Is Social Media a Good or Bad Thing?

  1. Do different social networking sites offer different benefits and drawbacks?

I personally have an account on almost every social media platform. TikTok is the only one I don't have an account on, so I can't personally comment on that. Instagram and Facebook in my opinion are the social media platforms where I see the most drawback. For many people they go onto social media to share their life and communicate with others, to keep up with family, and even use it as a networking tool. However, these sites cause turmoil as you can share and say anything. People find themselves comparing their image to others and losing self-confidence. I included an article below that talks about how the app owners even know this to be true. The beauty standard from these apps has only made it harder for women and young girls to keep up. Influencers on Instagram, or anybody in general, are only ever going to post their best pictures. No one is going to post the picture without the filter or when their life is in shambles, but people forget this and strive to meet this high standard. 

Apps like Pinterest, VSCO, and Snapchat are a more beneficial form of social media. There can be a drawback to Snapchat, but for the most part when used safely it is a great way to communicate with others without giving your phone number out. Pinterest is a place where you can look up ideas for anything and make connections based on ideas, business advertisement, DIY, recipes, workouts, outfits, makeup, decorations, the list goes on. VSCO is very similar to Instagram, but it isn't as "serious". There isn't the need to have a certain number of likes, followers, or comments. You just take pictures and post them, it's more of a place for creative photography and editing rather than engagement. 

Instagram Worsens Body Image Issues And Erodes Mental Health : NPR

2. Is there an ideal number of “friends” or connections individuals have on Facebook that can improve their mental health?

Having followers/friends on social media is something that some people take seriously. This number is something that can bring gratification, but it's something that will always leave you wanting more. My friend for example became obsessed with Instagram when she was a competitive cheerleader. She constantly monitored her followers, likes, and comments. Being satisfied with her followers only lasted so long and then she was obsessed with trying to constantly build her following. The number brought her validation and made her feel important. She told me how unhealthy it really was to be that obsessed, but the instant gratification of attention made her crave it.

The number of followers some has can be beneficial as it has the potential to bring you connections. It can make someone feel important and a part of a community. Using it as a source of validation though is not a way to improve mental health in my opinion as I saw it consume my friend. Social media is something that shouldn't be taken so seriously as it is an online world, but many people have connected it to being a part of their identity. As someone who personally uses social media, I do believe it is important to disconnect every once in a while, and make sure to live in the real world too.