Tag Archives: social media

The pros and cons of social media

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by Mirian Maurizaca

Photo: Shutterstock

Social media can have both positive and negative impacts on high school students. On the positive side, it can help them stay connected with friends, access information quickly, and even find supportive communities. On the negative side, it can lead to distractions, cyberbullying, and privacy issues. It really depends on how it’s used and the guidelines set by parents and schools.

One reason why high school students might be better off without social media is because of the distractions it can cause. Social media can be a major distraction from schoolwork and studying. It’s easy to spend hours scrolling through feeds instead of focusing on homework or studying for exams.

Unfortunately, social media can also be a platform for bullying. Cyberbullying can have serious emotional effects on students. Also, constant exposure to unrealistic images and lifestyles on social media can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. The pressure to get likes and followers can also contribute to the stress.

Another problem is sharing personal information on social media; it can lead to privacy concerns. Students might not fully understand the consequences of sharing too much information online. Social media can be addictive. Students might find it hard to disconnect, leading to too much use that can interfere with their daily lives and responsibilities. The use of social media, especially right before bed, can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to a lack of sleep which can affect your school life and overall health.

While there are risks, with proper guidance and responsible use, social media can offer benefits to high school students.

One reason why high school students might benefit from having social media is that social media allows students to stay in touch with friends and family, especially if they move or go to different schools. Interacting on social media can help students develop communication skills. They learn to express themselves, debate, and share ideas in a public setting. It can help maintain relationships and build new ones. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube allow students to express their creativity through photos, videos, and other content. This can be a great outlet for self-expression and even finding a career.

There are also educational resources on social media. Many educational pages and groups on social media platforms can provide valuable information, study tips, and resources. Students can join groups related to their interests or subjects they are studying. Social media can offer support groups for various issues, whether it’s school related stress, mental health, or personal interests. These networks can provide a community and support for those who need it.

Social media is a powerful tool for raising awareness about important issues. Students can become more informed about events happening around us and it helps them make their voices heard on issues they care about. Social media can open doors to opportunities that students might otherwise miss out on. 

It’s important to consider these factors and weigh the pros and cons when deciding whether high school students should have access to social media.

How social media affects your mental health

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By Jennifer Iraheta-Delcid

Social media has become part of our daily life, consuming most of our time. Since the 2000s, it has extended new possibilities for communication. It has its good effects and bad effects. But it brings many risks if you excessively use social media.

Many platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat have become popular among youth. People normally spend around 2-3 hours of their time on social media. Therefore, These platforms have gained popularity because they allow you to communicate with other people as well as being a way to express yourself, whether in a short video or a story.

However, it’s a source of entertainment while also allowing you to make new friends online. Meeting friends online can be very dangerous at times because you are not sure who is behind the screen and whether they’re a predator or not. Although social media has its benefits, it can cause you to isolate yourself from actually interacting with real-world people and can later result in feelings such as anxiety.

Excessive use is mainly caused by lower psychological well-being. The immoderate consumption of social media is affecting many young people. Possible effects that come with it are low self-esteem, exclusion, bullying, and poor work and/or school production. In fact, social media produces many negative feelings. Recent studies show that people between the ages of 14-24 feel as if social media brings feelings of depression, anxiety, poor body image, and loneliness. Many platforms such as YouTube and TikTok care more about engagement rather than your mental health and the negativity that comes with it. Trends can also influence many young people to do dangerous activities that can lead to death. 

Social Media affects your mental health but it doesn’t mean you can’t use it at all. You just have to be aware of how much of your time it’s consuming. There are many good effects as well as bad but it brings many risks if you excessively use it. Mindfully using it is important to social media consumption.