The Ethical and Health Implications of Social Media

sheds light on the detrimental impact of social media on society, revealing how developers and owners exploit users through data mining and surveillance technologies (Orlowski, 2020). The addictive nature of social media platforms and their negative effects on the mental health of young individuals are brought to the forefront, urging viewers to consider the implications on their overall wellbeing.

Furthermore, the film highlights the ethical implications of healthcare professionals using social media, as many may compromise patient confidentiality and autonomy by sharing sensitive information without informed consent (Orlowski, 2020). This unethical behavior not only goes against the principles of healthcare ethics but also hinders individuals from receiving proper medical support when needed.

The alarming rise in mental health challenges and suicide rates among teenagers due to social media usage underscores the violation of the non-maleficence principle and the Hippocratic Oath (Clark, 2018). While social media platforms may have had noble intentions at their inception, they have now become a breeding ground for harm and ethical dilemmas, leading to increased hospitalizations for self-harm among young people (Clark, 2018).

In light of these revelations, policymakers must take proactive measures to address the health concerns and ethical issues posed by social media networks. By implementing stringent regulations and safeguards, we can ensure that these platforms do not continue to exacerbate societal problems and compromise individual wellbeing.

References

Clark, S. A. (2018). The impact of the Hippocratic Oath in 2018: The conflict of the ideal of the physician, the knowledgeable humanitarian, versus the corporate medical allegiance to financial models contributes to burnout. Cureus, 10(7), e3076.

Orlowski, J. (2020). The social dilemma [Film]. Argent Pictures.