The Harm of Social Media

Having the world in the palm of our hands is beneficial in ways, but on the other hand, just how dangerous is it?

What is Social Media?

Social media is a collective term for websites and applications that focus on communication, community-based input, interaction, content-sharing and collaboration. People use social media to stay in touch and interact with friends, family and various communities.

Increased Usage

  • The more time spent on social media can lead to cyberbullying, social anxiety, depression, and exposure to content that is not age appropriate.

Online Vs. Reality

  • Social media itself is not the problem. It is the way people use it in place of actual communication and in-person socializing. “Friends” on social media may not actually be friends, and may even be strangers.

Self-Imaging Issue

  • Social media sites provide tools that allow people to earn others’ approval for their appearance and the possibility to compare themselves to others. It can be associated with body image concerns.

Addiction

  • Once you see all the notifications for likes and positive comments popping up on your screen, you’ll subconsciously register it as a reward.

Solution #1

  • Spend less time on social media and more time outside. Playing outdoors allows children to develop self-confidence, independence and self-esteem. They also become aware of limits, boundaries and challenge in their play.

Solution #2

  • People are not always who they seem to be online. Strangers online can have very bad intentions when getting in touch with children and young people. Only become friends with people online that you have checked with and verified that they are the ones in control of the account.

Solution #3

  • Set down the camera and filters. Love yourself for who you are and the beautiful differences you have. Be proud of the person you are and be confident. Self-confidence takes you a long way in this world. Do not compare yourself to others, but challenge your image in the mirror to become a better version of yourself than your past.

Solution #4

  • Set a limit on your screen time. Addiction is a hard thing to overcome, but it is possible. Do not worry about how many likes or comments you recieve on your latest posts, but instead focus on making face-to-face friendships that'll last much longer than a stranger's like on social media.