Lack of contact with people who hold different viewpoints allows a sort of tribal groupthink to take hold, reducing the quality of everyone’s thinking and the prospects for compromise that are essential in a democratic system. Human beings are social creatures that require the companionship of others to make progress in life. Thus, being socially connected with other people can relieve stress, anxiety, and sadness, but lack of social connection can pose serious risks to mental health [1]. In contrast, downward comparisons occur when we view ourselves more favourably than the other person ‘ for example, by comparing yourself to someone less fortunate. Downward comparisons make us feel better about ourselves but are rare in social media because people don’t tend to post about the mundane realities of life.
Social media not only allows people to share their opinions, but it also shapes the opinions of its users.Social media have an impact on their users as well as society as a whole, both positive and negative. Silicon Valley executives are so frightened of what they have created that they steer their own children away from using their social platforms. These need to be regulated with the same care given to dangerous, addictive drugs. Likewise, a free-speech defense of social media is like saying that drug cartels should be allowed to express themselves by distributing freely.
Recent studies have reported negative effects of social media use on mental health of young people, including social comparison pressure with others and greater feeling of social isolation after being rejected by others on social media (Rideout & Fox, 2018). In a study of young adults, it was found that negative comparisons with others on Facebook contributed to risk of rumination and subsequent increases in depression symptoms (Feinstein et al., 2013). Still, the cross sectional nature of many screen time and mental health studies makes it challenging to reach causal inferences (Orben & Przybylski, 2019). Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which people understand their abilities, solve everyday life problems, work well, and make a significant contribution to the lives of their communities [8].
For adolescents and young adults ages 12 to 21 with psychotic disorders and mood disorders, over 97% reported using social media, with average use exceeding 2.5 hours per day (M. L. Birnbaum et al., 2017). Similarly, in a sample of adolescents ages recruited from community mental health centers, 98% reported using social media, with YouTube as the most popular platform, followed by Instagram and Snapchat (Aschbrenner et al., 2019). Moreover, the findings from such studies were often inconclusive, or the effects on mental health so small as to be inconsequential. In one study that received considerable media attention, psychologists Amy Orben and Andrew Przybylski combined data from three surveys to see if they could find a link between technology use, including social media, and reduced well-being. The duo gauged the well-being of over 355,000 teenagers by focusing on questions around depression, suicidal thinking and self-esteem.
Like microaggressions in offline life, online racism in the form of algorithmic and filter bias can take a toll on mental health, said Brendesha Tynes, PhD, a professor of education and psychology at the University of Southern California, and a member of the APA advisory panel. In an ongoing daily diary study with adolescents, she is finding evidence that people who are exposed to algorithmic and filter bias are at increased risk of next-day depression and anxiety symptoms. But researchers who measure echo chambers by looking at social relationships and networks usually find evidence of ‘homophily”that is, people tend to engage with others who are similar to themselves.
Social media has transformed the way we communicate, engage with others, and consume information. While it has brought numerous benefits, such as connecting people across the globe and facilitating social movements, there is a darker side to this digital revolution. One of the worst side effects that social media has had on society is the rise of cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying involves using social media platforms to harass, intimidate, or spread rumors about individuals. This form of bullying can have devastating consequences on its victims, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicide. The anonymity that social media provides makes it easier for bullies to target their victims without facing any repercussions.
Moreover, the constant exposure to curated and idealized versions of people’s lives on social media has contributed to a rise in mental health issues such as low self-esteem and body image concerns. The pressure to conform to unrealistic standards set by influencers and celebrities online can take a toll on individuals’ mental well-being, leading to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity.
Another detrimental side effect of social media on society is the spread of false information and misinformation. With the proliferation of fake news and clickbait headlines on social media platforms, it has become increasingly challenging to differentiate between credible sources and unreliable sources of information. This has had serious implications on public discourse, polarizing opinions, and undermining trust in traditional media outlets.
Furthermore, the addictive nature of social media has been linked to increased levels of stress and anxiety among users. The constant need to check notifications, likes, and comments can lead to a heightened sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) and a decreased ability to focus on real-life interactions. This has resulted in a generation that is more disconnected than ever, despite being more digitally connected.
In conclusion, while social media has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we interact and communicate, it has also brought about some negative consequences that cannot be ignored. From cyberbullying and mental health issues to the spread of false information and increased levels of stress, the detrimental effects of social media on society are becoming more apparent. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of these side effects and take steps to mitigate their impact on their well-being and relationships.
