It comes as no surprise that 76% of internet users have a social media account of some kind given that the majority of people now have access to the internet. Additionally, as more people have access to the internet at home and on their phones and other mobile devices, this number has consistently increased over the past ten years.
Social media was developed to keep individuals updated on their lives and to foster tighter relationships. However, a lot of people are becoming overly dependent on social media and prefer to look for attention and social “interaction” online as opposed to in person. Additional examples of how social media is ruining our society include:
Antisocial behaviour: As more young people, including elementary school children, acquired social media accounts, we should have anticipated that millennials would become less sociable in the real world. Kids and young adults prefer to maintain their social media profiles over engaging and socialising with those around them. Children are using their phones in public settings like parks and restaurants to update their statuses and see who Sally is seeing right now. Instead of engaging with those around them, their eyes are glued to their phones.
Addiction: When people hear the word “addiction,” they frequently conjure up images of drug and alcohol abuse, but social media may be just as compelling. These addicts are forced to post status updates on a variety of social media sites, including Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter, to name a few. On these websites, they not only keep up with their everyday life but also update and read what other people have to say. Unfortunately, since they would rather check their phones or laptops than go out and spend quality time with friends and family, persons with this addiction could find that it interferes with their life.
EverytEverything posted is out there for all to see: While sharing a photo of Fluffy and you cuddling up after a hard day at work might not seem like a huge deal, there are some postings and images that could endanger people’s opportunities. People you don’t want to view could, for instance, see that one rant about your cheating boyfriend/girlfriend or even a photo from that wild party.
While applying for a job, internship, or even to be on a sports team, a manager or coach can instantly Google a person and read some quite intimidating posts. An employer can find it offensive or see it as a sign that a candidate lacks the qualities necessary for the employment.
Picking sides: Social media platforms are ideal for controversies. People can express their opinions on different topics, including politics, current affairs, and other subjects. This might seem like a fantastic way for people to express themselves and be who they are. However, if the opposing position is far more popular than the poster’s own, they may decide to join the group to escape jeers or to refrain from posting at all.
Another issue with these fiercely contested subjects is the spread of incorrect information as a result of well-liked posts by notable people. Additionally, some publications contain content with strong opinions that the general public misinterprets because it is taken too literally.
Cyberbullying: Without a question, the most serious problem with social media is cyberbullying. Bullies can harass individuals online without ever meeting them in person. This can be just as harmful as physical bullying because it can significantly harm the victim’s psychological well-being. Unfortunately, because it isn’t reported to the proper authorities or anyone, the majority of cyberbullying remains unchecked. Because cyberbullying might seem caustic or humorous when it targets the victim directly, it can be challenging to spot.
Although I don’t suggest for individuals to stop utilising social media, they should be aware of its disadvantages. People need to be aware of both their own and other people’s postings.
