Fact Checks:
p. 1 Para .1
1-“Additionally, social media addiction is becoming a much more prevalent issue among teens and young adults who have access to social networking sites.” Fact Check #1: It is true that the number of teens and young adults that are addicted to social networking sites have increased. The largest group of addiction according to Statista was ages 23-38 (https://www.statista.com/statistics/1081292/social-media-addiction-by-age-usa/).
2-“These negative effects include things such as self-esteem issues, body dissatisfaction, or conversely, narcissism.” Fact Check #2: This is true and does not even begin to scratch the surface of the plethora of negative effects that social media addiction can have on an individual. I would recommend adding a few more side effects to really drive home just how debilitating this disease can be, especially since social media addiction is that title of the paper. The second paragraph of the link below can help with this.(https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/social-media-addiction/)
p. 1 Para 2
3- “Despite the fact that there is no official way to diagnose a social media addiction, it is widely believed that it primarily impacts adolescents and young adults.”Fact Check #3: True see Fact Check #1.
4- “Unsurprisingly, young adults are the most “at-risk for social media addiction” or at least most likely to present addiction-like symptoms (Turel & Cavagnaro, 2018, p. 218).” Fact Check #4: True statement but it has already been stated. See fact check #1 & #3.
5- “Consequently, this means that young adults are also the most at risk to experiencing the harmful effects that social media can cause.” Fact Check #5: True. However this is has already been stated see fact checks #1,#3, #4.
p. 2 Para 1
6- “When the pressure of social media and cyberbullying get taken to an extreme level, it can have truly dire consequences.” Fact Check #6: True. According to the online article, 10 Shocking Cyberbullying Cases Should Never Happen Again, extreme cyberbullying can lead to major depression or even suicide. https://www.quertime.com/article/10-shocking-cyberbullying-cases-should-never-happen-again/
7- “It can be a double-edged sword for some people who use social media platforms as a way to share their struggles with mental health, while also being subject to severe cyberbullying on the same platforms.” Fact Check #7: True. Per a Hackensack Meridian Carrier Clinic’s websites article titled: The Good, Bad, and In-between of social media, it states the following: “In the relatively short time, they’ve been in existence, social media has had some very positive effects in terms of empowering and connecting people. At the same time, they have provided new platforms for some decidedly unhealthy and destructive behaviors.” https://carrierclinic.org/2019/08/08/the-good-bad-and-in-between-of-social-media/
8- “Bernstein was known for being quite open on social media about his struggles with depression and bipolar disorder, while also facing severe cyberbullying online and during his Twitch streams.” Fact Check #8: Inconclusive. The referenced article did not say anything about him being bullied online or on social media. I researched other sites and could only find that he shared he had depression online but found nothing stating he killed himself due to cyberbullying.
p. 2 Para 2
9- “According to Powell (2020), this unfortunate tragedy has sparked a conversation in the gaming community between streamers and platforms alike about how people need to be kinder to one another and are beginning to question what else can be done to help people with their mental health.” Fact Check #9: Mostly true. I could not find anything that stated any online gamers saying they should start being kinder to one another. I did find a quote that proved that there is indeed an online conversation ongoing about how to help those with mental health issues. “As we process this loss, we have to recognize that the stigma around mental health and treatment often prevents people from seeking and getting the help they need.”-https://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2020/07/byron-bernstein-popular-gamer-known-as-reckful-dead-at-31/
10- “Many more streamers are beginning to speak out about their experiences with cyberbullying and sexual harassment online as gaming communities focus more on mental health and improving the atmosphere to be safer and more inclusive” (Powell, 2020). Fact Check #10: True. There is an entire web community devoted to gamers wanting to stop online bullying. www.gamersdontbully.com
p. 2 Para 3
11- “Unfortunately, many people online are dealing with the same or similar issues, whether it be on a gaming platform or social media network. While social media can be a great platform for people to be able to reach out and share their personal struggles and experiences, it can also be problematic.” Fact Check #11: True. Confirmed by www.cyberbullying.org article, Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Suicide Among US Youth: Our Updated Research Findings.
12- “This is largely because social media itself can potentially be linked to the cause of some of those mental health issues.” Fact Check #12: True as there are countless article proving social media being the root cause of mental health issues.
