The digital world is constantly evolving. Social media allows individuals to share creations, ideas, and information in seconds. This project highlights data about social media's impact on me and society!
This Quiz asks a series of questions reguarding social media usage. Questions focus on frequency of usage, satisfaction, and number of accounts.
My results according to the survey:
"You might not be 100% addicted (yet!), but you definitely need to evaluate how much time you're spending scrolling on your social media accounts. It may not be making you happy. One study by Facebook of teen Instagram users in the US and UK found more than 40% of those who reported feeling “unattractive” said the feelings started when using Instagram. It's a good time to start thinking about decluttering your digital life through a social media and digital detox!" (Am i addicted to social media?)
Reflection:
I agree with the survey suggestion of evaluating usage and limiting social media usage. It also provides insight on reflection questions. Although I think that the statistic from a Facebook survey on Instagram may be a questionable surveyor. It is important to note users can post to FaceBook and Instagram through linked accounts. This quiz and statistics may be dated, as Meta owns Instagram and Facebook. This raises concerns because the apps are highly connected and it suggests one platform will have a better emotional impact than the other.
Pew Research Center shares information on platform specific use. Below you can view the statistics on social media usage in U.S. adults through 2012 till 2021.
I believe this is an interesting gathering of data because from 2018 till 2021 Youtube and Instagram usage grew rapidly. This shift may have been from the transitions of photo to shorter video media.
YouTube has the highest percentage of usage at 81% of U.S. adults using this platform. I relate to this data as Youtube is always a platform I reach for if i want to learn something or play music videos.
Social media has created a digital world to interact with others through sharing photos, videos, and ideas. Apps have been created specially for each type of media. For example, Youtube focuses on longer videos while Instagram had a focus on sharing photos. Media expanded the ability to engage with each other through features such as tagging, commenting, and direct messaging.
I believe social media has both postive and negative impacts on society. Developments of communication and digital sharing has played a vital role in supporting those who own businesses and travel. Sharing messages within seconds has allowed people to connect with long distant friends, share recipes, and advertise products. This has impacted society by allowing people to continue relationships despite distance.
Although some draw backs of social media are the impact it has on mental health, production of fake news, and development of false sense of community. Social media should be used with caution and individuals need to understand the impact their posts can make for the better or worse.
Through this project I have reflected on my social media use and would like to limit the frequency that I rely on social media for entertainment. Something i thought was interesting was amount of Americans that use YouTube!
Auxier, B. a. (2021, April 7). Social Media Use in 2021. Retrieved from Pew Research Center: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/04/07/social-media-use-in-2021/
Team, E. (2022, January 26). “Am I Addicted to Social Media?” quiz. Time to Log Off. https://www.itstimetologoff.com/wp_quiz/am-i-addicted-to-social-media-quiz/