Essay Template 4

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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
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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.

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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,

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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

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Wright 1

encouraging them to take critical safety measures.

has helped foster a sense of community and belonging.

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

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

in rare cases, may result in suicide.

By balancing social media's advantages and disadvantages,

Newport Academy. February 19, 2020.

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

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

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

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

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