Social Media can Harm an Individuals Mental Health by Zainab Sherzai

Background Information

zainabsherzai — 2024-11-21 00:29:13 UTC

In the year 1997 is when social media platforms began to form and launch. Apps like Friendster, Live Journal, LinkedIn, MySpace, and Facebook were the major apps. Later on apps like Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Reddit, and Pinterest started to emerge.

My Stance

zainabsherzai — 2024-11-21 00:29:29 UTC

I am against social media. Based off readings and statistics the cost of having social media out weights the benefit. Yes, you may be able to connect with friends and make some new ones along the way, but you can also create anonymous online enemies. Not only that but addictions also come into play with social media. These addictions can become so bad that individuals may become depressed or develop anxiety.

1st Piece of Evidence

zainabsherzai — 2024-11-21 00:29:47 UTC

59% of American teens have reported being cyberbullied, being name called, having false rumors about themselves, unsolicited receipt of explicit images, physical threats, and other harmful occurrences. Digital addiction can cause mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Addiction to social media has been reported to be just as addictive as cigarettes

2nd Piece of Evidence

zainabsherzai — 2024-11-21 00:30:00 UTC

Users on platforms can spread biased information about race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other aspects. Misinformation thrives on social media because users are less likely to fact check information on a post they agree with. Misinformation on social media about politics, health, or disasters have caused severe harm, casualties, and irreversible effects.

3rd Piece of Evidence

zainabsherzai — 2024-11-21 00:30:12 UTC

Social networking companies collect sensitive information about a user, they can collect data about activities, interests, personal characteristics, political views, purchasing habits, and online behaviors. According to the website, tracking and behavioral advertising by social media companies is not limited to the platforms themselves. Platforms like Facebook use hard-to-detect tracking techniques to follow users across a variety of apps, websites, and devices. Even those who intentionally drop out of social media platforms are affected by their data collection and advertising practices. Much of this information can be hacked and be used for identity thefts or other crimes.

4th Piece of Evidence

zainabsherzai — 2024-11-21 00:30:30 UTC

Viewing others on social media platforms can make you feel like and you life is inadequate. Seeing others having fun and being happy on posts may make you want your life to be like theirs. Although we are aware that people share highlights of their lives, instead of their low points, it doesn't lower the envy you may have against someone's accomplishments or satisfaction. We also are aware that photo posts have a chance to be manipulated yet many individuals criticize and compare their appearances to the post. This can further lead someone to depression and anxiety.

Why Should We Care?

zainabsherzai — 2024-11-21 00:30:49 UTC

We as a society should worry about social media because sensitive information can spread like a wildfire in a matter of days. Some information may even be false about someone. These false accusations can ruin someone's image. As an individual I care about this situation because having social media can increase the risk of being cyberbullied or gaining an addiction which can distract me and take me away from focusing on work.

Current Event

zainabsherzai — 2024-11-21 01:57:17 UTC

South Australia is proposing a law to ban kids under 14 from social media. Social media companies would have to take "all reasonable steps" to prevent children under the age of 14 from accessing their platforms, and teens between the ages of 14 and 15 could only use them with parental permission. The article concludes that the proposed ban is a controversial issue, with some experts arguing that it is a "misguided attempt to make the internet ‘safe’" and others supporting the move to protect young people from the potential harms of social media.