Mahmood Tipu Briskey English 10H 22 March 2018 Social Media Social media is websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking. Currently, the most popular platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Youtube, Reddit, and Pinterest. Social media has become such a massive part of society that it is nearly impossible for one to live without being affected by it in some form. When used correctly, social media can be a great tool for communication and interaction but, when used incorrectly, can also be a source of stress, a platform for bullying, and end up having a negative impact on one’s life. Social media can be an excellent platform on which to connect with one’s …show more content…
It has been an increasingly common phenomenon for bullying and harassment to take place online through social media. Bullies feel as though the device, which they use to harass other people, is a form of protection for them. By not having to look at the victim, a bully is able to post hurtful comments, spread rumors, and express hateful opinion without having to face the consequences which would accompany those actions if they were to be done without hiding behind a screen. “Alarmingly, teens typically suffered cyberbullying in silence. “Kids really are hesitant to tell anyone when cyberbullying occurs,” Hamm said. “There seems to be a common fear that if they tell their parents, for example, they’ll lose their Internet access” (Almendrala, par. 13). Children are too afraid to reach out for help when they are being bullied in fear that they will suffer consequences due to the actions of their tormentors. This creates a dangerous situation as most parents are not monitoring their children’s social media account and are unable to help their child deal with the bullying due to the fact that they are not aware of it. “It has been well documented that cyberbullying has resulted in tragic events including suicide, and self-harm and clearly, more needs to be done in order to protect vulnerable children and adults from online bullying” (“Effects, par. 2). There is not nearly enough regulation on …show more content…
“In a study involving 600 adults, roughly a third said social media made them feel negative emotions – mainly frustration – and envy was the main cause. This was triggered by comparing their lives to others…exposure to such highly idealised representations of peers’ lives may elicit feelings of envy and the distorted belief that others lead happier and more successful lives” (Brown, sec.13). This can have a negative effect if one feels as though they are inadequate or unsuccessful after viewing the actions and accomplishments of their fellow social media users. Social media also greatly increases how often one checks his phone. For example, if one were to look around a restaurant while waiting for food to be served, he would find that the majority of customers would be checking their phone. Social media is also a large factor in relationships. Even a small action, such as someone’s significant other liking a post from a member of the opposite gender, can cause a fight between a couple which can possibly lead to a