Scribd
Upload
61 views

Essay Template 4

This document discusses the advantages and disadvantages of social media. It outlines three main advantages: 1) Social media provided support during the COVID-19 pandemic by allowing people to stay connected; 2) It expands global connections by enabling people from different backgrounds to interact and share ideas; 3) It helps share knowledge and resources by making information more accessible worldwide. However, the document also notes social media can negatively impact mental health by increasing anxiety and lowering self-esteem, and it has contributed to a rise in cyberbullying. In conclusion, while social media has benefits, its negative consequences still impact society, so a balanced approach is needed.

Uploaded by

api-651155119
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
61 views

Essay Template 4

This document discusses the advantages and disadvantages of social media. It outlines three main advantages: 1) Social media provided support during the COVID-19 pandemic by allowing people to stay connected; 2) It expands global connections by enabling people from different backgrounds to interact and share ideas; 3) It helps share knowledge and resources by making information more accessible worldwide. However, the document also notes social media can negatively impact mental health by increasing anxiety and lowering self-esteem, and it has contributed to a rise in cyberbullying. In conclusion, while social media has benefits, its negative consequences still impact society, so a balanced approach is needed.

Uploaded by

api-651155119
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Wright 1

Arianna Wright

Matthew Harbron

Composition

25 January 2023

Navigating the Digital Divide: Balancing the Positive and Negative Effects of Social Media

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives in the modern world. It has

transformed the way we interact, shares information, and communicate with one another.

Although social media has significantly impacted society, it is essential to consider its

advantages and disadvantages. The benefits of social media outweigh its negative effects, such as

its ability to help people socialize, connect better to the world, and share knowledge.

One of the main advantages of social media is its ability to provide support during the

COVID-19 pandemic. (Robinson & Smith, 2022) Many people have developed mental health

problems due to the widespread isolation and loneliness of the pandemic. Social media has made

it possible for people to interact and converse with one another, which has helped alleviate some

of the pandemic's negative impacts on mental health. Additionally, it has allowed people to keep

in touch with friends and family during the pandemic, which is crucial at such a time. As a result,

it has helped to prevent the spread of the virus by educating people about the pandemic and

encouraging them to take critical safety measures.

Another advantage of social media is its ability to expand global connections. (Mesfin,

2020) Social media has enabled people from all ethnicities and backgrounds to connect and

communicate with one another. This has led to a more diverse and inclusive online community
Wright 2

where people can interact, share ideas, and learn about other cultures. As a result, it has helped

remove barriers and foster empathy between those from different backgrounds. (Simplilearn,

2022) Additionally, it has allowed for the development of online communities and groups, which

has helped foster a sense of community and belonging.

The third advantage of social media is its ability to share knowledge and resources.

People can now more easily access information and resources worldwide thanks to social media.

(Mesfin, 2020) This has made accessing resources like education, employment, and other

opportunities easier. Additionally, it has made it possible for people to learn about various issues

and causes, which has helped to increase awareness and foster social change. People have also

benefited from using it to connect with mentors, instructors, and other specialists, which has

helped them to advance their knowledge and skills. (Robinson & Smith, 2022)

Although social media offers numerous advantages, it is important to recognize its

negative consequences on society. Social media's impact on mental health is one of its harmful

repercussions. Studies show that using social media more frequently is linked to higher anxiety,

sadness, and restless nights. (Mesfin, 2020) Social media can also increase feelings of isolation,

melancholy, and worry, lowering self-esteem. (Simplilearn, 2022) Additionally, it can cause

addiction and distraction, negatively affecting productivity and overall well-being.

Furthermore, social media has played a role in the rise of cyberbullying. A study by the

Cyberbullying Research Center found that 34% of kids have experienced cyberbullying.

(Simplilearn, 2022) Cyberbullying rates have risen because bullies find it easier to target their

victims on social media. This can greatly affect young people's mental and emotional health and,

in rare cases, may result in suicide.


Wright 3

In conclusion, the positive effects of social media outweigh the negative ones, even

though they negatively impact society. Social media has promoted more inclusive and diverse

online communities, developed a more educated and engaged society, and supported mental

health during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is important to recognize social media's

negative consequences, such as the harm it can do to mental health, the dissemination of false

information, and cyberbullying. We must guarantee accurate information, encourage good and

healthy connections, and seek to prevent cyberbullying to address these harmful consequences.

By balancing social media's advantages and disadvantages,


Wright 4

Work Cited

J Child Psychol Psychiatry. “What Are the Positives of Social Media for Teens”.

Newport Academy. February 19, 2020.

https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/empowering-teens/positives-of-social-media/

#block_1bf1985ced099f1b9e95d79074ef5072-2

Lawrence Robinson and Melinda Smith. “Social Media and Mental Health”. Helpguide.

December 20, 2022. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-

health.htm

Mesfin, Awoke Bekalu. “Social media use can be positive for mental health and well-

being”. Harvard, ed. January 6, 2020. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/social-media-

positive-mental-health/#:~:text=Social%20media%20may%20provide%20individuals,in

%2Dperson%20networks%20and%20interactions.

Simplilearn. “Top 7 Impacts of Social Media: Advantages and Disadvantages”. Simply

Learn. October 18, 2022. https://www.simplilearn.com/real-impact-social-media-article

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy