Compare and contrast some of the positive and negative effects of social media.

 Compare and contrast some of the positive and negative effects of social media.

Social media has become quite controversial. Undoubtedly, social media negatively affects users' mental health, body image, self-worth, and overall health. Social media can be extremely draining. I struggle with posting on social media because I fear what people will think of my posts or that I'm posting too much or not enough. I also find myself comparing myself to other people on social media. But social media has also done a lot of good. Social media has allowed people to become more educated on topics, has allowed people to have a space to share their opinions or experiences, has allowed people to keep celebrities or public officials accountable, has allowed information to be available to the public quicker, etc. 

According to Hawra Hashem, in the article “13 Positive Effects of Social Media on Our Society Today,” there are many positive effects we see from social media. Those effects include finding your voice, offering support, and spreading the news. Social media offers a place for people to spread their truths, for example, the “Me Too” movement and “Black Lives Matter.” During those movements many people from all over the world have been able to offer support to those who need it, social media also allows people a platform to receive money for tough circumstances. Social media allows people to receive news and information faster. During the Roe vs. Wade overturning, I was able to get a lot of information about it from social media, and lawyers and other law professionals were able to explain what each detail meant. 

In Lawrence Robinson and Melinda Smith’s article, “Social Media and Mental Health,” they list the negative effects of social media. Those being, inadequacy about your life or appearance, isolation, depression, and anxiety. Social media has made many people insecure about their bodies or appearances. I know from experience how social media can cause you to isolate yourself from other people in your life. I can spend hours in my room, on social media instead of hanging out with my friends or family. Depression and anxiety from social media can affect not only the user watching and absorbing the information but also the user who is creating the information. I know how social media hate and judgment can be very difficult for creators. I have seen many creators have to take breaks from social media or quit social media altogether due to the hate and posting anxiety social media causes. 

Social media has made it possible for so many people to speak up about injustices and has allowed for a lot of good action to be done. Social media has also become a toxic place where cyberbullying has become worse and worse. The effects of social media depend on the person who is using social media taking frequent breaks and not allowing social media to determine your self-worth or mental health is key to a good social media experience.

 

 

References

 

Hashem, Hawra. “13 Positive Effects of Social Media on Our Society Today.” Kubbco, 6 June 

2022, https://www.kubbco.com/13-positive-effects-of-social-media-on-our-society-today/. 

 

Robinson, Lawrence, and Melinda Smith. “Social Media and Mental Health.” HelpGuide.org, 28 

Sept. 2022, https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-health.htm.