Social media is growing rapidlythroughout the world. The evolution of social media has changed theworld in many ways. It affects each individual in different ways. Today socialmedia can be used as a very helpful tool in changing a person’s life. Of course, one of the main attractions for connecting tothe Internet was, and still is, the ability to better connect with the worldaround us but at the same time can causesuch conflicts which can negatively impact a person.
The overuseof social media can have a highly negative impact on our mental physical and emotionalhealth, and can lead to cyber bullying and social network addiction that is aglobal problem impacting all generations.Heavy users of social media who spend morethan an hour per day on social networking sites are more likely to have poormental, physical and emotional health. Study finds that unrealisticexpectations set by social media may lead individuals with feelings ofself-consciousness, low self-esteem and perfectionism which can be an anxietydisorders. Using social media at night before bed also linked to sleepdeprivation or poor sleep quality. The Blue light that phones, laptop or tabletsscreens emit can cause sleep deprivation for short term effect and damage to theeyes for long term effect. Too much sitting behind the screen can causephysical detoriation like changes in muscle and bone density, visualimpairment, spinal complaints and acceleratingthe aging process. Heavy technology usageoften leads to addiction, especially in teens and young adults.
However, thisaddiction is not limited to the millennial generation, as more adults fromolder generations are starting to utilize social networks to connect withfamilies and friends.. Social networkingwebsites can be more addictive than cigarettes and alcohol. The word “addiction” brings to mindalcohol and drugs.
Over the past 20 years, addiction to social media is a newtype of addiction. It may not causephysical harms, such as those caused by tobacco and alcohol, but it has thepotential to cause long-term damage to our emotions, behavior and relationships.Sudden cessation of online social networking may in some chronic users causesigns and symptoms that at least partially resemble the ones seen duringalcohol, nicotine or drug abstinence syndrome.
Cyberbullying ranges from direct threatening and unpleasant emails to anonymous activitiessuch as trolling. While direct unpleasant emails or messages are themost straightforward form of cyber bullying, Even forwarding a privatenote to a group without permission from the sender is often perceived as cyberbullying. Trolling, the act of deliberately inflicting hatred, bigotry, racism,misogyny, or just simple bickering between people, often anonymously, is alsopervasive in social network. Cyber bullying appears easy to the bullybecause they do not see their victims’ reactions in person, and thus the impactof the consequences is small. In reality, however, the consequences can be lifealtering to the extent that the victims could go as far as taking their livesor become psychologically distressed enough to require medical intervention. Victims of such bullying were found to be more likelyto experience low academic performance, depression, anxiety and self-harm.
.Whilesocial networking undoubtedly plays a vital role in broadening socialconnections and learning technical skills, its risks cannot be overlooked. Thelack or difficulty in self-regulation and susceptibility to peer pressure makesan individual vulnerable to such evils as Facebook depression, sexting, and cyberbullying, which are realistic threats.
In the domain of socialnetworking, this entails all individual to become educated about the advantagesand disadvantages of social networking and themselves joining social networksites. It is essential to be aware of the activities done at social networkwebsites and monitor privacy. It isimperative to remember that social media does not always portray the wholestory and that having genuine communication skills is more important thansocial media. It is up to us to decide how we view social media and howwe allow social networking to either benefit or harm our lives. The moreeducated people become the less time they spend on social, the more theyrealize that there is a lot more life to enjoy.
