The use of social media is a
hugely popular activity among adolescents in the current era, with many even
citing it as one of the most important aspects of their daily lives. It has
become increasingly difficult for adolescents to remain disconnected from their
phones and the world of social media. However, it is highly possible to become
overly obsessed with social media.
Addiction to social media is a
very real and dangerous hazard for adolescents. It can have serious
consequences on their productivity, mental health and physical activity. One of
the primary dangers of this type of addiction is the potential for
self-comparison. Constantly viewing the posts of peers or people in the media
can trigger feelings of envy and a perception of being "less than" or
inferior in comparison. These feelings of negativity can lead to a decrease in
self-esteem and self-confidence. Along with this, excessive scrolling can
reduce an individual’s ability to concentrate as well as reduce their ability
to handle day to day tasks more efficiently.
Moreover, there are potential
long-term health risks associated with social media use. Sitting in front of
screens for many hours a day can have detrimental impacts on physical health.
This can include a decrease in physical activity which can lead to obesity,
cardiovascular diseases and many other preventable illnesses. Additionally,
frequent use of social media can also affect an individual’s sleep quality and
contribute to sleeping disorders.
Although social media usage can
be a great way to converse with others, stay connected and even learn new
things, too much of it can be damaging. It is important to set an appropriate
limit and practice self-control when using these platforms. It is also
beneficial to step away from the device and engage in activities that can help
you to reset and recharge.
Overall, addiction to social
media can pose a number of physical, mental and emotional risks which make it a
danger to adolescents. Binge- browsing and accessing these platforms for long
periods can be detrimental to the individual's wellbeing. It is important to be
mindful of the time spent on social media and to ensure that a balance is
maintained.
