Social media has been growing in popularity since the early 2000’s. Whether it’s Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or any other social media site, many people tend to rely on the use of social media for everyday life.
Some social media sites can at times be harmful. As technology advances, the possibility emerges for toxic and unhealthy trends. Screen time is going up, which means that more people are being exposed for longer periods, meaning that they are more likely to see something harmful.
“Of particular concern to some who track screen time is an upswing in social media use among children ages 8 to 12, on platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook, even though such platforms require users to be at least 13 because of a law that prohibits companies from collecting data from children,” according to a report by Common Sense Media.
Students at Northwood tend to spend at least some time daily on social media. When walking through the halls or going into classes, it is not rare to see someone on their phone. Senior Georgia Taylor mentions her views on the pros and cons of social media.
“I think that social media is honestly destroying our future generations in ways that we’re comparing ourselves to people through social media constantly, and we are always looking at what is better, comparing our lives to other people,” Taylor said. “I think social media is a big downfall on [students’] mental health. The pros for social media are obviously location, contact, and knowing what others are up to.”
Junior Ian Dickson uses Facebook Marketplace the most, using it for buying games. Dickson said that one event in particular showcased how social media has affected him.
“I have received free items from using Facebook Marketplace,” Dickson said. “I [also] got scammed out of $300 on the [app].” Dickson tried to purchase a game online but after he paid the amount, the seller never showed up. This is Dickson’s primary bad experience, but he said that he will continue to use Facebook Marketplace in the future.
Social media sites have been known to have a toxic way of perceiving people’s bodies. Young children may believe that they have to look a certain way, no matter how they achieve it, which can cause eating disorders and body dysmorphia. There is also more interaction with other people which can lead to cyberbullying and hate comments.
Junior Noelle Conclin has social media, saying that she uses Instagram, Snapchat, Discord and Tiktok.
“Challenges on tiktok have harmful effects on kids,” Conklin said. “Some of these harmful trends are the chapstick and shampoo trend, along with the benadryl challenge, all of which are bad influences on younger kids and can cause devastating effects.” Conklin reportedly spends around 6 hours on social media daily. This may be more than some, but she said that she has learned new things and met new people. “You can meet people from other countries and make online friends.”
Teenagers are using social media more and more. According to a report from Common Sense Media, teenagers’ screen time has gone up by 17% from 2019-2021, and that it is still growing. Social media can be used in multiple ways, whether it’s for creativity, keeping up with current news, selling or buying items or expanding a company.
PROS AND CONS
PROS
- Small businesses are getting more attention
- Artists are able to get recognition
- Fashion designers are able to branch out
- Finding safe spaces
- Finding people similar to you
CONS
- Cyber bullying
- Lowered self esteem
- Mental health issues
- Disconnection from real world
- Scams
UNHEALTHY TRENDS
- Model bodies
Models have always been praised for their thin and delicate stature. It is not uncommon for people to be body shamed or criticized for not having that kind of body, which can lead to eating disorders, body dysmorphia and an obsessive mindset on weight and body shape.
- Bias against plus-size people
While plus-size people are becoming more normalized and discussed, there is still a beauty standard associated with it. For example, some people think that you have to have curves or have a conventionally attractive face or style. This can create a bias where some people get praised or supported, while others get hate and criticism. Along with this, there is the untrue myth that everyone who is plus sized eats a lot or never works out. Everyone has different body types, which will react differently to different things.
- Make-up / aesthetic standards
It is not a rare occurrence where people who dress alternatively or “differently” from what is perceived as “normal” get hate.