Technology advancements have been a blessing to human beings, and today, computers and mobile devices have been a part of our daily lives. The internet is also a part of the technology that many of us have come to appreciate. Basically, in this day and age, it is the internet that makes many the world go round. Social media, for instance, is a part of the internet that has created a greater avenue for people to interact across the globe. Nowadays, social media negative effects are not unknown. Sadly, our youth have taken on the use of social media to the extend that it can have some very severe effects on their overall well being if not monitored or restricted.
As much as social media is known to a great social network tool, its evils in society cannot be overlooked. Youth are susceptible to potential harm posed by social media usage. If not recognized on on time and handled, these negative impacts of social media can be risky to the health and social well being of the youth. The negative effects of social media on youth are as following:
- ANXIETY-We are more curious about knowing what other people are doing rather than spending time for ourselves. Those who spend more time on social media become victims of depression and anxiety because it adversely affects the thought processes and mood. Good mental health is important for study, career, and personal life. Thus, it is recommended to spend only half a hour per day instead of wasting your whole day.
- DECREASED ACTIVITY-Teenagers who use social media heavily do not spend enough time on activities that definitely increase mental abilities, skills, and physical movement. Those who exercise daily, their body releases endorphins that signal our brain to stay positive and reduce depression. Thus decreased activities reduce thee secretion of endorphins and it is causing depression.
- POOR CONCENTRATION-Today negative effects on social media on students can be seen easily. Different tasks, such as schoolwork, classwork, or homework, require more concentration to deal with something important, but now teenagers have a habit of simultaneously using social media. Most of them consider it multitasking, but it is not. Researches show constant interruption has an adverse effect on attention and reduces learning and performance.
- SOCIAL ISOLATION-There is a statistical relationship between the use of social media and social isolation. When teenagers see pictures or videos of a party where they were not invited, it can bring anxiety. It is known as “fear of missing out”. Most of the time, teenage children believe they are connecting to different persons using social media, but actually, they are out of the present moment and their lives. It can become a cause to feel more isolated and a reason for FOMO.
- SLEEP DEPRIVATION-Social media is among the leading causes of sleep deprivation in teens nowadays. They are constantly worried about what their friends are posting and sharing. Adolescents can stay active on social media for longer durations. And if they do these, especially during sleep time or just before the sleep, then there is a high possibility of their sleep being disrupted. The reading can help you understand the importance of sleep and the associated risks of sleep loss.
- LOWER SELF ESTEEM-Most teen girls start comparing themselves with celebrities after spending time on social media and want to look slim, pretty and rich like them. It is normal to copy those persons they admire or consider a role model in the teenage. This imitation can negatively affect their self respect and dignity. Different studies outcomes are that girls who spend more time on social media to portray themselves like celebrities are isolated from friend circles. Their friends will not accept them.
- CYBERSTALKING-Smartphones are connecting people. But, negative effects of smartphones on youth can be seen today. If you’re always sharing your location, then social media friends know where you are. Teenagers are used to updating their status, share what they’re watching, listening to, reading and where they check-in. This habit becomes an addiction and make them hyperactive because they always look for new updates from their friends. They check every notification and alert to respond because they believe responding on time is necessary.
- CYBERBULLYING-A bullying is the use of social media to communicate false, embarrassing, or hostile information to specific users. Among the major effects of social media, cyberbullying is an evil that has become such an atypical today. victims of prolonged cyber bullying often end up with psychological problems like depression, loneliness, anxiety and some even become suicidal.
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