Yana Vaynberg 1
Yana Vaynberg
November 5,2020
ENG3U1
The Social Dilemma
In the past decade social media has become very popular due to its many beneficial
opportunities. One of the major ones is that it provides others with an easy way to connect with
each other across distances. However, social media has tagged along various controversies with
its concerning negative impacts on kids. Studies have found that since social media causes
increased rates of bullying, suicidal and peer pressuring . Furthermore, teens find themselves
comparing them to unrealistic beauty standards social media has put out and considers as the
norm.
As a teen who was born in this generation with social media, I find it from time to time it
impacts me negatively emotionally and physically. I’m sure many can relate to me as it is
unfortunately a very common issue. Sometimes when scrolling through my phone I find myself
glaring at the “perfect” model. This causes me, including many others to doubt themselves and
decrease their self worth. Social media tends to present a picture of what is thought of as the
“perfect” human being, while misleading a favorable portion of information. The time and effort
that was invested in presenting this model is hidden, all the lighting and photoshop used and the
plastic surgeries which had been done. Turns out the picture of the “perfect” model has
consumed a major amount to create. This results in the viewers to compare their worst self to
someone's best self. Comparing one's own personal life is mentally unhealthy. Social media
makes many feel isolated, because many individuals begin to measure up themselves. One study
looked at how viewers on social media make comparisons when viewing others’ posts. If the
Yana Vaynberg 2
comparison made one feel worse or better about themselves. Oddly enough, it has been found
that social media causes people to feel bad about themselves. This comparison is linked to
depressive symptoms.
Social media increases the users’ sadness and well-being. The risks are correlated to the
amount of use of social media. In a study conducted in 2019, it was found that teens who use
social media more than three hours a day have a higher risk of mental health issues (Mayo
Clinic, 2019). This study proves the correlation amongst the high usage of social networks and
symptoms of depression and anxiety. An additional study found that an increased usage of
Facebook is linked to less happiness and life satisfaction (Walton, 2017). This suggests that
facebook executes a social isolated environment. This is bad since a socially isolated perception
is one of the worst things that can be done for a human’s mental health. It is linked to many
mental and physical health conditions, such as Alxeheimers and anxiety. Therefore, social media
usage must be prevented in order to eliminate possible negative outcomes.
Although Social Media was created for beneficial reasonings such as, an easy way to
connect, it has definitely created controversies. Social media is a harmly dangerous and addictive
tool. It increases the possibility of being exposed to both physical and mental diseases. In order
to eliminate this issue forward on a plan/solution must be executed for all.Social media usage
must be maintained.
Yana Vaynberg 3
Work Cited
Ehmke , Rachel. “How Using Social Media Affects Teenagers.” Child Mind Institute, 16 June
2020, childmind.org/article/how-using-social-media-affects-teenagers/.
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Teens and Social Media Use: What's the Impact?” Mayo Clinic, Mayo
Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 21 Dec. 2019,
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-m
edia-use/art-20474437.
Walton, Alice G. “6 Ways Social Media Affects Our Mental Health.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 3
Oct. 2017,
www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2017/06/30/a-run-down-of-social-medias-effects-on-o
ur-mental-health/?sh=2eb119682e5a.
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