social networking sites disadvantages essay

Essay on Social Media for School Students and Children

500+ words essay on social media.

Social media is a tool that is becoming quite popular these days because of its user-friendly features. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more are giving people a chance to connect with each other across distances. In other words, the whole world is at our fingertips all thanks to social media. The youth is especially one of the most dominant users of social media. All this makes you wonder that something so powerful and with such a massive reach cannot be all good. Like how there are always two sides to a coin, the same goes for social media. Subsequently, different people have different opinions on this debatable topic. So, in this essay on Social Media, we will see the advantages and disadvantages of social media.

Advantages of Social Media

When we look at the positive aspect of social media, we find numerous advantages. The most important being a great device for education . All the information one requires is just a click away. Students can educate themselves on various topics using social media.

Moreover, live lectures are now possible because of social media. You can attend a lecture happening in America while sitting in India.

Furthermore, as more and more people are distancing themselves from newspapers, they are depending on social media for news. You are always updated on the latest happenings of the world through it. A person becomes more socially aware of the issues of the world.

In addition, it strengthens bonds with your loved ones. Distance is not a barrier anymore because of social media. For instance, you can easily communicate with your friends and relatives overseas.

Most importantly, it also provides a great platform for young budding artists to showcase their talent for free. You can get great opportunities for employment through social media too.

Another advantage definitely benefits companies who wish to promote their brands. Social media has become a hub for advertising and offers you great opportunities for connecting with the customer.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Disadvantages of Social Media

Despite having such unique advantages, social media is considered to be one of the most harmful elements of society. If the use of social media is not monitored, it can lead to grave consequences.

Thus, the sharing on social media especially by children must be monitored at all times. Next up is the addition of social media which is quite common amongst the youth.

This addiction hampers with the academic performance of a student as they waste their time on social media instead of studying. Social media also creates communal rifts. Fake news is spread with the use of it, which poisons the mind of peace-loving citizens.

In short, surely social media has both advantages and disadvantages. But, it all depends on the user at the end. The youth must particularly create a balance between their academic performances, physical activities, and social media. Excess use of anything is harmful and the same thing applies to social media. Therefore, we must strive to live a satisfying life with the right balance.

FAQs on Social Media

Q.1 Is social media beneficial? If yes, then how?

A.1 Social media is quite beneficial. Social Media offers information, news, educational material, a platform for talented youth and brands.

Q.2 What is a disadvantage of Social Media?

A.2 Social media invades your privacy. It makes you addicted and causes health problems. It also results in cyberbullying and scams as well as communal hatred.

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Social Media Essay: Benefits and Drawbacks of Social Networking Sites

The advent of various social media channels has revolutionized the internet landscape by introducing us to global networking. Today, an individual can connect with another in a completely different part of this world just in a matter of seconds. We will take you through various notions and opinions associated with social media and how they impact our everyday lives. Also, there are some incredible tips to give you a better insight into how to write a social media essay.

Sep 03 2020 ● 8 min read

Table of Contents

What is social media essay, how do you write a social media essay, structure of social media essay, various tones of a social media essay, incorporate an attractive topic.

As you know, an social media essay is a piece of writing that is used to introduce an essential topic to the world with its underlying advantages and disadvantages. These aspects are driven solely by facts and should not contain the opinions of the writers. It is drafted to give others a better understanding of the subject in hand.

No matter which subject it pertains to, an essay ends with a conclusion where the writers are permitted to give their opinion after weighing the advantages and disadvantages.

Similarly, a social media essay is written to appreciate the positive aspects and highlight the negative impacts of social media in this time and day. The conclusions include the analysis of the two elements by the writers in their own lives and give an open-ended point of view. Depending upon the essay writer or paper writing service , the decision can be decisive, too, but that is not encouraged.

Today, the use of social networks, whether it is Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, or LinkedIn, has increased exponentially. An average millennial spends 2 hours and 58 minutes per day on social media platforms like Facebook. While some say that the platform is super-informative, others argue that all the information gathered on this platform is trivial and doesn't justify long hours invested in the use of social media.

The above arguments make using social media by individuals with a debatable issue, and this is why a lot of students are required to write an essay on social media. So, here are some incredible tips to help you out in writing an essay on social media even if you don't have marketing skills .

A classic essay consists of 3 parts – the introduction, main body, and the conclusion.

• The Introduction

As you introduce the main topic, always begin with how it is relevant to the current scenario. You can do this by providing some background information. The information can be made richer by adding some reliable stats and data . Once you have established the topic, you need to give a strong thesis statement of the hypothesis on which your essay is based.

The thesis statement in your essay should be precise and debatable. If not, the arguments that you are going to put forward in the essay would make no sense.

The main body of your text should consist of logical arguments in relevance to your hypothesis. Make sure you put forward one statement in one paragraph and start a new one with another section. This will make your essay look more organized.

Also, when developing ideas, only include the ones you can write clearly about. If not, avoid them. Make sure that the essay develops coherently.

To conclude the essay about social media, bring back your hypothesis, and state how the aspects you discussed earlier support or nullify it. Make it a point to summarize all ideas, but do not start adding more ideas when you are about to conclude. You can now give an, ideally, open end to your essay.

A great conclusion is the one that provokes thought and will make your readers question the use of social media in their everyday lives.

Also, remember that essays do not have to include pros and cons always. They can either be full of pros or cons or both, depending upon your hypothesis. Just ensure they are relevant.

You might believe that an essay is an essay, and two of them would be similar, but that's a misconception. Different essays have varying tones depending on how the author is treating the thesis statement through the main body of the text. Here are a few examples of essays on social media in different tones.

• Sample of a Persuasive Essay

If you are asked to write an academic paper about the effects of social media on the mental health of teenagers and young adults, you should make it persuasive. For this, just writing about the topic is not enough. It would help if you had an impactful thesis, followed by powerful arguments to support or question your theory.

The perils associated with social media addiction are forcing parents and "grown-ups" to throw their benefits in bad light today. In the race to become best in academics and non-academic activities, people are losing their grip on how social networks bring people together. They empower individuals with knowledge about various cultures and languages, which might not have been possible otherwise.

Social media sites can be addictive, and students might waste their formative years scrolling through the trivial feed and gain nothing but superficial knowledge. But that is just because neither parents nor the school is encouraging positive social media behavior. If these institutions start offering tips to students to limit and utilize their time on social media , one would be amazed to see their achievements.

