Nowadays, individuals utilize different social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr. The Internet’s rapid growth has also led to significant advancements in social media. With the widespread availability of the Internet, almost everyone uses smartphones, iPhones or other accessible devices that can connect to it, allowing for convenient and efficient living. These tools make it easy to engage in social networking and communicate with friends, family members, and others who are far away. However, if not used correctly, social media can be misused.
Understanding and managing the use of social media among young children is vital. The concern about addiction to social media, specifically Facebook, is significant. Despite claims that drugs or alcohol are more addictive than social media, research from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business has debunked this notion. Recently, researchers from this institution conducted an experiment in Wurtzburg, Germany with 205 participants to examine the addictive traits of various vices.
Throughout the week-long study, participants utilized BlackBerry smart phones to record their desires and whether they succumbed to them. The desires were assessed on a spectrum encompassing slight yearnings to “uncontrollable” ones. These findings demonstrate that social media possesses an addictive quality that renders it challenging to resist. Moreover, numerous individuals remain oblivious to their dependency on social media. Additionally, engaging with social media can result in diverse mental and physical disorders.
Despite the argument that social media can improve mental health by providing a convenient platform for expressing thoughts and emotions, there are concerns regarding its limitations. While it does facilitate connections among people, it is crucial to acknowledge that social media primarily facilitates online interaction instead of face-to-face communication. Psychologist Aric Sigman cautions against excessive reliance on social networking sites at the cost of in-person communication due to possible adverse health effects.
Excessive internet usage can lead to social isolation, loneliness, and a negative outlook. The Biologist warns that these psychological symptoms may result in serious health problems like heart disease, cancer, and dementia. Social media obstructs the development of meaningful relationships by promoting sedentary behavior and lack of physical activity. As a result, this inclination contributes to the emergence of mental and physical disorders. Furthermore, social media is not advantageous for academic or talent growth.
Although many individuals believe that social media is beneficial for showcasing their talents or creations, this viewpoint primarily applies to those who are already skilled in areas such as playing instruments, dancing, or singing. However, if you lack expertise in these pursuits and spend your time on social media instead, it can impede the growth of your abilities. In a prior semester, I conducted surveys investigating the connection between social media usage and studying. Most students reported that utilizing social media does not support them in their academic endeavors.
Students who excel academically tend to spend less time on social media as it has the potential to divert their attention from pursuing their genuine interests. It is crucial to acknowledge the ease with which time can be lost while using social media, as once it’s gone, it cannot be recovered. Instead of indulging in social media, individuals’ prospects for the future would be better served by reading books, studying, exercising or participating in activities such as singing, dancing or playing musical instruments. This holds particular importance for younger generations and children who are more vulnerable to the influences of the digital world.
Social media is widely used by individuals of different age groups, including teenagers, young adults, working professionals, and the elderly. Many people have developed an addiction to social media and use it excessively, regardless of their responsibilities or leisure time. This addiction can negatively impact both mental and physical well-being and also be a unproductive use of time. Therefore, it is crucial to understand and regulate children’s usage of social media.
