This project is about understanding how social media impacts both society and me personally. After reading research and taking a quiz on social media habits, I reflected on how often I use social media and how it affects people around me. 

Survey Result: You’re fairly reliant on social media

According to the quiz, I’m fairly reliant on social media, though not the worst case. This result makes sense because I check social apps often throughout the day, usually out of habit. The quiz reminded me that UK adults spend nearly 9 hours a day on screens, with about 4 of those hours spent on social media apps. That’s a huge chunk of time, and it made me think about how I could be using that time differently. I wouldn’t say I feel addicted, but I do recognize that it can affect my focus, sleep, and even mood. This result encouraged me to rethink how often I scroll and consider ways to cut back. 

"About 59% of U.S. teens report being online almost constantly." – Pew Research Center

I chose this statistic because it shocked me how high the number is, but also because I can relate. Being online feels like second nature now, especially for communication, entertainment, and school. It made me think about how much of my time is tied to the internet and how common it is for people my age to stay constantly connected. This stat reminded me that I’m not the only one, but also that it's something we all need to be mindful of. 

In my opinion, social media has both positive and negative effects on society. It helps people stay informed, connected, and entertained, but it also increases anxiety, comparison, and misinformation. For example, people often feel pressure to look perfect online, which can hurt self-esteem. Social media also spreads false news quickly, which can confuse people or divide opinions. While it has many benefits, I believe social media can become harmful if not used mindfully and in moderation. Society needs to find a better balance between real life and online life. 

I learned that I use social media more often than I realized, sometimes without even thinking. I also learned how important it is to reflect on what I consume and how it makes me feel. This project made me think more critically about my habits and how I can make healthier choices.

Pew Research Center. (2023). Teens, Social Media and Technology 2023. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2023/08/10/teens-social-media-and-technology-2023/
Time to Log Off. (n.d.). Are you addicted to social media? https://www.itstimetologoff.com/social-media-addiction-test/