Is social media a catalyst for the downfall of student life? Well, social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and more are teeming with inspirational achievers and content creators who go the extra mile to share their stories and inspire students. If the children are taught to see their access to social media as an opportunity to grow rather than a competition for likes and followers, they are bound to work harder and achieve goals that seemed insurmountable earlier.

• Sample of Negative Essay about social media

If you have been asked to highlight the negative aspects of social media, your teacher does not mean that you have to cross all limits to present the use of social media in a bad light. Instead, what they are asking for is some logical and believable arguments that tell us why social media is harmful to society.

Social media is destroying family links by creating a virtual shell for each individual, which dissociates them with their own parents and siblings. The kids are adversely affected by increased access to social media if parents are always indulged in their devices and ignore them. Eventually, even kids start using tools to connect to other people, ignoring their family members.

Since kids and teenagers are the most impressionable age groups, they start believing that everything that glitters on social media platforms is gold, and they become materialistic. Their lives start revolving around likes, comments, and followers/subscribers. No matter whether their minds are prepared for such exposure or not, social media exposes them to the best and the worst about this world, which might turn them into rebels. They start valuing their online friends more than their offline lives and go to unimaginable extents to keep them entertained.

So, parents and elders need to pay attention to their children and limit their social media use so that they can learn to form real relationships and values.

• Weighing the pros and cons

Another way in which you can present your social media essay is by comparing the positive and negative aspects associated with it. In such essays, the conclusion is better left open for the readers to decide their own take on social media.

One cannot argue that social media has taken the world by storm by allowing like-minded individuals to connect and share their experiences with the world. You can use these platforms to make new friends and discover the ones who have lost touch. You can talk to everyone on your friend list and share your content on these channels to become a part of the creators' community. There is no dearth for talent on social media and its admirers.

On the other hand, if you use social media sites for long stretches of time in one go, you run the risk of addiction. Gradually, a social media addict starts to build a cocoon for themselves, which they find hard to step out of. This leads to a disconnect between you and the family you already have and love. One might feel too confined yet comfortable in their space that they have no urge left to step out, pushing them towards social seclusion, or worse – depression.

When you flip the coin again, you will discover that social media has become an incredible platform for small businesses to grow and earn good profits . The grass-root companies do not have to invest much for advertising and promotion or even own an establishment. All they have to do is to create a grassroots marketing strategy for themselves, and their brand will start selling in no time!

In the end, social media is a game-changer on the World Wide Web. It allows people to connect with the virtual world with the risk of disconnecting with the real world. Then again, businesses are doing well on these platforms. There are indeed two sides to social media, one positive and another negative, and it is up to you which one you lean towards more.

• Argumentative social media essay

A challenging but equally exciting type of essay on social media you should know about is an argumentative essay. It is often written when you are tasked with altering the point of view of the reader, which is of a completely opposite belief. Here is a sample for your better understanding.

Social networks have an uncertain future with the string impression they leave on users, especially the younger generations. Parents panic with the first mention of social media sites by their children and learning about their presence on these platforms because they are afraid of cyberbullying. They do not want their children to get cat-fished by some stranger on Reddit when they are not around.

Moreover, social media platforms are the reason why several individuals are losing their confidential data every day to corporate houses. These businesses are using the information to bug users with ads about stuff they do not want to buy.

If such instances carry on, the day is not far when the government will start to keep checks on the likes of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other channels. Massive surveillance will be imposed on these sites to prevent malicious minds from harming innocent teenagers physically or by hacking into their systems. So, before you get a chance to ask " have I been hacked ", know that someone is taking care of it.

Having an attractive topic for your social media essay does not mean using poetic words in it. You should have an issue relevant to the current scenario. In the process of selecting a fascinating topic, do not forget to keep it within the extents of your knowledge. If it becomes too complicated for you to write about, you will be stuck when coming up with arguments and ideas.

The perfect topic would be the one which offers good potential for research and is interesting for the readers too. Even if you present profound arguments about such topics, they should be in a logical, comprehensible, and readable format for people to understand easily.

Writing a social media essay is no cakewalk, whether you are a high-school student or university student. All you need to do is, structuralize it properly, be clear with the ideas and arguments you are planning to present, pick the tone of your essay, and began writing. Do not forget to top your essay up with a catchy topic so that your entire hard work doesn't fall flat.

Published on Sep 03 2020

Gintaras is an experienced marketing professional who is always eager to explore the most up-to-date issues in data marketing. Having worked as an SEO manager at several companies, he's a valuable addition to the Whatagraph writers' pool.

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The Pros and Cons of Social Media

A look at the ups and downs of being so digitally connected to people

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Social networking has changed the way we communicate, do business, get our daily news fix and so much more. But is it really all it's cracked up to be?

That depends on who you talk to and how you're using it. A site like Facebook could serve as an opportunistic launching pad for a new business owner, or it could be an inescapable source of negative peer pressure for a young teen. There are pros and cons to everything in life—and that includes our social networking habits.

The Pros of Social Networking

There are a lot of upsides to social networking. Ask yourself how you can take more advantage of the following whenever you decide to check out your favorite social networks.

Connect to Other People All Over the World

  One of the most obvious pros of using social networks is the ability to instantly reach people from anywhere. Use Facebook to stay in touch with your old high school friends who've relocated all over the country, use Google Meet to connect with relatives who live halfway around the world, or meet brand new people on social media from cities or regions you've never even heard of before.

Easy and Instant Communication

Now that we're connected wherever we go, we don't have to rely on our landlines, answering machines or snail mail to contact somebody. We can simply open up our laptops or pick up our smartphones and immediately start communicating with anyone on social media or one of the many social messaging apps available.

Real-Time News and Information Discovery

Gone are the days of waiting around for the six o'clock news to come on TV or for the delivery boy to bring the newspaper in the morning. If you want to know what's going on in the world, all you need to do is jump on social media. An added bonus is that you can customize your news and information discovery experiences by choosing to follow exactly what you want.

Great Opportunities for Business Owners

Business owners and other types of professional organizations can connect with current customers, sell their products and expand their reach using social media. There are actually lots of entrepreneurs and businesses out there that thrive almost entirely on social networks and wouldn't even be able to operate without it.

