Every single one of us uses Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn to say the least, to socialize, connect to loved ones, stay updated and be aware of the happenings around us. Our entertainment interests seem to have shifted from TV entertainment to online streaming and social media scrolling. While cable TV plans like Spectrum Silver package for instance have a lot on the channel list for us to enjoy, you might find yourself more inclined towards scrolling through your Facebook feed, or checking out what your friends or favorite brands have posted on Instagram.
Yes, that is how it is these days. We have become so used to being on social media that we often do not realize how much time we are spending on various accounts. Most of the time, we do not log out. These social media apps are running in the background and now and then, we seem to find ourselves scrolling randomly and surfing through various posts and stories.
This has rather become a passive habit. Pay a little attention to your online activities and routines, and you will find social media consuming most of your time. They say excess of anything is wrong. No doubt, social media has its wide range of benefits but we can deny that it comes with its negative effects as well.
So here we are to throw some light on the harmful impacts of social media on society and how it can prove bad to you. Dive in!
How can Social Media be bad for Society?
It is surprising to know that so many victims around us have fallen prey to the dangers of social media. Some cases are more traumatizing than others. If you recall, there would have been instances when you might have also been affected by any negative influence of social media. It happens every day. Here are some of the negative outcomes of social media that you must know and identify, to reduce or stop social media usage if needed.
Triggers Depression
If you are among those who find themselves hooked to social media for several hours and are suffering from mental health issues, you have to minimize or stop using social media. It is triggering your anxiety or depression without you even realizing it. If you face mood swings or psychological stress, social media can be the main factor involved. Limit your social media usage half an hour a day to keep it a hobby unless you are professional- linked to it and it is a part of your job, like in case marketers.
Increase in Cybercrimes
Social media has become a favorite spot for hackers and cybercriminals to bully targets or steal personal information to be misused. It is a lot easier to fool someone over social media since you can easily interact with new people there. These cyberbullies gain the trust of the victim and often emotionally traumatize them and blackmail them for money. Such online attacks can cause deep mental trauma and monetary loss.
Fear of Missing Out
FOMO is real. With the popularity of social media evolved the concept of FOMO or fear of missing out. It is a type of anxiety disorder where you are always stressed about missing out on something. When you see other people doing things, having any positive life experience or accomplishment, you find yourself drenched in a fear that keeps fueling as you spent more time on social media.
Lack of Sleep
Spending a lot of time on social media results in unhealthy sleeping patterns. This in turn affects your health. It has become a habit to use the phone at night. Lack of sleep leads to unproductiveness that further fuels depression. You must cut down your social media browsing to break this cycle.
Can Negative Impacts of Social Media be Handled?
Just like everything else, there are positive and negative sides. When it comes to social media, it is more of a matter of choice and precaution to stay safe and steer away from any bad impact it can have. It starts on an individual level to create a difference collectively. There are multiple tools available to keep a track of how much time you are spending on social media accounts and what activities you are involved in online. If you find yourself using social media platforms more excessively and it is starting to turn into an obsession, you need to stop and limit its usage.
Wrapping Up,
Social media can become harmful if not used in a controlled manner so ensure practicing safe practices and engagement online. Pay attention to your sleep routines, repeated anxiety patterns, report any online threats, avoid sharing personal information or pictures on social media accounts, and stay away from any harmful social media trends.
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