Positive And Negative Effects Of Social Media Addiction

Since 1997, when the first social media site, six degrees, was launched, social media has been used by many people all over the globe. In this past decade however, the youth has taken over social media, and it has become a huge part of their life. This new type of communication was not introduced to human society until more current years. Recently, scientist have begun researching the possible negative effects that social media can introduce into our society. One study by Jean Twenge found that teens who use their smartphones for social media for more than five hours per day were 71 percent more likely to have at least one risk factor for suicide (Inskeep 1). Studies such as these warrant a further look into what potential risks social media …show more content…
Others take a more neutral approach and allow one to two hours of social media use a day. There is no current argument of the serious impacts technology puts forth on our youth. Everywhere you walk, you see teens and even adults looking at their phones. Even in restaurants or family gatherings, where you are supposed to communicate with others face to face, you see people distracted by their phones. This constant use of technology has been investigated and shows to be seriously addictive. These obsessions are so real that they can actually cause physiological withdrawals. A study from Swansea University shows people have psychological symptoms of withdrawal, and they also are accompanied with physiological changes when suffering from social media addiction (Walton 1). This proves the dangers of over using social media. I have friends who cannot stay away from their phone for more than an hour. There is no doubt that it is possible to get addicted to this technology. Now that studies are showing they have physiological withdrawals, the risks social media can bring are …show more content…
I plan on reading all the studies that are available on the connection of social media and mental illnesses. I am also going to find studies and research about anything to do with social media, and the possible addictions and negative effects it causes. I additionally plan to investigate the positive aspects of social media. They definitely have some positive benefits from social media that could greater enhance our social relationships and overall mental health. The ability to maintain relationships when you cannot be face-to-face can be a very useful tool to expand your social circle. However, like most things, you need to use social media in moderation. I hope to uncover what is the most appropriate amount of time to use social media without getting attached. Too much social media can cause serious problems, and people should be educated about this. However, a lack of social media can be a lost opportunity to greater expand and improve your social life with those you may not see and talk to every day. Overall, I plan on reading many scholarly articles and studies to understand the benefits and negatives of social media in hopes of finding the best way of using this new form of