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Ironwood Eagle's Eye

Dark Side of Social Media

Kacy Cigan

Staff Reporter

“...Multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy social media and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness…” HelpGuide.org claims. We all know that every good side has a polar opposite. The dark side that needs to be shined on more. Social media may be good in some cases, but let us focus on the negative half, something that needs to be more well known. Cyberbullies, whether their comments are serious or “just a joke”, they should think before they post just like everyone else, especially in the heat of the moment. Everyone is different and will receive information and emotions differently. “About 10 percent of teens report being bullied on social media and many other users are subjected to offensive comments.” We all see that one influencer or that one youtuber who seems to live the perfect life, and some of us compare our own lives and/or household to what we see. It can lead to secret jealousy or unnecessary embarrassment, especially with the younger generations whose world is based around the internet. It is tied to FOMO (fear of missing out or an addiction to social media).

HelpGuide.org says, “The idea that you’re missing out on certain things can impact your self-esteem, trigger anxiety, and fuel even greater social media use, much like an addiction”. A majority of us use the internet to block out negative aspects that occur in our life; it is an unhealthy way of “helping” ourselves sometimes and it is a quick escape that people are used to. It is sad to know that some people choose social media over real friends and family; they are isolating themselves.

When it comes to popularity, most people plan to engage in harmful situations; we all remember the “Tide Pod Challenge”, when people eat poisonous detergents to gain internet fame, or the “Bird Box Challenge '', where people drive blindfolded. Is it worth traumatizing yourself and/or family and friends in order to gain popularity for one second? Are the challenges and lewd pictures worth it? Is bullying someone and ruining their lives with a mix of truth and lies worth it? No. None of these harmful things are worth it, people do not realize what damage they caused until the last minute.

Image Credit: Wix.com


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