General Fun and Enjoyment

You have to admit that social networking is just plain fun sometimes. A lot of people turn to it when they catch a break at work or just want to relax at home. Since people are naturally social creatures, it's often quite satisfying to see comments and likes show up on our own posts, and it's convenient to be able to see exactly what our friends are up to without having to ask them directly.

The Cons of Social Networking

It's no secret that there's also a dark side to social networking. You may want to ask yourself how you can minimize the following cons of social networking as much and as often as possible.

If social media is your primary source for news and other information, you could end up in a filter bubble, which is when you've isolated yourself from new information and engaging with people who have different perspectives. If you've managed to stay in a bubble of harmful misinformation, it can damage relationships and even be dangerous.

Information Overload and Overwhelm

With so many people now on social media tweeting links and posting selfies and sharing YouTube videos, it sure can get pretty noisy. Becoming overwhelmed by too many Facebook friends to keep up with or too many Instagram photos to browse through isn't all that uncommon. Over time, we tend to rack up a lot of friends and followers, and that can lead to lots of bloated news feeds with too much content we're not all that interested in.

Privacy Issues

So much is shared online these days that issues over privacy are becoming an increasingly big concern. Whether it's a question of social sites owning your content after it's posted, becoming a target after sharing your location online , or even getting in trouble at work after tweeting something inappropriate — sharing too much with the public can open up all sorts of problems that sometimes can't ever be undone.

Social Peer Pressure and Cyber Bullying

For people struggling to fit in with their peers — especially teens and young adults — the pressure to do certain things or act a certain way can be even worse on social media than it is at school or any other offline setting. In some extreme cases, the overwhelming pressure to fit in with everyone posting on social media or becoming the target of a cyberbullying attack can lead to serious stress, anxiety and even depression.

Increased Feelings of Social Isolation

  Since people are now connected all the time and you can pull up a friend's social profile with a click of your mouse or a tap of your smartphone, it's a lot easier to use online interaction as a substitute for face-to-face interaction. Some people argue that social media actually promotes antisocial human behavior.

Distraction and Procrastination 

How often do you see someone look at their phone? People get distracted by all the social apps and news and messages they receive, leading to all sorts of problems like distracted driving or the lack of gaining someone's full attention during a conversation. Browsing social media can also feed procrastination habits and become something people turn to in order to avoid certain tasks or responsibilities.

Sedentary Lifestyle Habits and Sleep Disruption 

Lastly, since social networking is all done on some sort of computer or mobile device, it can sometimes promote too much sitting down in one spot for too long. Likewise, staring into the artificial light from a computer or phone screen at night can negatively affect your ability to get a proper night's sleep.

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Social Media — Pros and Cons of Social Media: Social Networking

Pros and Cons of Social Media: Social Networking

• Categories: Social Media

About this sample

Words: 756 |

Published: Sep 16, 2021

Words: 756 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Should follow an “upside down” triangle format, meaning, the writer should start off broad and introduce the text and author or topic being discussed, and then get more specific to the thesis statement.

Provides a foundational overview, outlining the historical context and introducing key information that will be further explored in the essay, setting the stage for the argument to follow.

Cornerstone of the essay, presenting the central argument that will be elaborated upon and supported with evidence and analysis throughout the rest of the paper.

The topic sentence serves as the main point or focus of a paragraph in an essay, summarizing the key idea that will be discussed in that paragraph.

The body of each paragraph builds an argument in support of the topic sentence, citing information from sources as evidence.

After each piece of evidence is provided, the author should explain HOW and WHY the evidence supports the claim.

Should follow a right side up triangle format, meaning, specifics should be mentioned first such as restating the thesis, and then get more broad about the topic at hand. Lastly, leave the reader with something to think about and ponder once they are done reading.

A Good Hook Examples for Social Media Essay

• The Digital Revolution: Step into the digital age and explore how social media has transformed the way we communicate, connect, and consume information.
• Hooked on Notifications: Uncover the psychological tricks behind those red notification badges and how they keep us glued to our screens, waiting for the next update.
• The Filtered Reality: Delve into the concept of a filtered reality on social media, where everyone’s life seems perfect, and examine the impact it has on mental health and self-esteem.
• From Likes to Obsession: Discuss the addictive nature of receiving likes and comments on social media posts and its potential consequences on individuals and society.
• Social Activism in the Digital Age: Explore the role of social media in driving social and political change, from hashtag movements to digital advocacy.
• Rawath, S. S., Satheeshkumar, D. R., & Kumar, V. (2019). a Study on Impact of Social Media on Youth. Journal of Management (JOM), 6(1), 89-96. (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3526175)
• Nesi, J. (2020). The impact of social media on youth mental health: challenges and opportunities. North Carolina medical journal, 81(2), 116-121. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32132255/)
• Dredge, R., & Schreurs, L. (2020). Social media use and offline interpersonal outcomes during youth: A systematic literature review. Mass Communication and Society, 23(6), 885-911. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15205436.2020.1810277)
• Kulandairaj, A. J. (2014). Impact of social media on the lifestyle of youth. International Journal of Technical Research and Applications, 2(8), 22-28. (https://www.ijtra.com/special-issue-abstract.php?id=impact-of-social-media-on-the-lifestyle-of-youth)
• Valentine, L., McEnery, C., D’Alfonso, S., Phillips, J., Bailey, E., & Alvarez-Jimenez, M. (2019). Harnessing the potential of social media to develop the next generation of digital health treatments in youth mental health. Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry, 6, 325-336. (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40501-019-00184-w)

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Disadvantages of Social Media Essay

Social media has been a part of everyday life for years now, with millions of people using it every single day. While there are many advantages to social media, like connecting with friends and family, staying informed about current events, and even marketing a business or product, there are also some downfalls that should not be overlooked. Here are some sample essays on disadvantages of social media.

100 Words Essay on Disadvantages of Social Media

200 words essay on disadvantages of social media, 500 words essay on disadvantages of social media.

It's no secret that social media can be addictive. And when you're hooked on social media, it can be tough to break the habit. You might find yourself checking your phone compulsively, or even staying up late at night scrolling through your Facebook feed. We need to be mindful of the amount of time we spend on social media, we need to be careful about the content we consume, and we need to make sure we're staying connected with real-life friends and family. Social media tends to show only the best parts of life—making it hard to remember that what we see isn't always reality.

