Project Description:
To explore the impact social media has on myself and society.
Reflection on Results:
After completing the online "Am I Addicted to Social Media Quiz?" I can honestly say that I agree with the results. I am FAIRLY reliant on social media. I only have two social media accounts, Facebook and Instagram. I don't post on them for myself. I mostly just use them to see what is going on in the world, find local events in my area, and be influenced on things to buy. I figure if I didn't have social media, I would be watching tv, so it's an even trade I guess.
Interesting Social Media Stat:
An interesting stat I found after reviewing the articles provided to us was this one (pictured above).
49% of Facebook users say they visit the site several times a day. This aligns with my own results from the quiz.
Social Media Societal Impact:
Social Media has a positive and negative impact on society. It offers users quick access to news and events, networking and community, and activism awareness. However, on the negative side, it can be a source of misinformation, privacy risks, cyberbullying and increased mental health issues. The key takeaway is to protect yourself from the negatives. Be mindful and aware. Take breaks from social media as you see fit. I don't foresee it going away, only continuing to progress and cause more impact.
Lessons Learned:
The quiz I took pretty much confirmed what I already knew about my social media use. I do see it having a negative impact on my self image at times, seeing what others post about their own life. I often go back and forth about just cancelling my accounts and deleting the apps for my own mental health. But, then I justify the reasons for keeping them such as staying aware of current news, and I frequently use it for viewing local business accounts, finding good deals, and searching for fun events to attend. So instead, I began unfollowing accounts that I don't really know why I follow if it causes me such stress. I will also try to set more limits on the amount of times a day I am on social media.
Source:
Auxier, B. a. (2021, April 7). Social Media Use in 2021. Retrieved from Pew Research Center: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/04/07/social-media-use-in-2021/