End p. 2 Top of p. 3
13- “Similar to the recent news story discussed in the last section, social media acts as a double-edged sword” Fact Check #13: True but this was already stated in Fact Check #7
14- “This is because many individuals who have a low self-esteem may believe that participation in social media, such as gaining followers and getting a lot of likes, will improve their self-esteem.” Fact Check #14: True. “On top of feeling depressed by comparing our lives to others, depending on the amount of likes and dislikes we do and do not receive, the depression may intensify.”-Jamie Perez, March 17, 2015, Daily Sundial: California State University: https://sundial.csun.edu/89462/lifestyle/to-like-or-not-to-like-how-social-media-effects-self-esteem/
p. 3 Para 2
15- “Barker (2018) states that viewing content on social media can be like “playing a game of emotional roulette.” Fact Check #15” True
16– “While some can use social media to help shut out their feelings of low self-esteem, some content can have a devasting effect on the user’s self-esteem and body image issues.” Fact Check #16: True. See Fact Check #14
17- “This would include things such as viewing unrealistic images, photoshopped models, or any post that would make one envious or jealous of another’s appearance to the point that their self-esteem is lowered as a result.” Fact Check #17: True. See Fact Check #14
18- “For someone who shows addiction-like tendencies towards social media, things like an inadequate number of likes or followers would also deal a heavy blow to their self-esteem and increase body dissatisfaction.” Fact Check #18: True. See Fact Check #14
p. 3 Para 3
19- “When individuals become dependent on social media to get away from their feelings of low self-esteem, their internal feelings about themselves become rooted in the platform and the virtual sense of community.” Fact Check #19: Mixed. From my research on this claim that people get a virtual sense of community showed mixed outcomes. True some people that plug into social media find others with common belief systems and develop a sense of community. However others that are addicted to social media looking for this community end up feeling more isolated. https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/social-media-high-usage-more-isolated-lonely-people-study-university-pittsburgh-a7614226.html
p. 3 Para 4 continued to p. 4
20- “Conversely, social media can also be linked to aspects of narcissism.” Fact Check #20: Inconclusive. It is true that narcissism is on social media but I could not find a link stating that it a cause of.
21- “According to Reed (2019), “Narcissism is a cluster of behaviors that occur together and include grandiose feelings of self-importance, the need for power or admiration, dwelling on one’s own appearance and achievements, and an inability to empathize with others”. It’s interesting to note that while some might experience a decrease in self-esteem due to social media use, others might see and increase in narcissistic tendencies.” Fact Check #21: True. According to Forbes.com narcissistic people are more inclined to make controversial statements online to draw attention to themselves.
p. 4 Para 3
22- “Fascinatingly, Reed (2019) states that if a person with narcissism does not receive social approval (such as adequate number of followers or likes), they can develop a sort of narcissistic rage that increases their posting activity and actually results in a blow to their own self-esteem.” Fact Check #22: True. According to the same Forbes article posted in fact check #21 it states this very issue: “For example, if a narcissist opens a business and receives negative feedback they are far more likely to argue back against the customer. This can easily lead to the destruction of the online brand and a complete loss of credibility.”
p. 4 Para 4
23- “However, it’s important that individuals, particularly young people, monitor their social media use, recognize the signs of social media addiction, and recognize the harmful effects that could come with it.” Fact Check #23: True. To summarize an article from Forbes.com the more someone is on social media the more stress, moodiness, anxiety, and depression they will have along with a lack of sleep. https://www.forbes.com/sites/francesbridges/2018/08/30/why-you-should-limit-your-time-on-social-media/#4d72508d9146
The Impact of Social Media and Social Media Addiction
Kerisa Brown
Department of Informatics, Fort Hays State University
INF 240: Digital News Reporting
Dr. Ginger Loggins
September 29, 2020
The Impact of Social Media and Social Media Addiction
In recent years, social media has become an ever-present staple in modern society. Many social media platforms on the Internet today have become deeply rooted in many regards of everyday life ranging from work to school. It’s apparent that social media is not going to go anywhere anytime soon. Additionally, social media addiction is becoming a much more prevalent issue among teens and young adults who have access to social networking sites. Considering this, it’s imperative to look at what negative effects that unremitted exposure to social media might have on young people in today’s society. These negative effects include things such as self-esteem issues, body dissatisfaction, or conversely, narcissism.
Social Media Addiction
According to Turel & Cavagnaro (2018), social media addiction is defined as follows:
Social media “addiction” (also can be termed excessive or problematic use of
social media) is a psychological state of dependence in which users are overly preoccupied with social media activities, and are driven by an uncontrollable motivation to use social media sites, to such an extent that it interferes with normal functioning and generates behavioral addiction-like symptoms. (p. 218)
Despite the fact that there is no official way to diagnose a social media addiction, it is widely believed that it primarily impacts adolescents and young adults. Unsurprisingly, young adults are the most “at-risk for social media addiction” or at least most likely to present addiction-like symptoms (Turel & Cavagnaro, 2018, p. 218). Consequently, this means that young adults are also the most at risk to experiencing the harmful effects that social media can cause.
Recent News
When the pressure of social media and cyberbullying get taken to an extreme level, it can have truly dire consequences. It can be a double-edged sword for some people who use social media platforms as a way to share their struggles with mental health, while also being subject to severe cyberbullying on the same platforms. This was the case for 31-year-old Byron Bernstein a.k.a. “Reckful” who took his life on July 2, 2020. Bernstein was known for being quite open on social media about his struggles with depression and bipolar disorder, while also facing severe cyberbullying online and during his Twitch streams.