People use social media to post things that they like, but they also use it to share experiences that they dislike. Modern social media may offer opportunities for face-to-face connections if used well, but it may also amplify feelings of disconnection. Overuse of social media could potentially reduce an individual's real-life relationships due to the way that it may inhibit the development of connection. When looking at the downsides of social media, excessive usage may result in bad health, weakened physicality, depression, stress, anxiety, and more.

There are many disadvantages of social media that should be considered. Here are a few of them:

Addictive | Social media can be addicting. Talk to a friend or family member about your addiction, or consult a therapist. With time and patience, you can overcome your social media addiction.

Time-consuming | Social media can consume a lot of time that could be spent doing more productive things.

Cyberbullying | Cyberbullying is a big problem on social media. It’s when someone is harassed, humiliated, or threatened online.

False sense of self | Social media can give people a false sense of self. People tend to only show the best parts of their lives on social media and this can lead to comparison.

When most people think of social media, the first thing that comes to mind is the positives: staying connected with friends and family, sharing photos and experiences, and so on. But what about the risks?

Risks of Social Media Usage

It's important to take measures to protect yourself online. For starters, you should only share information you’re comfortable with being public knowledge.

Here are some risks of using social media:

Academic Performance | You may have heard that social media can have a negative impact on academic performance. That's because when you're on social media, you're not spending time studying or completing assignments. It's also important to note that not all students are affected in the same way. Some students are better able to balance their use of social media and still get good grades. But for students who struggle with focus and concentration, it's best to limit social media use as much as possible.

Privacy and Security Issues | We all love to experience the thrill of connecting with people around us, but here's the thing you need to pay attention to-- are your private details safe on social media sites? Not necessarily. Social media platforms have been known to leak private data, such as phone numbers and addresses, without notifying users. There’s also a risk of having your account hacked and your personal information stolen. This could include passwords, or other sensitive information.

Setting up two- factor authentication whenever possible is a great way to secure your account and make sure no one else can access it without your permission.

Negative Effects of Comparison | When you’re scrolling through social media, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the people in your feed whose lives seem to be perfect. But what you often don’t see is that behind closed doors, even the most successful person may be struggling. Social media comparison can lead to feelings of jealousy and dissatisfaction with yourself, which may result in decreased self-esteem and increase emotional distress.

Real Life Interactions | One of the major downsides of social media usage is the impact it can have on real-life interactions. With people spending more and more time on their phones and devices, there is less time available to forge and maintain relationships in person. People are spending less time engaging with one another directly, whether it's hanging out at a friend’s house or striking up conversations at a party or restaurant, resulting in less meaningful conversations held in person.

So, what does this mean for you and your social media use? It means that, before you post that photo or share that update, you should take a step back and ask yourself: is this something I really want to share with the world? Is this something that could potentially embarrass me or hurt my reputation? Am I sharing this for the right reasons? If the answer to any of these questions is no, then it's probably best to keep that information to yourself. After all, social media is a public forum, and once something is out there, it's very difficult to take it back.

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Pros and Cons of Social Media: Social Networking

This essay about the pros and cons of social media explores both the benefits and drawbacks of social networking. It discusses how social media facilitates global connectivity, supports professional opportunities, and serves as a platform for activism and information sharing, highlighting its role in democratizing information. Conversely, the essay addresses the negative impacts on mental health, such as anxiety and depression, concerns over privacy and data security, and the spread of misinformation. It emphasizes the need for digital literacy education and stronger regulatory measures to mitigate these issues. The essay advocates for a balanced approach to managing the challenges while leveraging the benefits of social media platforms.

How it works

In the contemporary landscape, social media is a double-edged sword that offers significant benefits while posing substantial challenges. This essay examines the multifaceted impact of social networking sites, providing a nuanced analysis of their advantages and disadvantages.

One of the most profound benefits of social media is its ability to connect people. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow users from all corners of the globe to stay connected with friends and family. They also provide opportunities for networking and professional growth, connecting individuals with potential employers, colleagues, and business partners.

Furthermore, social media platforms can serve as invaluable tools for learning and information exchange, offering instant access to news, scholarly articles, and a variety of opinions and experiences from around the world.

Social media also plays a crucial role in the democratization of information. It empowers users to share their voice on a global stage and has become a pivotal space for social activism. Movements like #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter have gained international attention and support largely through social media campaigns, illustrating its power as a platform for social change.

Despite these benefits, social media is not without its drawbacks. One significant issue is the impact on mental health. Studies have shown that excessive use of social media can lead to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The pressure to maintain a certain online image and the constant comparison to others can lead to decreased self-esteem and a distorted self-image.

Privacy concerns are another critical disadvantage of social media. Users often share a wealth of personal information online, sometimes without adequate understanding of how this information can be used by third parties. Data breaches and the misuse of personal information have raised significant ethical concerns, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and more robust privacy protections on these platforms.

Additionally, social media can be a breeding ground for misinformation and “fake news,” complicating users’ ability to discern truth from falsehood. The rapid spread of unverified information can have real-world consequences, influencing public opinion and even affecting election outcomes. This dissemination of false information poses a serious challenge to societal well-being and informed citizenship.

Addressing the challenges posed by social media while harnessing its benefits requires a balanced approach. Educating users about the importance of digital literacy is crucial. This includes training in critical thinking skills related to media consumption, understanding privacy settings, and recognizing the signs of digital addiction.

Moreover, platform developers and policymakers need to work together to create safer, more ethical social media environments. This could involve implementing more stringent data protection measures, developing algorithms to detect and reduce the spread of misinformation, and creating spaces that promote positive interactions and mental health.

In conclusion, while social media continues to revolutionize the way we communicate and interact, it also presents significant challenges that cannot be ignored. By understanding and addressing these issues, society can better manage the influence of social networking sites and ensure that they contribute positively to modern life.

Remember, this essay is a starting point for inspiration and further research. For more personalized assistance and to ensure your essay meets all academic standards, consider reaching out to professionals at [EduBirdie](https://edubirdie.com/?utm_source=chatgpt&utm_medium=answer&utm_campaign=essayhelper).

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Social Networking Advantages & Disadvantages Essay Example

Social networking sites are huge in today’s society. People of all ages use these sites to connect, share information and express themselves. The sample below will explore the advantages and disadvantages of social media so that you can make an informed decision about whether it is right for you.

