Are we actually taking a break?

The Bright and the Dark Side of Social Media

Humans are social beings made for constant movement. This is what our physiognomy and our mental structure tell us.

Social Media are supposed to bring us closer together and make us more mobile. Our thoughts and feelings at least. Yet, we see in everyday life that people have never been more distant from each other. Spending most of their time static. Are we deceived?

Some stats on usage of Social Media

Social Media became very popular and mass used. Their contents are influencing on a large scale our thoughts and our behavior. Making the most impact on the lives of our teens.

• More than half of the world now uses social media.
• 4,2 billion people use Social Media worldwide.
• East Asia and North America have the highest usage at 71 and 69 percent. Followed by Northern Europe at 67 percent.
• Astonishing 90% of teens ages 13–17 have used social media. 75% percent report having at least one active social media profile. 51% report visiting a social media site at least daily.
• On average, people spent 2 hours and 24 minutes per day on Social Media. Stunningly, teens are online almost nine hours per day!

Are we slowly losing our most valuable gift, our freedom?

Moments of enjoyment.

The Bright side

Social Media are attractive because they are easy to use and they offer fast access to a variety of content. Entertaining for the most part. But they also offer great connectivity and a lot of business opportunities.

• You can stay connected with family and friends worldwide. With a lot of options for fun communication.
• Quick access to tons of information and research opportunities.
• Participating in group activities such as voting, volunteering, and charity work.
• Social Media are heaven for advertising and marketing work.
• There are great opportunities for learning new skills and finding jobs.

As we can see, Social Media provides you instant access to information that can actually help you. But let us talk about downsides now and see is it worth it.

The Dark side

We live in a time when four words are the most popular: EASY, FAST, CHEAP, AND FUN. Social Media united these FOUR words in one product that is very attractive.

• Social Media are an unlimited source of fast and cheap entertainment. It makes users addicted.
• Social Media cause increased stress (fear of missing out!) and lead deeper into depression and anxiety.
• Great and fast connectivity leads to making superficial relationships without responsibilities and consequences.
• Building egoism through the promotion of one’s potentials and through constant flattery.
• There is a noticeable increase in shamelessness. In a desire to attract attention and be more popular, users are uploading their most provocative pictures.
• Due to all most no control, we have more frequent bullyings on Social Media. As well as sexual harassment that can, in the end, lead to suicide.

As we can see, Social Media can bring great benefits to someone, but they can also bring many troubles. After reviewing all these stats and arguments, one should decide is it worth of risk.

We have to turn the light on for them!

Conclusion

Are we experienced enough to enjoy Socal Media without harm? Are our children?

As a parent, I am deeply concerned about the future of my children on Social Media. There is a lot of potential dangers on the internet, and so little control. Parents are not able to constantly control their children. And they shouldn’t. What can we do then as a society?

Our behavior crucially influences the behavior of our children. We have to set a good example. And with responsible behavior on the Internet, we will lay a good foundation for their future in every aspect of life.

It is up to the whole community to be a good role model for our children. Then, we all should be together on the Brighter side.