Social Media Impact

In this project, I'll explore how social media effects people negatively and positively and data usage. Additionally, I will evaluate my relationship with social media. 

I was asked to take a social media addiction quiz, but I no longer use social media because I realized it wasn't doing me any good for my mental state. It made me hyperaware and anxious, especially about my appearance, and I wasted hours of my day. I figured, why spend time on this app giving the creators more money, when I could be focused on something else more productive and actually invest in myself and my wellbeing? I realized without social media my mind had less noise and I was less irritable, overstimulated, and more introspective. Without social media I mainly just talk to my cousins over facetime, chores, go on family dates, food runs, play rhythm games, and watch movies/anime.

Since I'm choosing a side, I feel like social media has a negative impact on society. While people always point out the positives, such as staying connected and learning new things, the reality for a lot of us is more draining.

1. Less individuality 

I feel like social media has a "sheep" mindset. Because of how TikTok and Instagram algorithms work, people change their personality, style, or hobbies every month just to fit in for a new trend. It feels like nobody is their own person anymore, just what the algorithm tells you what's hot right now.

 
2. The comparisons 

Second, there's constant hits to our self-esteem, especially teen girls. We're comparing our looks and status to everyone else's highlights. Even if you know the photo is ultra-filtered or faked, it can still lead to low self-worth. You measure yourself based on likes, views, and clout.

 
3. Wasted potential 

I also learned for myself there's so much wasted time and negative influences, especially for younger kids. We spend hours scrolling on content that we won't even remember in 5 minutes, giving these apps more money, when you could be doing something else that actually improves your life. These apps aren't really free; you pay with your attention. They hire millions of scientists and psychologists to get you addicted. 

Conclusion

Overall, I feel like the connection we get from these apps aren't worth the cost of our mental wellbeing and originality. The negativity outweighs the benefits we get from being online. 

With this lesson, I reflected on my thoughts on social media and usage data regarding social media apps. I also reflected how social media impacts people in both negative and positive ways. 

Roughly three-quarters of teens visit YouTube daily, while around 6 in 10 say this about TikTok | Pew Research Center. (2024, December 12). https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/12/12/teens-social-media-and-technology-2024/pi_2024-12-12_teens-social-media-tech_0-03/