What’s your favourite social media app? Is it TikTok? Snapchat? Instagram? Really, this phrase should be altered to “what’s your favourite drug,” because that’s how addictive social media is.
Millions of us all over the world struggle with a healthy phone usage, myself included.
But why exactly is this the case, and what are the negative effects which this new founded technology brings?
Social media has become something we obsess over. With our bodies producing dopamine with every scroll, and with the added aspect of our algorithm transforming itself to suit our interests, it is no wonder why we are so conditioned to keep watching.
For teens, the consequences of wasting many hours on social platforms are severe.
As a sharp increase in young people’s anxiety combined with decreasing self-esteem, our overall happiness and quality of life is beginning to fall.
In addition, the rise of photoshop and editing platforms becoming more common encourages many to adopt a self-depreciating body image. Many compare themselves to people who change their appearance through these editing tools to create the ideal appearance online.
This insecurity to fit the societal expectation of being physically ‘perfect’ has resulted in a new syndrome called ‘snapchat dysmorphia,’ with young people eager to undergo major surgeries to look more alike beauty and glam filters.
This fact is so upsetting, but obviously understandable. It is inhumane to be forced to appear ‘perfect’ all the time, and to struggle to celebrate your own uniqueness and individuality that comes from just being yourself.
Another negative outcome of social platforms is the exposure to fake news, which often provides misinformation (spreading false news regardless of intent) or disinformation (spreading false news with a deliberate intent to mislead) to susceptible children and adults.
This has caused a domino effect for an increase of people believing conspiracy theories and, during times of elections, fake news often provides incorrect propaganda.
Social media ultimately just distorts your reality and perception of life.
Being constantly exposed to unattainable lifestyle which many influencers are seen to be experiencing only dampens your view and appreciation of your own life. It brings a feeling that is isolating.
The real world is much simpler.
