This document shows how social media affects the mental health of students, Essays (high school) of English

Download This document shows how social media affects the mental health of students and more Essays (high school) English in PDF only on Docsity! 1 Introduction Social media became an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionizing the way we communicate, share information and connect with others. With the rise of platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tiktok. People are now more connected than ever before. However, along with the numerous benefits that social media brings, there is growing concern about its impact on mental health (Elizabeth, 2024). One of the key concerns surrounding social media is its potential to contribute to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Research suggests that excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, as individuals compare themselves to others’ carefully curated online personas. The constant exposure of idealized versions of others’ lives can create unrealistic expectations and a sense of dissatisfaction with one’s own life (Lawrence & Melinda, 2024). Moreover, social media can also act as a breeding ground for cyberbullying and online harassment, which can have severe psychological consequences. The anonymity and distance provided by social media platforms often embolden individuals to engage in harmful behaviors, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation among victims (Saleh & Louis, 2024). Additionally, the addictive nature of social media can negatively impact mental health. The constant need for validation through likes, comments, and followers can create a circle of seeking extreme validation, leading to feelings of worthlessness and dependency on social media for self-esteem. This addiction can also disrupt sleep patterns, further exacerbating mental health issues (Attorney Matthew, 2024). 2 However, it is important to know that social media is not entirely detrimental to mental health. It can also serve as valuable tools for support connection and self-expression. Many individuals find solace in online communities and use of social media platforms to raise awareness about mental health issues, reducing stigma and promoting understanding (Sherri, 2023). 5 7. Tiktok is a social media platform for creating, sharing and discovering short videos. The app is used by young people as an outlet to express themselves through singing, dancing, comedy, and lip-syncing, and allows users to create videos and share them across a community (Website). Mental health does not exist on its own. It is an integral and essential part of overall health, which can be defined in at least three ways as the absence of disease, as a state of the organism that allows the full performance of all its functions or as a state of balance within oneself and between oneself and one's physical and social environment (Sartorius, 2002). A growing body of research about college student's mental health concern underlines the need for educators to consider how mental health might affect students and what courses of action are available. This is imperative given how mental illness may hinder student success (Breslau, lane, Sampson, & Kessler, 2008). Different types of negative effect of social media usage on the lives on people The impact of social media on student mental health, particularly regarding feelings of alienation, can have various facets. Here are different types of impacts that social media can have on student mental health and feelings of being isolated from a group or an activity to which one should belong : 1. Depression 6 Using social media more often, though, increases “fear of missing out”(FOMO) and feelings of adequacy, satisfaction, and isolation. In turn, these feelings negatively affect your mood and worsen symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. 2. Fear Social anxiety hosed on the idea that other individuals are having more fun or doing something more interesting while you're "missing out" social media can exacerbate feelings of “fear of missing out” (FOMO) as people are typically posting their best experiences that they deem "post-worthy" 3. Envy Social media envy are upward social comparisons, where you compare yourself to people who are seemingly better-off for whatever reason. These are often celebrities and people with a lot of money who might have nice houses and cars, and we often cannot compare our own lives to theirs 4. Low self-esteem One study found that adolescents who use social media for more than three hours per day are at increased risk of developing mental health problems. They are specifically at risk for mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, negative self-image, and loneliness (Woods HC, et al., 2016) 7 Conclusion The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health is one of the problems in this generation. That is why we need to know what the impact are by using social media because there are so many students that got addicted social media platforms such as facebook, Instagram, twitter, and snapchat, people are now more connected than ever before. This term paper aims to explored the impact of social media on mental health, focusing on the potential negative effect that may have on individuals’ well-being. Teens also use social media for entertainment and self-expression, and the platforms can expose teens to current events. These feelings negatively affect your mood and worsen symptoms of depression, anxiety, and higher levels of stress and you may also experience feeling of exclusion, loneliness or anxiety when you see post of other enjoying a good time. while social media has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we communicate and connect with others, it also poses significant risks to mental health. The constant exposure to idealized versions of others' lives, cyberbullying, and addictive behaviors can contribute to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. However, it is crucial to strike a balance and use social media in a mindful and responsible manner to mitigate these negative effects and harness its potential for positive mental health outcomes.