Studies conducted around the world in 2017 regarding the prevalence of social media estimate that the number of users has reached or even exceeded 3 billion. Looking at these results, it raises questions about how social media, the new communication method, affects especially families, relationships, individuals and children mentally, physically and socially.
- Well, while the negative aspects of social media are constantly emphasized. Could it also have positive aspects? I think we should ask the question.
- Otherwise, shouldn't social media, which is used by such a large mass of the world's population, be banned by all countries in the world?
In our country and some other countries, some Let's bring together some studies conducted by research institutions and academics and take a look at the answers to these questions. First, let's look at the positive aspects of social media and then examine the aspects that negatively affect us.
Spiritual Benefits of Social Media
- Provides a sense of belonging:Everyone wants to fit in to some degree, so when a friend or relative replies to a post you created on your own social media account or if your post is liked, it gives you a sense of recognition from your friend or close circle. It gives you the feeling that you are accepted.
- Makes it easierto find role models:Some posts made on social media consist of people's interests. Connecting with people close to your own interests and getting suggestions or inspiration through social media with people you can consider as idols are some of the easiest activities.
- Increases confidence:In a study conducted abroad by Valenzuela, Park and Kee, it was stated that Facebook, one of the social media networks, increases the trust of users because detailed information can be obtained through contacts with people and the uncertainty about people's intentions and behaviors decreases.
- Reduces the feeling of loneliness:Carnegie M In a study conducted at Ellon University, it was stated that people's feeling of loneliness decreased because they could interact one-on-one on social media (i.e., receive instant comments and write messages).
- It makes us happy. :Despite all the talk about the increased risk of depression as a result of intensive use of social media, a study conducted by University of Missouri psychologists found that social media makes us feel better. It was observed that test subjects who actively participated in the study experienced a physiological response indicating an increase in happiness, but this increased happiness disappeared when the interaction decreased, that is, when they switched to just passive browsing.
The Effect on Physical Health Positive Effects
- It can positively affect people's physical health:More than 40 percent of Social Media users stated that they gained positive health habits as a result of the information they read on social media. .
- Improves health through smartphone applications: It allows you to get help on exercise, diet and weight, thanks to the applications you can obtain through the smartphone you use. You can also provide additional support from other users thanks to the social features of some applications.
- It increases the quality of health services:In some studies abroad, 60 percent of doctors say that the care they provide He thinks that the quality has improved due to social media.
Positive Effect on Relationships
- Helps you communicate and connect with people. :Social media can be considered positive in this regard, as it will make it easier to find people and rekindle friendships.
Although we mentioned some of its positive features above, unfortunately, depending on the intensity of social media use, both mental health and It can also have serious negative effects on physical health.
Psychological Problems That May Occur as a Result of Exposure to Social Media
- Enough. Increases feelings of isolation:Some social media users compare themselves with other users and feel inadequate because of people or situations they cannot reach or cannot reach.
- Some users experience social anhedonia. may show symptoms:In a study conducted at the University of Missouri, some subjects experienced a state of decreased interest in the outside world, known as social anhedonia. This is a condition in which you no longer get pleasure from activities you would normally enjoy, including interacting with others. It is stated that people who experience this situation have fewer friends on social media and share fewer photos.
- Increases the risk of addiction:The use of mobile phones or social media accounts Controlling triggers addiction areas of the brain. Because users experience a “high” experience. Over time, even the brain structures of technology users may change. They may experience emotional withdrawal, withdrawal symptoms, and inability to focus.
- Can cause anxiety:Social media users experience FOMO, or "missing what's going on" They may experience the fear of You think that something is happening somewhere, every minute, and you experience serious anxiety that you are unaware of all this. Unfortunately, this is one of the inconveniences that occur as a result of social media entering our lives. This is exactly the point where people feel or think that others are making fun of them and therefore they need to check social media immediately.
- It affects sleep:Late hours. The desire to text or browse social media sites can cause you to experience sleep disorders, stress, and even depression.
- It consumes the energy to produce something new: In our country, Assoc. In a study conducted by Vehbi Bayhan, it was seen that the ability to produce new things was higher, especially among young people, in periods when the internet and social media were not yet widespread. he's tired. However, with the spread of the internet and social media, people are starting to use materials created or produced by others. This naturally reduces productivity.
Negative Effects on Physical Health
- Inactivityencourages: According to the National Institutes of Health, intense use of social media and smartphones can lead to very serious health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, blood pressure problems, respiratory problems, neck pain and cancer.
- Increases obesity:As a result of a friend you like on social media or a celebrity you consider your idol gaining weight, you may think or even believe that it would be a good idea to do the same thing. . For this reason, intense social media use can cause damage to your perception of acceptability.
- It causes eating disorders:Research shows that women who use social media a lot have problems with their body image. It has been revealed that they experience more eating disorders and as a result, they are more prone to eating disorder behaviors. These women may tend to compare receiving “likes” and comments on their posts with their physical appearance.
Negative Effects on Relationships
- It can cause destructive and negative discussions: In a study, 25 percent of couples state that they receive disturbing messages on social media and therefore experience relationship problems. In the same research, 8 percent of couples state that they argue because their partners or spouses spend a long time on the internet.
- It may cause feelings of jealousy: Intensive use of social media Couples who use it may show jealousy due to seeing a connection with the opposite sex (girlfriend or boyfriend) in a partner's personal space, which can damage the relationship.
- Couples will talk. may have difficulty finding topics: Couples use social media at all hours of the day If they do, they may not find anything new to share when they communicate with each other. For this reason, their communication may weaken after a while and they may experience relationship problems.
- It reduces empathy:Since virtual communication methods are constantly used, face-to-face communication becomes limited and A gradual decrease is observed in the empathy level of individuals. As a result, people are no longer able to truly react to real-life problems that affect others.
Although social media use has positive aspects, as can be seen, serious negative effects have also been revealed as a result of research if care is not taken. in case. If you are experiencing the negative psychological effects I mentioned as a result of intensive use of social media, it may be useful to seek professional support.
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