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Social
media is any website or App that allows social interaction. Social media is
growing rapidly throughout the world. More adults and teenagers are joining
sites and apps such as Facebook, whats app,MySpace, and Twitter to interact
with friends, family, and strangers. The introduction of social media has
changed the world in many ways. It affects each individual in different ways.
Today it can be used as a very helpful tool in changing a person’s life, but at
the same time cause such conflicts which can negatively impact a person. While
there are some negatives associated with social media, the positives in
communication all around, has made the world stronger and a better place to
live in.
Let’s explore the
darker side of social media and exactly how (and why) it’s bad for you. You’ll
be surprised to learn the negative effects of social media are both physical
and mental. It can change your perception of the world and yourself, and not
always for the better.
1.
Depression and Anxiety
Do you spend more than two hours per
day on social media? Spending too long on social networking sites could be
adversely affecting your mood. In fact, you’re more likely to report poor
mental health, including symptoms of anxiety and depression.
2.
Cyberbullying
Before social media, bullying was
something only done face-to-face. However, now, someone can be bullied online
anonymously. Today everyone knows what cyberbullying is, and most of us have
seen what it can do to a person.
3.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is a
phenomenon that was born at the same time as Facebook—and it’s one of the most
common negative effects of social media. FOMO is basically a form of anxiety
that you get when you’re scared of missing out on a positive experience or
emotions that someone else is getting.
This fear is constantly fueled by your
social media engagement. The more you use social networks, the more likely you
are to see that someone is having more fun that you are right now. And that’s
exactly what causes FOMO.
4.
Unrealistic Expectations
This one probably comes as no surprise,
but social media helps you to form unrealistic expectations of life and
friendships. The networks that do it most are Facebook, Instagram, and
Snapchat. Those are the social media platforms that severely lack online
authenticity.
6.
Unhealthy Sleep Patterns
On top of increased rates of anxiety and
depression, spending too much time on social media can lead to poor sleep.
Numerous studies have shown that increased use of social media has a negative
effect on your sleep quality.
If you feel like your sleep patterns
have become irregular and that this is affecting your productivity, try and
avoid spending a significant amount of time on social media.
7.
General Addiction
Social media is often described as
being more addictive than cigarettes and alcohol. With the worst social media
apps being Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat when it comes to addiction. TikTok
is the latest social network with addictive qualities.
Don’t know if you’re addicted to your
social networks? Think when was the last time you went a full day without
checking your social media accounts? What if your favorite social networks
completely disappeared tomorrow; would it make you feel empty and depressed?
If you just realized you’re addicted to
social media, don’t worry, as most of us are there with you in varying degrees.
And it’s not necessarily a reason to go and wipe yourself off all those social
networking platforms.
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