Everything in the world contains both good and evil elements. It is now up to man to decide which aspect he will pursue. If something is used for the right and legitimate purposes that benefit all of humanity, its bounties and blessings will obviously be very beneficial. The same is true for social media use.
Social media is a two-edged sword that offers both advantages and disadvantages. Its drawbacks exceed its rewards, whether religious, physical, or social. It is now up to the users to determine how they will profit from it. Despite the fact that the conditions and measurements reveal that even lawful social media users are unable to defend themselves from criminal activities.
Online chat programmes are a source of evil because they allow the devil in, produce misdirection and sedition, and prepare the path for immoral behaviour. Nowadays, social media has become an addiction in which everyone, from toddlers to the elderly, is ensnared.
Experts define addiction as any conduct that hurts your life and you are unable to break the habit despite understanding it. Addiction is defined as online access via social networking sites and screen time on current gadgets. Because social media is dominated by illicit things, it is best to avoid using it for enjoyment and entertainment. Things that are illegal and inadmissible in real life for men and women are likewise illegal and inadmissible on social media, while things that are permitted become legitimate on social media. Free platforms, such as current network technologies and social media, are widely available.
Facebook Depression, an emotional disorder related with social media use, is one of the most well-known negative impacts of social media on teenagers. When a person is made to feel inferior to his or her social media peers, he or she frequently suffers from sadness. Similarly, humans are more interested in what other people are doing than in spending time with themselves. As a result, folks who spend more time on social media suffer from despair and anxiety since it negatively impacts their mental processes and emotions.
Because of the widespread use of Smart phones, cyber stalking has become a big problem, with negative consequences visible everywhere. Different duties, such as academics, classwork, or homework, demand greater focus to deal with anything vital, but todays kids have a tendency of utilising social media at the same time. Most of them thinks multitasking, but its not. According to studies, continual disruption affects concentration and diminishes the capacity to learn and perform. If a person always discloses his or her location, his or her social media pals will know where he or she is. Todays kids are expected and encouraged to update their social media status, share what they are watching, listening to, reading, and checking in from. This behaviour becomes an addiction and causes them to become hyperactive since they are constantly looking for new updates from their buddies.
They monitor every notification and are ready to reply since they feel that responding on time is critical. Social media i one of the biggest causes of sleep deprivation in todays youngsters. They are always concerned about what their peers are posting and sharing, and they may remain active on social media for extended periods of time if not urged to do so. And if they do these things, especially during or soon before sleep, there is a good chance that their sleep may be interrupted.
Suicide is also contagious, according to research, and it may spread through social networks. When a person witnesses a suicide attempt or death, it increases the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and attempts in that individual. Cyber bullying, low self-esteem, social isolation, unrealistic expectations, and internet addiction are some of the other prevalent negative consequences of social media on kids. There are various checkpoints that anyone may use to assess their level of social media addiction. Is he/she disappointed if his/her social media material does not receive likes? What does he/she think about not checking his/her social media accounts for a day? What is his/her true feeling when his/her following drop? Is there a terrible emotion when someone unfollows a social networking account such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Telegram, and so on?
In the present day, youngsters, particularly teens and adolescents, are very sensitive to some elements of lifes growth and development. As a result, the impact of social media use on these youngsters should be of special concern to any informed adult. If not identified and addressed in a timely manner, the negative effects of social media can be hazardous to the health and social well-being of every adolescent and teenager. A positive mental health is essential for academic, professional, and personal success. As a result, instead of squandering a whole day on social media, it is advised to spend only a half-hour every day. Parents must also have constructive dialogues with their children and guide them on how to deal with the circumstance.
Teenagers, in particular, demand their parents undivided attention. Because it is quite impossible to dodge the current social media tsunami. In such a circumstance, it is every persons obligation to protect himself from such temptations and, if necessary, prevent bad social media usage; attempt to use it to steer its positive aspects, and utilise it to carry out remedial activities. Because reform initiatives are desperately needed in this day and age.
Article By
- Ashlyn Tini Pinto, II Yr B.Ed
St Aloysius Institute of Education, Mangalore