Essay Sample On Social Networking

• Thesis Statement For Social Networking Essay
• Social Networking Essay Introduction
• Why social networking is important these days?
• How we can see social networking sites as best and worst for society? [Advantages & Disadvantages]
• What if we ignore connecting with people on social networking sites?
• Social Networking Essay Conclusion

Thesis Statement For Social Networking Essay Social networking can be considered both negatively and positively for society by keeping its importance and harmful points in mind. Social Networking Essay Introduction The trend of connecting with friends, family members who are staying miles apart with the help of social networking sites is at its peak these days. People find it very interesting to communicate with several people at their comfort level with cheap communication mediums through social networking. At one place we can consider it as the best platform to keep in touch with our near and dear. But at the same time, several drawbacks are associated with social networking sites. For example, they are dragging apart the people staying under the same roof and connecting those living at distance. So here we will keep an eye on both the positive and negative aspects of social networking and security thefts that are connected to it as well. Get Non-Plagiarized Custom Essay on Social Networking in USA Order Now Main Body Of Social Networking Essay Why social networking is important these days? Social networking sites are serving a crucial role these days in the life of human beings to fill the distance gap between relatives. Nowadays people can connect with the help of these networking sites easily without spending much money. The coming of live video calling facility on these sites is like a big positive point that makes people feel very near to each other. There are scores of social networking sites that are being accessed by people according to their comfort and interest. The ultimate purpose of these sites is to keep in touch with friends and relatives but they are also used these days for business promotion as well. Thus we can say that social networking sites play a great role in various fields of life. How we can see social networking sites as best and worst for society? [Advantages & Disadvantages] Social networking sites are useful to keep people near each other through communicating by using these sites. But at the same time, there are several drawbacks as well which are related to these sites. For example, sometimes various fake people misuse your name and photos in disguise to harm you in every way. People who are interested in making friends online often get trapped in the scams that are made by fake people online on these social sites. At the same time, we can see these sites are proving out to be the wrong medium for communication to the terror groups. But like well said by a philosopher and politician nothing can be harmful and useful completely so is the case with social media and there are many positive points of it. So we cannot consider it purely harmful and useful in a balanced state. What if we ignore connecting with people on social networking sites? There is a point that if someone ignores using social networking sites, he or she can keep him away from the scams and drawbacks of social media. But it is not a relevant solution to stay away from social networking sites and that is too in this scenario where everything is possible on social networking sites. A person who will not show any interest in social media will lose many positive things in his life. Such people fail to build a strong bond with the people in their circle. At the same time, everyone finds them different from society and starts ignoring them. That is why it is very harmful and tragic to maintain a distance from social media for the people.  It is good to accept its reality by adapting to both the positive and negative phases. That is how you can reap the complete benefit of technology and science which is flourishing at every point these days. Buy Customized Essay on Social Networking At Cheapest Price Order Now Social Networking Essay Conclusion From the above arguments and relevant solutions, we can see the importance of social media in human life. If someone is not aware of the use of social networking sites he cannot stay in connection to his near and dear. Today social networking sites are serving a big role in the life of people for developing their business. The lack of awareness about these social sites also keeps you behind in the business advertisement as well. So we can say that one should be able to have access to social networking sites in the present time to flourish one’s business and relations as well. But a good eye should be kept to avoid the fake people and anti-social elements that can put you in trouble through these sites. People who are a newbie to social media should take a good demonstration for having access to their social media accounts from professionals. This is because ignoring social media’s importance means you are directly cutting apart yourself from the world in a real sense. Hire USA Experts for Social Networking Essay Order Now

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23 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media

Social media has become an integral component of modern life. We use the various platforms in this industry to connect with friends, chat with family members, and catch up on the current events happening in our world. Over 70% of Americans have at least one profile, and over 3 billion people around the globe are counted as social media users.

The growth of social media over the past decade has been staggering. The participation rate for this industry in 2005 was only 5%. Most people didn’t even know what it was at the time, and for those who did, the option to create a MySpace page usually meant fancy backgrounds and personal playlists more than personal communication.

We can even go further back to the invention of blogging on the Internet for the first real taste of social media. The first accounts began appearing in the 1980s, and then free platforms like Blogger mixed with chat rooms from AOL and others to create new social opportunities. Now we have Facebook, Twitter, and many more.

The advantages and disadvantages of social media are many, so here are the critical points to review in each area.

List of the Advantages of Social Media

1. It is easier to carry out research work using social media. Today’s social media platforms are a fantastic study tool that students can use. These platforms make it possible to ask challenging questions that would be difficult to solve on one’s own. It is also an easier way to create group discussions or study opportunities when people are far away from one another. Students even have the option to post their research work online to help educate others on specific topics.

If you have a question that needs to get answered, a simple status update with your family and friends is usually enough to get what you need.

2. Social media can boost individual self-esteem levels. Modern social media might feel toxic to some individuals, but it can also be a place where everyone can express themselves freely. These platforms provide ways to join groups or fan pages where shared interests become a reflection of each person’s unique personality. It offers a way to embrace empowerment because it communicates that each opinion counts. This advantage can lead to a significant boost in personal self-esteem.

When someone feels confident because of the online interactions that happen on social media platforms, it is a character trait that transfers to physical life. Many people can pursue what they’re passionate about today because of the positive feedback they received with this tool.

3. It creates more equality in today’s world. When people have differing social, economic, or physical traits, then society naturally limits a person’s ability to interact at the same level as others when they have negative traits in those areas. Even if you are in a wheelchair, the presence of a curb to make you stand out in the general public. Social media can work to illuminate these stigmas.

Anyone with any disability can perform all of the activities that their peers can accomplish online because of social media. This advantage makes people feel like they belong to their communities instead of being separated from them.

4. Social media can help people to find meaningful employment opportunities. Social media has become a go-to resource for employers who need help. Each community has several jobs posted and applied for because of the tools that are available in this industry. These jobs can be full-time positions, part-time, volunteer, or internships. Contract jobs are available all of the time with this resource. That means each user has the option to create a unique profile that features their skills and interests.

You can find a job anywhere in the world if you’re willing to embrace self-employment because of the benefits that social media provides.

