Is Social Media Killing? Exploring Its Impact on Society

Sahnaz Yuniar Fadmanagara

2223210026 - 4B

Final Exam Academic Writing

In today's interconnected world, social media has become an inseparable part of our lives, revolutionizing communication, information sharing, and shaping public discourse. While it has undoubtedly brought numerous benefits, concerns about its potential negative impact have also emerged. This essay critically explores the question: "Is social media killing?" by delving into its effects on mental health, interpersonal relationships, political polarization, and societal well-being. Through an analysis of scholarly articles, journals, books, and reputable websites, we aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

1.       The Toll on Mental Health:

One of the significant areas to consider is social media's impact on mental health. A study conducted by Kross et al. (2013) revealed a correlation between excessive social media use and increased feelings of loneliness and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, Vannucci et al. (2020) discovered a negative association between social media use and self-esteem, especially among adolescents. These findings suggest that social media may contribute to mental health issues, raising concerns about its potential harm. 

2.       Impact on Interpersonal Relationships:

Another crucial aspect to explore is the influence of social media on interpersonal relationships. In the book "Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other" (2011), Turkle argues that an overreliance on social media can lead to a decline in face-to-face interactions, potentially diminishing the quality of personal relationships. Additionally, Toma and Hancock (2013) shed light on the superficial nature of online interactions on social media platforms, lacking the depth and emotional connection found in offline relationships.

3.       The Polarizing Power:

The role of social media in political polarization is an area of concern. Bail et al.'s study (2018) examined the spread of misinformation on social media platforms and found that exposure to false news articles increases political polarization. Similarly, Barberá et al. (2015) highlighted the echo chamber effect, where social media algorithms reinforce existing beliefs, potentially exacerbating divisions within society.

4.       The Impact on Societal Well-being:

The broader impact of social media on societal well-being is a topic that merits attention. In "The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains" (2010), Carr argues that social media's constant distractions and information overload can negatively impact cognitive abilities, attention spans, and critical thinking skills. Additionally, Twenge's study (2019) found a correlation between increased social media use and decreased indicators of well-being, such as life satisfaction and happiness among adolescents.

5.       Trust and Reliability:

Examining the trustworthiness of social media content is crucial. Pennycook and Rand's article (2019) discusses the prevalence of misinformation and fake news on social media platforms, emphasizing the potential consequences on public opinion and decision-making processes. It underscores the need for critical media literacy skills to navigate the vast information landscape of social media. 

6.       The Dark Side: Cyberbullying and Online Harassment:

The dark side of social media emerges through cyberbullying and online harassment. Hinduja and Patchin's book, "Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying" (2009), explores the detrimental effects of online harassment on victims and the challenges associated with effectively addressing this issue. It highlights the importance of implementing policies and interventions to create a safer online environment. 

7.       Mitigating Potential Harms:

While acknowledging the potential negative effects, it is essential to explore potential solutions. Kross et al.'s article (2019) emphasizes the role of self-reg

 

It is evident that social media's impact on society is not a black-and-white issue. While it has brought about significant advancements in communication and information sharing, it is essential to recognize and address its potential negative consequences.

Throughout this essay, a range of scholarly articles, books, and reputable websites have shed light on the various ways social media can influence mental health, interpersonal relationships, political polarization, and societal well-being. Excessive social media use has been associated with feelings of loneliness, depressive symptoms, and reduced self-esteem. It has also been linked to a decline in face-to-face interactions and the cultivation of superficial relationships.

Moreover, the role of social media in political polarization is concerning. The spread of misinformation and the reinforcement of existing beliefs through social media platforms can contribute to societal divisions. Additionally, social media's impact on well-being, including decreased cognitive abilities and well-being indicators, raises important questions about its long-term effects.

The trustworthiness of social media content cannot be overlooked. The prevalence of misinformation and fake news underscores the need for media literacy skills to navigate the digital landscape effectively. 

Furthermore, the dark side of social media manifests in the form of cyberbullying and online harassment, highlighting the urgency of creating safer online environments and implementing measures to address these issues.

While acknowledging these potential harms, there are also opportunities for individuals and society to mitigate them. Practicing self-regulation and mindful social media use can help individuals maintain a healthy relationship with these platforms. Critical evaluation of social media platforms, as well as conscious decisions regarding their usage, can contribute to a more balanced and responsible digital experience.

References

        Kross, E., Verduyn, P., Demiralp, E., Park, J., Lee, D. S., Lin, N., ... & Ybarra, O. (2013). Facebook use predicts declines in subjective well-being in young adults. PLoS One, 8(8), e69841.

        Vannucci, A., Flannery, K. M., & Ohannessian, C. M. (2020). Social media use and anxiety in emerging adults: Examining the moderating effect of offline social support. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 68, 101185.

        Turkle, S. (2011). Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other. Basic Books.

        Toma, C. L., & Hancock, J. T. (2013). Self-affirmation underlies Facebook use. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 39(3), 321-331.

        Bail, C. A., Argyle, L. P., Brown, T. W., Bumpus, J. P., Chen, H., Hunzaker, M. F., ... & Volfovsky, A. (2018). Exposure to opposing views on social media can increase political polarization. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 115(37), 9216-9221.

        Barberá, P., Jost, J. T., Nagler, J., Tucker, J. A., & Bonneau, R. (2015). Tweeting from left to right: Is online political communication more than an echo chamber?. Psychological Science, 26(10), 1531-1542.

      Carr, N. (2010). The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains. W. W. Norton & Company.

        Twenge, J. M. (2019). Decreases in psychological well-being among American adolescents after 2012 and links to screen time during the rise of smartphone technology. Emotion, 19(6), 833-841.

        Pennycook, G., & Rand, D. G. (2019). The Implied Truth Effect: Attaching Warnings to a Subset of Fake News Stories Increases Perceived Accuracy of Stories Without Warnings. Management Science, 67(11), 4944-4957.

        Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2009). Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying. Corwin Press.

        Kross, E., Berman, M. G., Mischel, W., Smith, E. E., & Wager, T. D. (2019). Social media use and well-being: Replication and extension across three countries. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(20), 9619-9628.

        Lanier, J. (2018). Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now. Henry Holt and Co.