Pros and Cons of Social Media: Opinion
I often operate under the idea that social media has nothing good to offer, when that is just the opposite. While it can negatively impact young girls, I firmly believe that it is due to excessive use. Social media is a beneficial tool for connecting and communicating, but anything in excess is never positive. As Jimmy Buffett once said, “Moderation seems to be the key”, and I believe that goes hand in hand with my outlook on social media use.
The National Library of Medicine shares that although social media poses “privacy concerns, cyberbullying, and bad effects on schooling and mental health”, it also creates an environment in which it “boost[s] self esteem, promote[s] health, and [allows people to] gain critical medical information” (NLM). Society seems to view social media as a space of toxicity, but when used correctly, it can improve people’s lives.
Additional research has shown that it can lead to sleep loss when used in excessive amounts as well as increased mental distress. Some experts work with people to reduce hazards, such as those previously stated regarding social media presence, by guiding people towards healthy use (NLM). The help of an outside professional is fantastic, but being able to catch the problem before it escalates through self-regulation can save both time, money, and mental state. Different strategies, such as setting app limits, leaving your phone on silent, or turning off notifications, can be the first steps in the right direction.
In all, there are many pros and cons within the realm of social media. But my parting advice aligns with Jimmy Buffett’s: moderation is the best way to tackle this issue.