5. You can stay up-to-date on current trends and technology. We are living in an era where rapid technological advancements occur. The tools that we use today are items that were only a part of the imagination a mere 20 years ago. When we take the time to embrace the advantages of social media, then we get to use these widely available technologies that can benefit the world in numerous ways. Social media helps us to stay informed of the natural evolutionary processes of each industry.

This advantage also applies to current events. We can quickly find out what is happening in our communities, schools, workplaces, states, and countries. It is an essential way to equip ourselves with adequate knowledge of what is happening around us. This benefit helps us to make informed and empowered decisions.

6. Law enforcement can use social media to capture criminals. Law enforcement agencies in the United States say that social media is a tool that helps them to solve crimes faster. 85% of American police departments use this tool as a way to find suspects. These platforms are also instrumental in the prosecution and conviction of several criminals, including professional athletes charged with inappropriate activity with minors.

When we are willing to be truthful with one another, social media gives us a variety of ways to keep our neighborhoods and communities safer.

7. Social media gives us opportunities to start making new friends. According to research published by Pew Internet, 93% of adults say that they use Facebook to connect with family. 91% are using it to stay in touch with their current friends, while 87% say that the platform helps them catch up with the people they know from their past. Over half of the respondents to this project stated that they use the various social media outlets to make new friends, even if they know that they won’t be meeting those people in real life.

One of the reasons why we focus on these connections is because it allows us to feel like we are a part of each person’s life. 70% of teams that use social media say that it helps them to feel more connected to the emotions that we all experience every day.

8. Businesswomen receive empowerment because of social media. When we look at women CEOs in the Fortune 500, they are outnumbered by their male counterparts by a ratio of 10 to 1 in most years. Finding ways to network with each other and feel like an impossible task when it seems like the cards are stacked against you from the very start. Businesswomen have found that social media can empower them to make better decisions because they can stay connected with other entrepreneurs who are like them.

Women dominate the social media spectrum. They are 80% of Pinterest users, 70% of Snapchat users, and 68% of Instagram users. Men are also in the minority on Facebook and Twitter. Women use these tools to have business chats, create global connections, and receive peer-related knowledge.

9. Social media has the power to increase a person’s quality of life. The power of social media can be experienced on the individual level in a variety of ways. It can improve a person’s overall life satisfaction, help with stroke recovery, or create gains in memory retention. When someone has a large online social group, then there is typically a higher level of well-being experienced.

Friends on social media can also help people to stay accountable for their health and wellness goals. This benefit promotes more exercise, improved nutrition, weight loss, and other lifestyle habit changes that may be desirable.

10. Social media can facilitate face-to-face interactions. People often use social media as a way to network at face-to-face events. It’s a chance to get to know others before having personal or business meetings. Messaging opportunities that occur on these platforms can lead to real-life interactions because plans get made online, and then implemented off-line.

The average person will see their close friends in person over 200 days each year while messaging them an average of 39 days annually.

11. The use of social media can increase voter participation rates. Facebook reports that people are more likely to vote if they see others are doing the same thing. 35% of students said that the status updates from their family members and friends led them to vote in the 2016 presidential election in the United States. That means this influence is even higher than what television, radio, and direct mail provide.

12. Social media can help to remove social stigmas. Society contains several stigmas that the average person doesn’t think about until there are direct impacts on their life. Various campaigns are running right now to reduce the bias that exists surrounding learning disabilities, mental health concerns, and health issues that people face. These platforms have been useful in the reduction of homophobia, lowering HIV rates, and promoting educational opportunities.

We can use social media to tell our stories. The lessons that we’ve learned in life can provide mentorship opportunities for other people, even if we’ve never met them before. Although some people will always try to troll others, the benefits often far outweigh whatever disadvantages we might encounter.

List of the Disadvantages of Social Media

1. Social media enables the spreading of false information rapidly. Over 60% of Twitter users say that they have encountered news stories on that platform that eventually turned out to be false. About one in five people say that they had retweeted or posted something that they later discovered was false. Social media provides the advantage of giving information to all of us quickly, but the lies typically spread much faster than the truth. The reason why this happens is that we create echo chambers for ourselves with this tool.

When we surround ourselves with information that supports our personal opinions about the world, then the posts that we see on social media reinforce each bias that we have. Instead of seeking diversity, these platforms end up encouraging more segregation.

2. These platforms expose people to government intrusions. About half of the people that use social media right now say that they have problems trying to manage the privacy settings for the profile. Over 80% say that they don’t feel secure when using the sites to share private information. This disadvantage applies to corporate and government intrusions because of all of the data that we share on these platforms.

The U.S. government submitted over 43,000 requests for data from Facebook and Twitter in 2015. About four out of every five of them were honored by these organizations. The National Security Agency reportedly can monitor private social messages by entering a specific username into their system. That means what we share can go to everyone.

3. Social media causes student grades to drop. Students who use social media heavily tend to have lower grades at every level of education when compared to those who avoid these platforms. Over 30% of teens say that using social media during their homework reduces the quality of their studies, resulting in grades that were 20% lower. Students at the college or university level experience a 0.12 drop in GPA for every 93 minutes above the average amount of time spent on Facebook per day.

Students who identify as being heavy social media users have an average GPA of 3.06 across all grades. Those who don’t use these platforms regularly have an average GPA of 3.82.

4. These platforms can lead to offline relationship problems. About one in every three social media users reports that they have had an argument or fight with a friend or family member because of something that happened online. Over-using social media can potentially decrease a person’s success in real-life relationships as they get older because of how it can hinder communication development. People are less likely to pick up on nonverbal communication signals when messaging has been their primary form of talking to other people.

Active social media use can lead to higher levels of platform-related conflict between friends and romantic partners. Higher risks of conflict, infidelity, and divorce are all associated with above-average active users.

5. Social media can encourage people to waste a lot of time. The average person spends almost two hours every day browsing through their social media feeds. This figure represents over one-quarter of the total time that people spend online every day. When asked about what their biggest waste of time was every day, almost 40% of respondents referred to social media. That placed it above watching TV at 23% or playing fantasy sports at 25%.

When the average person received a notification about a new social media activity, then it takes up to 25 minutes for them to return to their original tasks. And 30% of these instances, it can take up to two hours to fully return their attention to what they were doing.

