Social networking sites make people lonelier.
Are social networking sites good for society?
The UK is one of the loneliest places to live according to the Mental Health Foundation (2016). Their studies show that 48% of the adults in the UK are lonely and getting lonelier as time pass. 42% say that they have felt depressed as an effect caused by loneliness and being alone (Pittman & Reich. 2016). This happens in a time where we use technology and social networking sites to stay connected more than ever before (Olds & Schwartz, 2009). “Loneliness results from a perceived absence of satisfying relationships and a deficit in an individual’s social network” (Matook, Cummings & Bala, 2015. This essay will explain why the use of social media and social networking sites make people lonelier.
Using social networking sites “has been found to be capable of increasing community integration” according to Geber, Scherer and Hefner (2016). Researchers have found social benefits in the way people perceive themselves (Thomas, Azmitia & Whittaker, 2016), while some researchers report that the use could “result in a decline in well-being” (Aarts, Peek & Wounter, 2015). Social networking sites main purpose is to function as a connector for people, a purpose that may not always function as it was planned. …show more content…
It also comes with the effects of addictive behaviour, distraction and the possibility of cyberbullying. The use of social networking sites is paradoxical; loneliness makes people more likely to use social networking sites which lead to the consequence that they feel lonelier and more distant from society (Thomas, Azmitia & Whittaker, 2016). Research by Hu (2009) shows that loneliness is increased after using social networking sites and social media to chat online, even though, chatting face to face does not show the same level of
Are social networking sites good for society?
The UK is one of the loneliest places to live according to the Mental Health Foundation (2016). Their studies show that 48% of the adults in the UK are lonely and getting lonelier as time pass. 42% say that they have felt depressed as an effect caused by loneliness and being alone (Pittman & Reich. 2016). This happens in a time where we use technology and social networking sites to stay connected more than ever before (Olds & Schwartz, 2009). “Loneliness results from a perceived absence of satisfying relationships and a deficit in an individual’s social network” (Matook, Cummings & Bala, 2015. This essay will explain why the use of social media and social networking sites make people lonelier.
Using social networking sites “has been found to be capable of increasing community integration” according to Geber, Scherer and Hefner (2016). Researchers have found social benefits in the way people perceive themselves (Thomas, Azmitia & Whittaker, 2016), while some researchers report that the use could “result in a decline in well-being” (Aarts, Peek & Wounter, 2015). Social networking sites main purpose is to function as a connector for people, a purpose that may not always function as it was planned. …show more content…
It also comes with the effects of addictive behaviour, distraction and the possibility of cyberbullying. The use of social networking sites is paradoxical; loneliness makes people more likely to use social networking sites which lead to the consequence that they feel lonelier and more distant from society (Thomas, Azmitia & Whittaker, 2016). Research by Hu (2009) shows that loneliness is increased after using social networking sites and social media to chat online, even though, chatting face to face does not show the same level of