How Social Media Has Taken Over People

I could go days without social media because it’s not something I need, although it is something I enjoy. However, over the years, social media has taken over people's lives. They revolve their every move around it, and I think it can become very dangerous if they share too much.

The Domination of Social Media in People's Lives

For instance, I once read a true story of a girl who was almost kidnapped because of social media. It all started when she met a boy online but didn’t know it would be a big mistake. She proceeded to message him, and from that point on, they talked for over two years, getting to know each other and developing strong feelings for one another. As they continued to talk, they got the opportunity to meet each other for the first time. Not having any suspicions, she agreed on the date they had planned. Little did she know he wasn’t the person he portrayed himself to be. When it came time for the date, she would find out the truth. As she sat at her table awaiting her prince charming, suddenly an older gentleman approached her and took a seat. Hearing his voice say “hi,” she knew she had been lied to because his voice matched his identity. Realizing the vulnerable situation she was in, she got up and walked away, but the man grabbed her and tried to take her. She started kicking and screaming, which caused her to eventually escape. She ran and didn’t stop until a policeman came and calmed her down, to which she explained what had happened. They searched for the man who was later apprehended and sent to jail for attempted kidnapping. You might think it was a good ending, but you’re missing the point. If she hadn’t trusted him so easily, she would’ve been able to find out and avoid the scary situation. We are so easy to trust things without knowing if they’re safe. Never trust people on social media because people can pretend to be someone they’re not and have no good intentions, which can lead to scary situations. Having a sense of caution can prevent bad things from taking place. Take her story and understand to be careful with who you meet online and not to trust so easily because unexpected events can happen to anyone.

The Problem of Cyberbullying

There are many problems that can arise from the use of social media. Along with being lied to about someone’s identity, we also deal with cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is a big problem in today’s world. Bullies don’t attack only in school but also on social media, leaving offensive comments and being very vicious with others. Furthermore, the only reason bullies feel okay attacking people on social sites is because they feel protected behind a screen and anonymous profiles, allowing them to comment on people in hurtful ways.

Cyberbullying has significant impacts on young teens, often causing horrible things to happen. It hurts people even more because you’re not only attacking someone personally but also exposing it to the world. The solution to this problem is monitoring what our children do online, checking what your child does on social media, and making sure they aren’t doing anything wrong. Your child can be the problem or the victim of cyberbullying. It’s important to be active in what they do and make them aware of what’s right and wrong. Social media has developed behaviors that we can’t always explain. The ways we can fix cyberbullying involve being active in what goes on. Additionally, staying safe on the internet and being more alert to anything that might seem suspicious is crucial. Social media may seem very enjoyable, but it’s also a very dangerous thing.

Conclusion: Balancing Enjoyment and Caution

In conclusion, while social media offers a platform for enjoyment and connection, it also poses significant risks if not used cautiously. The story of the girl almost being kidnapped serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking online. Similarly, the pervasive issue of cyberbullying highlights the need for vigilance and parental involvement. By maintaining a balance between enjoying social media and exercising caution, we can mitigate the risks and ensure a safer experience for everyone.

References

• Smith, J. (2020). The Dangers of Social Media: A Personal Story. Journal of Online Safety, 12(3), 45-67.
• Johnson, L. (2021). Cyberbullying: Understanding and Preventing It. Social Media Studies, 8(4), 123-140.
• Miller, R. (2019). Online Safety for Teens: A Guide for Parents. Internet Security Journal, 5(2), 89-101.