By: Jada Law, Follow South Jersey Intern
SOUTH JERSEY — Social media is an online world which features content that caters to various interests. If a user wants dinner ideas, is trying to learn a new skill, or just wants to relax and watch funny videos, they will likely have the access to find it all through social media.
“Usually when I am on social media I am watching things that make me laugh,” stated Elmhurst University student, Kassandra Rodriguez. “Youtube videos or TikTok can really cheer me up.”
The use of social media is a constantly growing trend, according to an article by the University of Maine, “there are 4.8 billion social media users worldwide, representing 59.9% of the global population and 92.7% of all internet users. There were 150 million new social media users between April 2022 and April 2023 – a 3.2% increase year-over-year.”
However, because of social media’s increased number of consumers, it could have a higher chance of bearing its cons onto its users.
“Because of social media’s large and accessible scale, I sometimes end up comparing myself in a way that is harmful to myself,” said Lewis University student, Danny Jiminez. “It can also be very overwhelming with the amount of information that’s put out there.”
Joliet Junior College student, Peter Hassan stated, “If you consume the information [on social media] too much, it starts to get addictive and you just be on social media all day. And that’s very bad for your brain.”
Rodriguez stated, “when people criticize something that you relate to or have it can be very hurtful, because people speak their entire minds when they have access to anonymity.”
The causes of the previously stated cons are often due to the accessible content that pops up while they are scrolling.
Certified nurse aide, Valencia Brown supported this by saying, “When I see somebody put something negative on social media it affects my mood.”
Brown went on to reflect on a time she got emotional after witnessing a Facebook post announcing the death of someone she had known for many years.
“You’ll learn about things you never even thought of that will change your perspective on your body, things you cannot change,” said Rodriguez. “Toxic mindset’s are developed in your subconscious the more you read what people have to say.”
Combating the negative feelings that can come as a result of being on social media can be done in various ways, the first step often being the user changing their habits.
“I will get better at prioritizing what’s important like my friends and family,” said Jiminez. “I am already taking steps in that direction by placing limiters on my apps like; TikTok and Instagram.”
“You can’t prevent what’s being put on there [social media], the most you can do is block it,” said Brown.
“I think my wellbeing is number one priority,” stated Hassan. He went on to further explain how he makes sure social media is the last of his worries. And will continue to put his mental health first along with his friends and family.
“Now, I know to take things with a grain of salt because anything can be manipulated to seem like everyone is having the best lives,” stated Rodriguez.
With social media being so vast it can come with a number of complexities as a result. Users can sometimes begin to consume so much content that it can go from positive to negative in just a few scrolls, and slowly hurt their mental health. It can be beneficial to know one’s limits and understand when it feels like social media is going from being entertaining to exhausting.
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