Introduction:
This project aimed to analyze my personal social media use as well as its impact on society.
Social Media Addiction Survey:
The survey states that my current use of social media is "Congratulations! Psychologists estimate that as many as 5 to 10% of Americans meet the criteria for social media addiction today. But luckily, that's not you! Not checking social media every few minutes doesn't make you feel anxious, as you prefer to live 'in the moment' rather than through your apps. You use social media to your advantage, at work and to connect with friends and family, but you know when to put it away. Keep it up!" I feel that this is a pretty accurate description of my media use over the past few weeks. I decided to delete most of my social media to avoid distractions and minimize outside influence, resulting in improved energy and morale.
Interesting Social Media Statistic:
An interesting fact that I found about social media was that 71% of Snapchat users from the ages of 18 to 29 say that they use the app on a daily basis. A similar statistic was found for Instagram users, with 73% of users visiting on a daily basis. I chose this statistic because it reminds me of how I was part of that statistic not too long ago.
Social Media's Impact on Society:
The impact of social media has been growing by the year. Apps such as TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, X, and so many others are allowing people all over the world to have access to multimedia through the tap of a phone. I believe that this kind of growth is a double-edged sword. Yes, the increase in social media usage allows people to have access to information and entertainment quicker. However, it is very easy to become addicted to using these apps. The main argument for the negative side of social media is its effect on productivity. It is very easy to get caught up in scrolling endlessly, making the user more and more prone to procrastination of daily tasks and responsibilities. It is also having a negative impact on the youth. I worked full-time as a paraeducator last year, and what are normally easy tasks for children the ages of 12 through 14 became much more difficult because of their addiction to their phones. Therefore, I believe that social media does have its benefits, but also has a lot of negative effects on society.
Lessons Learned:
I learned that although my social media usage is healthy at the moment, many people suffer from social media addiction and it is harming their ability to stay productive. I am glad that I have learned to control my usage of social media and look forward to maintaining this good form.
Sources:
Auxier, B. (2021, April 7). Social media use in 2021. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/04/07/social-media-use-in-2021/