Effects of Social Media in Our Society

Today I will be talking about the effects of social media in our society. Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram have already become a huge part of society and altered the way we view ourselves and each other. In the UK alone there is a staggering 45 million people on social media, which is over 67% of the entire population. If you take a walk down any street, probably about 70% of people will be on/glued to some sort of device, this is one of the many factors that lead experts to have serious concerns about the overall effect that social media is having on our lives.

Cyberbullying and online harassment is a huge issue caused by social media platforms, leading to mental health issues in young people as people can now leave horrible messages to each other whenever they want. Also the false message that certain social medias, like Instagram produce. Models and influences are constantly posting bikini pictures, showing off their 'perfect bodies', which in most cases are most likely photo-shopped but posts like these that really take an effect on girls as they begin wishing to look like that and go to great, unhealthy lengths to reach that unrealistic goals. The mental health of young people has very dramatically risen, now estimating that around 1 in 5 teenagers are suffering from mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, eating disorders etc - this is not all due to social media however it does have a large part of it for certain cases. Social media can also become extremely addictive for certain people as they are constantly trying to portray the perfect life rather than actually experiencing it. In many cases people make sure they come across to be happy and successful online however in real life they're the complete opposite but using social media as a way of escaping their reality. Once addicted, it can affect the persons well-being, grades, and productivity. In severe cases, people actually have to be admitted to a social media rehab to help them get back their real life. Technology and social media was made in order to socialise and connect people, when in reality it has now taking a role in the gradual isolation of people. Its in the name, social media, social- its goal to make us more social however in reality if anything it is making us unsocial and isolating us from everyone due to excessive use. Ask yourself, could you go a week without your phone? I know I definitely wouldn't be able to even go a day, let alone a week. It is part of my daily routine; its the first thing i do when i wake up in the morning and the last thing I see before I go to sleep. When you say it out loud, it sounds pretty sad however that's my reality, and most likely a lot of other peoples realities as well.

With all the disadvantages comes the advantages, like staying in touch with family members and friends has never been easier through the use of social media. Its amazing because for me i can keep in touch with family and friends that live abroad and through stuff like face time its as if they're right with me. Social Media is one of the best ways to find and interact with new people who have the same interests as you, as social media allows you to seek out groups that are focused towards your own interests and hobbies. It can also be a great use to find out whats happening in the world, spread news quickly and can be highly benefical in police investigations. And can you think of any other thing that has changed your life like social media has that is free?

Due to excessive use of social media, it prevents us from developing meaningful relationships with friends, and family. Little do we know, it is those long, close, and meaningful relationships in the REAL world that matter to our health and happiness later in life, not how many likes you get or how many followers you have. The thing thats suppose to connect us makes us lose connection.