Effects of Social Media

There are many effects of Social Media. 

Here are some Positive effects of social media:

Although virtual interaction on social media doesn't have the same psychological benefits as face-to-face communication, there are still some many positive ways in which it can help you stay connected and support your well-being. 

Some things that Social Media enables you too: 

==> Communicate and stay up to date with family and friends around the world

==> Find new friends and communities 

==> Join or promote worthwhile causes 

==>Seek or offer emotional support during tough times 

==> Find a way to express your creativity and self-expression

==> Discover sources of valuable information 

However, there are also negative effects. Here are some of the negative effects of Social Media on mental health:

There’s little research to establish the long-term consequences, good or bad, of social media use. However, multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy social media and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts.

One of the many negative effects is inadequacy about your life or appearance. Even if you know that the images you’re viewing on social media are manipulated, they can still make you feel insecure about how you look or what’s going on in your own life. Since people don't share all aspects of their lives and normally just the good parts this can take an impact on your mental health.

The second negative effect of social media is the fear of missing out. While the fear of missing out has been around far longer than social media, sites such as Facebook and Instagram seem to exacerbate feelings that others are having more fun or living better lives than you are. The idea that you’re missing out on certain things can impact your self-esteem, trigger anxiety, and fuel even greater social media use. 

The third negative effect is isolation. A study at the University of Pennsylvania found that high usage of Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram increases rather than decreases feelings of loneliness. Conversely, the study found that reducing social media usage can actually make you feel less lonely and isolated and improve your overall well-being.

The final thing I will be talking about is about cyberbullying. About 10 per cent of teens report being bullied on social media and many other users are subjected to offensive comments. Social media platforms such as Twitter can be hotspots for spreading hurtful rumours, lies, and abuse that can leave lasting emotional scars.