6. It can harm an individual’s employment prospects or job stability. Social media gives all of us an opportunity to express ourselves freely. That benefit doesn’t always translate into life stability. Job recruiters and hiring managers report feeling negative reactions to profanity, poor spelling and grammar, references to illegal drugs, and sexualized content when reviewing the profiles of their applicants. 55% say that they reconsidered someone based on what they saw of a person’s online activities.

This disadvantage applies to people from all walks of life. Former MLB pitcher Curt Schilling was terminated from ESPN because of comments he left on Facebook about transgender individuals. This action followed a suspension he’d received earlier for comparing radical Muslims to the Nazis.

7. Social media can be used to commit or promote criminal activity. Gangs are known to use social media as a way to recruit younger members. Terrorist organizations create propaganda to accomplish the same goal. These platforms are useful in the coordination of violent crimes or to threaten other people. Sex offenders use websites like this to find victims to exploit.

Almost 80% of burglars admit that they use several different social media platforms to select the properties of their victims. Over half of them say that they track that person’s posting status or current whereabouts to know when they can enter a home or business safely. Some criminals have even started live streaming their activities.

8. It places the lives of activists, journalists, and military personnel in danger. When military personnel use social media as a way to check in with location-based services, the activity can expose their current position. This data can then endanger certain operations. ISIS used these platforms to locate a freelance journalist who reported what life was like under their regime. Several bloggers in Bangladesh posted their thoughts about atheism online only to be killed by zealots who opposed their opinion.

This disadvantage happens all over the world. A blogger in Mexico was found murdered by a cartel with a note stating that the individual was reporting things on social networks.

9. Social media can encourage cyberbullying activities. Over half of students today say that they have encountered cyberbullying online directed at them at least once in the past year. 84% of the incidents occurred on Facebook. What makes this disadvantage such a devastating experience is the fact that the information is available all day, every day on a public forum. There is no way to take a break from it, and you don’t even need to be present for people to start this behavior.

Middle school students who are victims of cyberbullying are almost twice as likely to attempt suicide when compared to those who are not. Adults who experience this disadvantage can experience higher levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

10. The people who use social media are prone to isolation. Social media might provide opportunities for personal connections when used correctly, but it can also increase feelings of disconnect. This disadvantage is especially powerful for young people with disabilities. It places them in a higher risk category for eating disorders, low self-esteem, and clinical depression. Passively consuming social media content, including the scanning of posts without leaving a comment, is directly related to personal feelings of loneliness.

11. Children can endanger themselves on social media without realizing it. Kids don’t always understand the viral nature of social media posts. Even though young people traditionally are more tech-savvy than their parents and previous generations, social media is a different beast. Children and teens see activities that happen online that seem fun, and so they attempt to duplicate them in real life. Some of these incidents even happen accidentally.

Over 600 police officers once had to disperse a teen’s birthday party in the Netherlands because a private invitation ended up being public and going viral. Over 30,000 people showed up for the event. A similar issue happened in Los Angeles that resulted in the host of the party being hospitalized after an attack.

Social media gives us the opportunity to create an online extension of our physical lives. It creates more connections while facilitating communication. That’s why the use of Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Instagram have risen from about 26% in 2008 on all platforms to over 80% today.

There are always benefits of social networking to find if we’re willing to look for them. These online communities promote increased interaction with our family and friends, educational support from teachers, information about current events, and opportunities to create political or social change. It disseminates useful information to us all quickly.

The advantages and disadvantages of social media can also swing in the other direction. It can prevent face-to-face communication for some people, alter behavioral patterns, and expose our youth to potential predators. Even when individuals use it to spread false information, we still decide what we want to focus on with this platform. If we can stay disciplined in its use, then social media is a tremendous asset to the world.

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Social Media Advantages and Disadvantages IELTS Essay

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Updated on 15 April, 2024

Akansha Semwal

Study abroad expert.

If you are planning to move outside the country for higher education, better career prospects, and PR, then taking the IELTS exam is necessary. The test is aimed at checking the English language proficiency of a candidate through four different sections, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Here are samples of an essay from the writing section on the topic ‘Social Media Advantages and Disadvantages’.

Table of Contents

Essay 1 on advantages and disadvantages of social media, essay 2 on social media advantages and disadvantages, download e-books for ielts preparation, more resources to read about essays:, frequently asked questions.

This generation's language is undoubtedly social media – we all live and breathe our online presence, and these social platforms are its foundation. With multiple social media channels such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Snapchat in the running, there is no end to what social media can do. However, this statement holds for both positive and negative effects of the medium. 

Social Media definitely has a positive side as well for the people using it. One of the most significant advantages, or probably the reason why the concept was created, was to communicate. Social media helps us contact/stay in touch with people we love, celebrities who we admire, or connect with new individuals. Another advantage of social media is that it can be used as a powerful tool to educate others. Nowadays, every piece of information or detail you may need is a click away, and social media promotes the same availability of knowledge. Additionally, you can use social media as a tool to market your brand or company as the platforms are quickly turning into a massive hub for advertisements. 

With these advantages, social media also poses many cons/disadvantages. Despite it being the perfect medium for sharing information – your moods and whereabouts to people–you are also susceptible to privacy issues and hackers. Many social media users also face the ill effects of these platforms through cyberbullying, which leads to mental health issues and even greater cases of suicides in the present generation. Furthermore, various reports also entail that overusing social media can even hamper students' academic performance since they waste their precious time on these applications.

Thus, these set of advantages and disadvantages together highlight it is best to use social media in moderation and avail its benefits in a balanced manner.

Word Count: 296

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Yes, social media has many advantages and disadvantages in the present world. Even though social media was created for the betterment of the social relationships in the world, it is the cause of many people ruining their health and others. The best way to deal with social media is to understand its pros and cons and look at your relationship with these applications.

Talking about the positives of using social media, it is the best way to get the latest updates and news about the world. Whether it is about entertainment, politics, or economics, you can get all types of news through social media. If you spend your time on appropriate accounts and platforms, you will also be able to gain knowledge on several topics. The best part of using social media is that you can enjoy the ability to connect with people remotely even if you can't meet them. This was a big benefit in the pandemic era.

Social media has also become a home for fake ids and anonymous accounts that spread hate and negativity. People also hack into other people's accounts, which can cause loss of personal data and identity thefts. Not just that, social media has also lowered human interactions and changed the way we perceive modern human relations. What was thought to be a great way to connect with others has left people lonely and sad.

