Social Media Impact

Description:

During this project, I researched the usages of social media in society and its effects. I focused primarily on youth however social media impacts adults just as much.

Lesson Learned:

I learned that social media can really affect mental health. I recognized a long time ago that my increased usage was making me feel anxious and stressed, so I decided to cut back drastically. Since then, my mental health has improved by focusing more on real-life connections and taking breaks from social media. My life has been so much better, and nothing beats living in the moment instead of my head buried in a phone.

Social Media Addiction Survey

The results from my "Am I ADDICTED to social media?" quiz stated,

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 agree with my results. I spend maybe an hour or 2 on social media every day, and that may be pushing it! Betwen school, work, and my home life, I don't have much time for social media.

Social Media Statistic:

I was shocked when seeing half of the U.S TikTok users get news on the site. TikTok isn’t a reliable news source. While many people get their news there, a lot of stories are often debunked as false. Since anyone can post without fact-checking, misinformation spreads quickly, making it nearly impossible to trust what's being shared. I know I have seen a ton of political news on TikTok that I researched and found that 99% of the information was in fact falsified. With that being said, it’s pretty alarming that half of the U.S. relies on TikTok for news...

Social Media Impact on Society:

Social media, especially apps like TikTok, can really affect mental health. While it’s great for connecting and having fun, it can also lead to stress or feeling bad about yourself. When you see everyone else’s “perfect” life online, it’s easy to feel like you don’t measure up. The pressure to get likes or attention can also make things worse. Spending too much time on social media can also mess with sleep and make it harder to focus on real-life relationships. It’s important to recognize how social media makes you feel and step towards limiting your usage when feeling overwhelmed.

Sources:

Beshay. (2025, January 17). A closer look at Americans’ experiences with news on TikTok. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/01/17/a-closer-look-at-americans-experiences-with-news-on-tiktok/
Katella, K. (2024, June 17). How Social Media Affects Your Teen’s Mental Health: a Parent’s Guide. Yale Medicine; Kathy Katella. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/social-media-teen-mental-health-a-parents-guide

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