The Rise of Social Media and Its Effect on Human Health

Among the effects of modern technology is the social media. Programming technology has increased the social platforms over the last decade. Among the current popular social media is Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google, and snap chat, WhatsApp, YouTube, Reddit, Flickr, Vine and Pinterest among others. The list is endless, with new platforms been introduced every day. The access to electronic devices such as phones and computers with cheap internet connections has increased the access to these, among other social platforms. There is no limited access to these social hubs, which create a wide range of network, making the world to seem like a village. Although the social platforms major on interaction and exchange of information and ideas across the globe, they have significant impacts in various fields.

Among the areas that have been affected by the emergence of social media is human health. The ease to join and simplicity of use have made even the sick persons to access these social platforms. There is no limitation to access the social media, and even an ill patient in bed can do that. The access to information on Medias such as Facebook, Twitter, and others does not limit the ill-stricken individuals. Research by Antheunis, Tates & Nieboer (2013) shows that over 20% of the people using social platforms are suffering from one sickness or another. Although health status may not be indicated in these social profiles, the increased online search for medication and prescriptions is clear indication that a more significant number of people use social media as a source of information for medical assistance. According to Thompson (2008), the access to social media has its impacts on the users. The paper takes into the account specific implications of social media to those with health problems.