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Social Media: Its poor effects on society

Lucy Jones

South Piedmont Community College

ENG 111: Writing and Inquiry

6 October 2023
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Introduction Paragraph:

Social media has transformed how we communicate, express ourselves, and view the

world in the current digital era. However, there is a lot of controversy surrounding how social

media affects mental health. Understanding the intricate interactions between social media and

mental health can be improved by understanding the complex dynamics of the human mind.

Societal media's extensive societal influence has sparked worries about its effects on mental

health, underlining the need for additional research and oversight. Societal media's extensive

societal influence has sparked concerns about its effects on mental health, underlining the need

for additional research, and management.

First Subtopic:

Social media's societal influence has led to substantial concerns about its implications on

mental health. Social comparisons can be harmful as a result of continual exposure to

well-controlled and frequently romanticized depictions of other people's lives on websites like

Instagram and Facebook. The polished façade displayed on social media is regularly compared

by people to their own real, flawed lives, leading to feelings of inadequacy, poor self-esteem, and

even melancholy.

Social media's compulsive qualities, which are meant to keep users interested for long

stretches of time, can result in a variety of mental health problems. As people frequently check

their phones late into the night, excessive use can interfere with sleep cycles, which has an

adverse effect on general well-being. Additionally, the "fear of missing out" (FOMO)

phenomenon, which is supported by ongoing updates and notifications, can lead to worry and

tension because people feel under pressure to always be connected.

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Through social media, the prevalence of cyberbullying and online abuse has increased,

posing serious risks to mental health. These platforms' anonymity and distance make it simpler

for people to act cruelly, which causes victims emotional discomfort, anxiety, and, in extreme

situations, suicidal ideation. In conclusion, while social media has many advantages, its societal

impact on mental health has given rise to legitimate worries that call for cautious thought and

moderation in use.

Second Subtopic:

Social media's societal impact has highlighted the urgent need for more research in a

number of important areas. The long-term implications of excessive social media use on mental

health are a subject of considerable concern. Although several studies have found links between

social media use and mental health problems, more thorough and long-term studies are required

to demonstrate a causal relationship, pinpoint particular risk factors, and comprehend how

different social media platforms affect different demographic groups.

Social media is clearly having an impact on the transmission of inaccurate information,

polarization, and misinformation. The methods by which misleading information spreads on

these platforms must be further investigated, as well as how it affect outcomes in public opinion,

political debate, and even public health. It is essential to look at ways to mitigate the harm that

misinformation causes to society.

Ongoing research is needed to determine how social media affects privacy, data security,

and ethical considerations. Research is necessary to inform policymakers and safeguard users'

rights and welfare in light of ongoing technological breakthroughs and changes in social media

usage patterns. Fundamentally, the social impact of social media acts as a strong impetus for
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ongoing research to better comprehend and address the intricate problems that these platforms

provide in the modern era.

Third Subpoint:

Social media's societal impact has highlighted the urgent need for better control and

oversight. Better content control and fact-checking methods are required as a result of worries

about the dissemination of false information and fake news. Social media companies should

enact stricter standards and accountability mechanisms as authoritative sources of information to

stop the spread of misleading or damaging content.

Concerns regarding the need for greater rules and oversight of these platforms have been

expressed in light of issues relating to data privacy and security. Recent incidents have made it

clear that in order to protect users' personal information, there is a need for strong data protection

legislation and strict enforcement. Rebuilding trust in social media firms requires greater

transparency and audits of data handling procedures.

Social media platforms must make a determined effort to combat cyberbullying and

online abuse. To make online spaces safer, stricter rules, quicker responses to reports of abuse,

and improved mechanisms to shield users from harassment are essential. In summary, social

media's effects on society have highlighted the need for more careful control and more rigorous

oversight to make sure that these tools improve our lives while minimizing their bad effects.

Conclusion:

Social media's widespread societal influence has unavoidably sparked concerns about its serious

effects on mental health. These worries highlight the necessity for more study as well as better
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platform management. It is crucial that we work toward a deeper comprehension of the complex

connection between social media and mental health as we navigate this digital era. Informed

decision-making will be enabled by thorough study, allowing us to recognize and address the

myriad problems that these platforms provide. In order to ensure that social media enhances our

lives while minimizing any possible harm it may cause, careful administration and monitoring

are essential. We may use social media's transformative power while preserving mental health by

jointly pursuing these options. We can take advantage of social media's transformative power

while preserving people's mental health and general well-being as well as society as a whole if

we work together to pursue these paths.

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Works Cited

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2020,

summitpsnews.org/2020/03/24/social-media-has-changed-the-lives-of-modern-society/.

United Nations. “The Impact of Digital Technologies.” Www.un.org, United Nations, 2020,

www.un.org/en/un75/impact-digital-technologies.