Social Addictions: The Negative Effects Of Social Media

Social media negatively impacts teenagers mentally and socially; despite the opposition that some believe social networks aid in the development of online communication and public identity, sufficient evidence proves that teens significantly indulged online grow more disconnected from the world that surrounds them. The concept of being glued to devices has been welcomed into society as a social norm, and as a consequence, it enables people to disengage from peers within the same vicinity. The ability to sever relations with people in the same space is truly fearsome and creates antisocial behaviors. The question of “Are we too wired?” increased the opposition between two experts. Noa Gafni Slaney argued no. The internet is successful in guiding

Facebook specifically, accompanied by social media in general, displayed addictive criteria in people who use social media frequently. These symptoms include: neglect of personal life, escapism, mental preoccupation, change in mood, tolerance, and concealing addictive behavior. Social media addiction assimilates symptoms to those of substance-related addictions such as: change in emotional state, salience, conflict, relapse, and withdrawal symptoms (Kuss and Griffiths 2-4). Withdrawal symptoms consist of depression, anxiety, anger, agitation, rapid heartbeat, tenseness, and shortened breath (Rosen et al. 2). Social media addiction and behavioral addictions share a common framework as well.

Facebook could very well be a potential cause for increased social media addiction, for overall time spent on it increased by 566% in just one year, between 2007 and 2008. The virtual world transformed since the 1990s, and people no longer use it to share common interests. Social networking sites revolve around the individual more than the community, allowing people to present themselves in a positive manner which enhances their mood; this can particularly precipitate

The deterioration of eyesight has been reported due to constant screen watching (“Media Affects Teenagers” 1). Technology also interrupts sleep patterns since addicts often spend 40 to 80 hours in a single week on the Internet (Rosen et al. 2). Delaney Ruston disclosed that she disapproves phones in bedrooms when it is time to sleep because “A major study showed that just having devices in the bedroom can affect critical sleep cycles” (Maddox 2). Sleep deprivation is a serious matter that potentially leads to a decreased academic and work performance, and worse, an impaired immune system. Risks of higher severity include carpal tunnel syndrome and eye or back strain from sitting in the same location for long periods of time. This occurs often on the account that addicts tend to lose track of time when they are satiated in the media.

All in all, social media hinders teenagers mentally, socially, and physically. Evidence from past case studies display negative effects of the social media phenomenon which include, but is not limited to: significant decline in relationships with friends and family, addictive behavior, and sleep deprivation (Rosen et al. 2). The overwhelming pull of technology caused society to wallow in the screens of the media, disassociate itself from its peers, and further the divide between individuals every