According to Powell (2020), this unfortunate tragedy has sparked a conversation in the gaming community between streamers and platforms alike about how people need to be kinder to one another and are beginning to question what else can be done to help people with their mental health. Many more streamers are beginning to speak out about their experiences with cyberbullying and sexual harassment online as gaming communities focus more on mental health and improving the atmosphere to be safer and more inclusive (Powell, 2020).
Reckful’s story and ones that are similar are not exclusive to the gaming community. Unfortunately, many people online are dealing with the same or similar issues, whether it be on a gaming platform or social media network. While social media can be a great platform for people to be able to reach out and share their personal struggles and experiences, it can also be problematic. This is largely because social media itself can potentially be linked to the cause of some of those mental health issues.
Low Self-Esteem and Body Dissatisfaction
The addictive use of social media can also cause self-esteem issues in the individual users (Andreassen, Pallesen, & Griffiths, 2016, p.288). Similar to the recent news story discussed in the last section, social media acts as a double-edged sword. This is because many individuals who have a low self-esteem may believe that participation in social media, such as gaining followers and getting a lot of likes, will improve their self-esteem. However, this can cause addiction-like symptoms in the users. In fact, Andreassen, Pallesen, & Griffiths (2016) state, “it is hypothesized in the present study that self-esteem will be negatively associated with symptoms of addictive social media use” (p. 288).
Barker (2018) states that viewing content on social media can be like “playing a game of emotional roulette” (p. 3). While some can use social media to help shut out their feelings of low self-esteem, some content can have a devasting effect on the user’s self-esteem and body image issues. This would include things such as viewing unrealistic images, photoshopped models, or any post that would make one envious or jealous of another’s appearance to the point that their self-esteem is lowered as a result. For someone who shows addiction-like tendencies towards social media, things like an inadequate number of likes or followers would also deal a heavy blow to their self-esteem and increase body dissatisfaction.
When individuals become dependent on social media to get away from their feelings of low self-esteem, their internal feelings about themselves become rooted in the platform and the virtual sense of community. Over time, they can develop a social media addiction and can be overwhelmed by feelings of dread, anxiety, and depression (Barker, 2018). Media exposure is consistently linked to body dissatisfaction and body image concerns (Perloff, 2014, p. 363).
Narcissism
Conversely, social media can also be linked to aspects of narcissism. While social media addiction, self-esteem issues, body dissatisfaction, and feelings of depression and anxiety are all negative effects of excessive social media use, narcissistic tendencies are as well. According to Reed (2019), “Narcissism is a cluster of behaviors that occur together and include grandiose feelings of self-importance, the need for power or admiration, dwelling on one’s own appearance and achievements, and an inability to empathize with others”. It’s interesting to note that while some might experience a decrease in self-esteem due to social media use, others might see and increase in narcissistic tendencies.
Using certain social media, such as Facebook, can drive narcissism with continued use (Reed, 2019). It’s a disturbing thought that narcissism can be a result of social media and social media addiction. It’s also noted that this narcissism is a deeply rooted result of social comparison on social media.
Fascinatingly, Reed (2019) states that if a person with narcissism does not receive social approval (such as adequate number of followers or likes), they can develop a sort of narcissistic rage that increases their posting activity and actually results in a blow to their own self-esteem. This can cause them to cyberbully others and deal blows to another individual’s self-esteem in an attempt to make themselves feel better.
Of course, none of this is to say that people should not use social media. It is something that is a part of everyday life and will continue to be for years to come. Social media has many positive effects and allows people to connect all over the world and so much more. However, it’s important that individuals, particularly young people, monitor their social media use, recognize the signs of social media addiction, and recognize the harmful effects that could come with it.
Quiz Questions
1) Which of the following age groups is the most vulnerable to social media addiction?
- Young children
- Middle-age adults
- Adolescents/young adults
- Elderly
2) Self-esteem is negatively associated with the symptoms of addictive social media use.
- True
- False
References
Andreassen, C., Pallesen, S., & Griffiths, M. (2016, March 19). The relationship between addictive use of social media, narcissism, and self-esteem: Findings from a large national survey. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460316301095
Barker, J. D. (2018). Social media and self-esteem: The relationship of social media usage and self-esteem (Doctoral dissertation, Arkansas State University, 2018) (p. 1-72). Ann Arbor, MI: ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.
Perloff, R. M. (2014). Social Media Effects on Young Women’s Body Image Concerns: Theoretical Perspectives and an Agenda for Research. Sex Roles, 71(11-12), 363-377. doi:10.1007/s11199-014-0384-6
Powell, S. (2020, July 03). Reckful: Twitch and gamers pay tribute after star’s death. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-53277733
Reed, P. (2019, September 13). Narcissism and Social Media: Should We Be Afraid? Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/digital-world-real-world/201909/narcissism-and-social-media-should-we-be-afraid
Turel, O., & Cavagnaro, D. R. (2018). Effect of Abstinence from Social Media on Time Perception: Differences between Low- and At-Risk for Social Media “Addiction” Groups. Psychiatric Quarterly, 90(1), 217-227. doi:10.1007/s11126-018-9614-3