watch says, “People who send text messages from their smartphones while crossing the street compromise their safety more than the users who talk on the phone or listen to music while out and about.”. Highschooler Arynn Reeves says, “Young people tend to think social media is all that matters and dedicate their lives to creating a "perfect" image of themselves to share to the virtual world." Endless scrolling and constant need for comments and like can distract people from their responsibilities, personal growth, or schoolwork.
Social media has many bad affects that young people cannot ignore. It is important for adults who need digital citizenship and provide support and guidance and wellbeing of the world. Highschooler Siah Dennis says “"Social media can help young people stay connected with other people that's why it's social." Social media can help and harm people but if used the correct way it should be a fun platform for people to use.
Social media affects people in many ways. Social media has become an important part of young people’s lives. It may seem like a beneficial platform for communication and self- expression, it is important to know the potential harm it can cause to some people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Social media platforms show unrealistic expectations and people often compare themselves to other people because of it. Highschool student Sophia Moore says, “Social media can lead to comparisons and the sense that you're not good enough or as good as somebody they saw on social media." This can lead to low self-esteem or even depression. This can really affect people mentally. Social media can also fuel cyberbullying, someone may say something rude about you and that can ruin your day and can cause you to want to change your appearance. This can cause young people to want to isolate themselves and start to feel alone.
The addictive nature of social media can distract people. For example, people can be staring at their phone while crossing the road. Nicole Lyn Pesce publisher of the Market watch says, “People who send text messages from their smartphones while crossing the street compromise their safety more than the users who talk on the phone or listen to music while out and about.”. Highschooler Arynn Reeves says, “Young people tend to think social media is all that matters and dedicate their lives to creating a "perfect" image of themselves to share to the virtual world." Endless scrolling and constant need for comments and like can distract people from their responsibilities, personal growth, or schoolwork.
Social media has many bad affects that young people cannot ignore. It is important for adults who need digital citizenship and provide support and guidance and wellbeing of the world. Highschooler Siah Dennis says “"Social media can help young people stay connected with other people that's why it's social." Social media can help and harm people but if used the correct way it should be a fun platform for people to use.
