Social media is making us more insecured
By Jon Negroni
Specifically, people (skewing younger) are misusing the social media tools given to them and creating false impressions of themselves that are fueling their own insecurities, as well as the insecurities of their peers.
Plenty have researched the link between social media sites and depression. A 2012 study found that there is, in fact, a high correlation between depression and use of major social network, Facebook. The study assessed the risk of depression among high schoolers and compared the risk rate to links between depression and TV use, to name one.
Other studies somewhat disagree. Huffington Post discussed a few related findings and found that there seems to be a stronger case that social media does not cause anxiety or depression, it just pushes already at-risk people off the figurative cliff.
I find that difficult to know for sure, and I gravitate more towards the idea that we have yet to see the true effects of what social media use is doing to the youngest of us.
See, the originators of these studies, and the writers like me who are interpreting them, are a different generation from the one ahead of us.
Yes, I am a millennial, but I am also a little older. I did not grow up linked to social media like children are today, which means that we can only discuss what is happening in real-time with younger users.
And it is not pretty
It is easy to make the argument that insecurity and low self-esteem is evident in teenagers, after all. We have millions of people logging into Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, bragging about the great things that are happening in their lives. We know this because we see it every day.
Forget for one second how bragging is a result of insecurity. Focus on the result of this social competition we are seeing before us. Kids are getting on Instagram and seeing pictures of people they know doing something that they aren’t. It can be overwhelming for someone between the ages of 13 and 16 to feel like they are missing out on something.
Honestly, we have all felt like this at one point, so you know that social jealousy can be a lot more impacting when you are a teen, that stage of life when your self-esteem is at an all-time low.
Thus, teens like to lie about their lives in order to feel slightly better about what they think they are missing out on. Why do you think Catfish seems to resonate so quickly with people? Most of us have been “catfished” or have even “catfished” someone else.
Social media is an anonymity paradox. On the one hand, we are more anonymous than we would be in a face-to-face interaction with someone. On the other hand, we are using social media to essentially make ourselves public to the whole world.
Now, I do not mind being public about a lot of things, but I certainly do not want some things to be so easily accessible. No one really does. The problem we need to address, then, is how we educate ourselves and those younger than us.
Throwing money at the problem or forcing kids to stay away from it will not help. Kids are way too far ahead of their parents for them to regulate social media use. Instead, kids (and us) need to be taught how to temper our concern and fixation over social media.
Would that solve the whole problem? No, but it is a start. I am convinced that a lot of the depression and anxiety complexes developing from social media can be prevented by good parenting and willpower.
And, of course, social media has just as many benefits as it does pitfalls. It is strengthened relationships between friends separated by distance, given brands the opportunity to grow, provided many jobs, and overall, it is been a great outlet for entertainment and leisure.
Just remember to be cautious with its ills
So, when your friend tells you that they want to take a “break” from Facebook or Twitter for a few weeks, do not mock them for it (which I am guilty of doing). Encourage and cheer them on. You could even join them if you are brave enough.
The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.
The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.
www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)
Downloads
Quotes
"When I was a child, I was always the quietest one, barely able to control my actions and reactions. Seeing the family videos I was embarrassed to see how much different and insecure I actually was compared to the others."
Max
MoreSend us your QuotesTips & Hints
Self Awareness
Ask yourself what triggers your feeling of insecurity? Whether it is fear of loss, pain, embarrassment or rejection, find out what it i...MoreLaugh
Laughter is the best medicine for the human condition. When you laugh your mood lightens up and it is said to help improve the immune s...MoreList your fears
List your fears and conquer them one by one. Feel insecure when you are presenting? Take up a public speaking class. Fear of talking to...MoreJournal
Write it down! Use a journal to record the successes you have in life. Record the mini successes you have achieved and refer back to it...MoreSet Goals
Lack of direction in life can lead to insecurity. You’ll wonder what your purpose is in life and lower your self-esteem. By regularly...More More Tips & Hints
