Problems of Social Media

Problems of Social Media

Alaina and Sadie

Problems with Social MediaSocial media is a way to connect with others, discover new things, and learn. However, there are some major downfalls to it's use:

• Social media is highly addictive
• It is proven to have negative affects on our mental health (Ever since social media, suicide rates and depression rates in teenage girls has more than doubled.)
• Social media gives everyone with access to the internet a way to manipulate a large amount of the population. It lets people connect and persuade others opinions and actions. For example the riot on the capitol and the attacks on Myanmar.
• Social media is also a very easy and efficient way to spread false information and fake news to people that are gullible and don’t know better. For example the idea that Trump was president of the U.S.

Suicide rates since the rise of Social media:

What will happen if we don't do anything It is important to adjust the way we're using social media and the internet because the negative effects will just continue to grow in numbers and severity. If we don’t do anything, suicide rates will continue to rise and start to effect younger generations sooner. Younger generations will also get exposed sooner when they are more vulnerable to believing fake news and false information on the internet.

Violent protest on the United States Capitol January, 6th 2021:

What will happen if we don't do anything (Part 2):

People will also continue to find ways to manipulate social media to do unethical things that could affect social movements, the economy (for example the sudden rise of Gamestop stock), mental health, and democracy. Our data will also become more exposed to companies and other sources because some tech companies sell our data to make targeting and accurate advertising suggestions, which in the end will profit them.

Social media has been controlling the minds of their users for many years, and it is important that we stop letting it. Spending a large amount of time on social media can be detrimental to your mental health. It can increase anxiety, your self-esteem, and can have many other negative mental health effects. There are many ways that we can reduce our usage:

Improving our usage of social media:

• Reduce or turn off notifications
• Eating meals phone-free
• Moniter the time you spend on your phone

• Don't sleep with your phone in the room
• Find hobbies to replace social media
• Limit screen time

Sources

- Our knowledge - "The Social Dilemma" movie

Thanks!