The Effects Of Social Media On The Global Society.

The Effects Of Social Media On The Global Society

By: Abdullahi Hayatullah Mahmud

Since the invention of social media in the late 90s and early 2000s, there has been an increasingly high adoption of this innovation from all over the world.

The adoption and use of social media have also only increased from one generation to another since its invention as more of these social media platforms have been launched with exciting features and user-friendly interfaces.

The use of social media is not only limited to the elites.

Due to the advancement in technology, even people without a basic educational background can participate in its usage.

Some of these social media platforms like Instagram and X, former Twitter, go as far as rewarding their users that are with large engagement and community.

This is done to trigger patronage from the populace.

The rise of the use of this social media has also led to a backlash or decrease in human communication today which has in turn given birth to a higher rate of depression, lack of confidence, and higher rate of suicidal tendencies among the youths.

Cyberbullying is one of the bad effects of social media in the society today.

It involves the use of electronic devices and social media platforms to intentionally harass, humiliate, or intimidate someone.

It can take many forms, including sending threatening or hurtful messages, spreading rumours, sharing embarrassing photos or videos, and impersonating someone online.

It can have a devastating impact on the victim’s mental health and well-being.

According to recent studies, about twenty-five to thirty-five percent of young people have experienced some form of cyberbullying which cuts across all demographics.

An example is the increasing leak of nude videos and pictures which most celebrities fall victim to.

Another effect of social media is known as FOMO which stands for “fear of missing out”.

It is the feeling of anxiety or panic that can come from seeing other people’s social media posts and feeling like one is not doing enough, or missing out on experiences that other people have.

FOMO can have several negative impacts on a person’s mental health, including anxiety, depression, and poor self-esteem.

It can also lead to a distorted sense of reality, where people feel like they need to constantly compare themselves to others and strive for perfection.

Some experts have linked FOMO to addictive behaviour around social media, as people compulsively check their phones to alleviate the feeling of missing out.

Social media addiction is a real issue that’s getting more attention in recent years.

It’s defined as a compulsive need to use social media, even when it’s having negative consequences on a person’s life.

Symptoms of social media addiction can include spending excessive amounts of time on social media platforms, feeling anxious or irritable when unable to access social media, and feeling the need to check social media constantly.

Some experts say social media addiction can be likened to substance addiction, in that it can trigger a release of dopamine in the brain, leading to cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

There are a few different strategies that people can use to combat social media addiction.

One is to be more mindful of social media use and to take breaks from it when necessary.

Another is to focus on living in the present moment and appreciating what’s happening right now, rather than worrying about what others are doing.

Some people also find it helpful to set boundaries around social media use, such as not checking it first thing in the morning or last thing before going to bed.