Human beings are adapted to social life. To survive in life, we require the company of others, and the quality of our relationships has a significant bearing on both our mental health and enjoyment. Social engagement with others has been demonstrated to avoid loneliness, ease stress, anxiety, and depression, boost self-esteem, and bring comfort and joy. On the other hand, a lack of solid social ties can seriously jeopardise your mental and emotional well-being.
However, everything in excess is harmful just like the addictive use of social media. Social media problems are a common reality today. Unfortunately, teenagers and students have become so accustomed to using social media that, if not controlled or regulated, it might have very negative impacts on their general well-being.
Negative effects of social media on students
How do students respond to social media? We should understand that adolescents and teenagers are particularly susceptible to several aspects of life’s growth and development. Thus, every informed adult should pay close attention to the effects that social media use has on these kids. It is important to quickly identify social media’s detrimental effects. Here are 10 major negative effects of social media on students:
Anxiety
Instead of taking time for themselves, students are more interested in knowing what others are doing and about other’s personal life. Social media negatively impacts the thinking processes and emotions of those who use it more frequently, making them depressed and anxious. For study, job, and personal life, good mental health is crucial. As a result, it is advised to limit your time to a half-hour per day rather than waste the entire day.
Cyberstalking
Currently, cyberstalking is the biggest issue. People are connecting through smartphones. But we can already see how harmful smartphones are to young people nowadays. Your friends on social media will be aware of your location if you frequently update your social media. Teens are accustomed to sharing their viewing, listening, and reading habits as well as where they check-in. When they are always checking for new updates from their connections, this habit turns into an addiction and makes them hyperactive. They feel that responding promptly is vital, thus they check each message and alert.
Isolation
The use of social media and social isolation are statistically associated. Students especially teenagers may become anxious when they view images or recordings of a party to which they were not invited. The phrase “fear of missing out,” or FOMO, is the perfect Genz phrase for it. Teenagers who use social media frequently think they are connecting to new people, but in reality, they are disengaged from the present and their lives. That may make them feel more alone and they might really feel left out and hence social isolation.
Higher Expectations from the world
You won’t be shocked if I claim that social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat are to blame for unrealistic expectations and friendships. The validity of other people’s actions cannot be verified.
In an ideal world, no one would lie on social media, but show business and promotion tactics won’t be changing anytime soon. Influencers on YouTube and Instagram are tied to these tactics in order to draw viewers. This influence can have a negative impact on the students and might lead them to succumb to self-doubt.
Unbalanced sleeping schedule
One of the main factors contributing to kids’ lack of sleep today is social media. They are continuously concerned with what their friends share and post. If they are not told to stop, students can remain engaged on social media for longer periods of time which will cost them their sleeping routine. If individuals engage in these activities, particularly during or right before sleep, there is a strong likelihood that their sleep may be disturbed.
Low self-esteem
Most students especially girls start comparing themselves to celebrities in an effort to be slender, attractive, and wealthy like them. Teenagers frequently imitate someone they look up to or view as a role model. Their dignity and sense of self may suffer as a result of this emulation.
Lack of Concentration
Today, it’s simple to see how social media has a negative impact on many students?. Nowadays, students have a habit of accessing social media at the same time as other tasks that call for more concentration, such as academics, classwork, or homework. Although it is not multitasking, the majority of them think it is. Studies have shown that having your focus constantly interrupted hinders learning and performance.
Social media addiction
Students who use social media without moderation may develop an addiction to the internet. Children are exposed to fresh ideas and stories on social media more frequently the more time they spend on it. This behavior gradually develops into an addiction that, if not treated promptly, may have an impact on the child’s academic performance, mental health, and even personal growth.
Cyberbullying
A cyberbully is someone who uses social media to spread untrue, humiliating, or antagonistic content or comments against certain people. Cyberbullying is one of the main negative impacts of social media that has become increasingly common in recent years. Long-term cyberbullying victims frequently develop psychosocial issues such as sadness, loneliness, stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Some even contemplate suicide.
Distraction from life goals
Because it’s so simple to become engrossed in social media activity, students frequently forget about their actual goals. Teenagers these days aspire to internet popularity rather than setting their sights on their dream careers by developing practical talents.
Setting and achieving objectives requires a lot of effort and drive. When we don’t feel like working hard, social media gives us an easy avenue to divert our attention. As a result, we may find that we just don’t complete tasks since finding distractions is so simple.
Conclusion
Limiting access to social media to certain times of the day can help students focus on their studies and other activities while avoiding the potential negative impacts of social media. Encouraging students to use social media in positive ways, such as sharing information and connecting with peers, can help them make the most of their online experience is much beneficial. Remember it’s not what you use but how you use it.
About the Author
The Emissary is also a global mass media platform where teens can connect and learn alongside other teens with similar interests. The Emissary comprehends and is also keen on discussing issues concerning youth. The Emissary stands to provide a space for teenagers with a global facet to every aspect, enriching them with the imperative exposure that leads to highly beneficial experiences.