Social media is both a curse and a boon depending on your use. If you are vigilant enough to maintain a balance, these social media channels should not cause many problems and negative impacts. All in all, it is all about keeping usage in moderation and having a life beyond social media.

Word Count: 283

Important IELTS Exam Resources

Ielts exam overview.

IELTS is required to be taken by international students and workers who wish to study or work in a country where English is the primary language of communication. Know the complete details.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics

Writing task 2 in IELTS is descriptive essay writing. The applicants are supposed to write an essay in response to the statement or situation given in the essay.

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Please note that your performance on the speaking test is assessed based on the following criteria- fluency and coherence, grammatical range and accuracy, lexical resource, and pronunciation.

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

IELTS Academic writing is meant for students who are applying for top-ranked universities and colleges in English-speaking countries. The writing task one is an academic summary writing based on diagrammatic and graphical representation.

• IELTS Writing Task 2

Writing Task 2 is the second part of the writing section of IELTS, where aspirants are presented with a point of view, argument, or problem and asked to write an essay in response to the question.

Writing Task 1 IELTS

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 starts with a diagram, a visual representation of information. It can be a table, map, graph, process, diagram, or picture.

IELTS Essay Samples

The essay for IELTS is part of Writing Task 2. It is the same for the General Training and Academic of the IELTS. You will get a topic and have to write an essay on the same.

IELTS Cue Cards

The IELTS speaking cue cards come into play for the second part when the candidate will be choosing cue cards and then speaking on a topic for two minutes at least.

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What are the advantages of using social media?

The most significant advantage of using social media is global connectivity. The online networks have allowed users to connect and communicate with family, friends, acquaintances, etc. instantly. In today's world, it has also become an important tool for business expansion, social awareness, recruitment, and shopping.

What is advantage and disadvantage essay in IELTS?

The IELTS advantage and disadvantage essays require you to convey positive and negative sides of the given subject while providing a balanced argument. You must ensure not to skip any of the sides, i.e., you should not focus on solely exhibiting the advantages or disadvantages. Also, remember to conclude your essay with a judgement.

What are different types of IELTS essay?

You can expect the following types of essay in IELTS Writing task:

• Opinion essays
• Discussion essays
• Advantage/disadvantage essays
• Multi-part essay
• Multi-part and opinion essay
• Cause/solution essay

Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.

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Essay#52 | Social media

At first 250 may seem like a lot of words, but if you break the answer down into the paragraphs then it will seem easier: Introduction and concluding paragraph about 50 words each. The two main body paragraphs 100 words each. Each of these paragraphs has to include at least 2 ideas (3 is better), as well as reasons for your ideas and an example to support one of them.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Social media is becoming increasingly popular amongst all age groups. However, sharing personal information on social media websites does have risks.

Do you think that the advantages of social media outweigh the disadvantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model answer.

Since the invention of social media, many people have been better able to connect with each other and also to keep up to date with the lives of their friends, families, co-workers and even celebrities, to such a degree which was previously impossible.

However, social media has its risks. As people of all ages have access to social media, children can be exposed to adult content, and are themselves vulnerable to be approached by strangers with unknown intentions. Even if children are sure of who they’re talking to on social media, social media’s issues are not completely eliminated. Cyber bullying is frequently reported in the news, and occurs on social media between children and schoolchildren. This is problematic, as it means even when children are at home, remote from their bullies they can still be bullied when they’re inside their own homes.

Social media can be problematic for adults, too. People often feel comfortable posting things on social media that they wouldn’t say in real life. This can indirectly cause a bad impression on other people, and if employers judge the nature of the content prospective employees post on social media to be inappropriate, it can affect their chances of attaining or keeping jobs.

As long as people are aware of the risks of using social media, and are careful to post only respectful and respectable content, then the advantages of social media far outweigh the disadvantages, and children and adults alike should be allowed to benefit from such technology.

(250 words)

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21 Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networking

Social networking created changes to the way we communicate with one another. It alters our idea of what it means to start a business. We can get our fix of current events through this medium, share our favorite websites with one another, and capture moments using pictures and video to share with family and friends.

There are many positives to consider when looking at the latest form of social networking, but it can also be a world filled with many negatives. You can use websites like Facebook to launch a new business idea, sell products or services, and extend the reach of your brand. These platforms can also become an inescapable place where peer pressure can push people toward choices they would never make without its influence.

We look at brands like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram for social networking today, but this communications tool has been everywhere since the early 2000s. Six Degrees earns recognition as being the first official site, founded in 1997 by Andrew Weinreich, with a peak of 1 million members. People were going into AOL chat rooms before then. Friendster then emerged in 2002, a year before LinkedIn, to set the stage for what we see today.

The pros and cons of social networking are often more about your priorities when using it and the pages and people with whom you choose to interact. How can you take advantage of these critical viewpoints today?

List of the Pros of Social Networking

1. Social networking gives you a chance to connect with people around the world. One of the most obvious advantages of using social networking is the opportunity these websites provide you to reach people from anywhere in the world. As long as there is a connection to the Internet and a profile created, you can become “friends” or a “follower” of someone and check-in with them at any point in time.

Some people use Facebook to stay in touch with family, talk to old high school friends, and share their political feelings. Twitter is a micro-blogging platform that is used for comedy, current events, and general observation. You can even connect with people from places you’ve never seen or heard of before.

2. This technology gives us access to easy, instant communication tools. Social networking gives us the chance to stay connected with one another wherever we happen to go. You don’t need to have access to a landline to call someone with this technology today. Sending a letter through the traditional mail seems like an eternity. Forget about answering machines or voicemail – just leave a comment on someone’s page and they’ll get a notification about it immediately.

When we stay connected to social networking, then all we need to do is pick up our smartphone, boot up the computer, or open the laptop to start communicating with someone. You can even use an app that connects to your profile to take advantage of these benefits no matter where you are in the world.

3. Information happens in real-time blocks on social networks. Before the Internet came around, we all had to wait for the daily newspaper or the news broadcasts on television to know what was going on in the world that day. Even when cable news came around to give us 24/7 access to stories, we had to sit, watch, and wait for the stories we wanted to see. Thanks to social networking, one simple search is all that is necessary to access the current events notifications that we want to see.

You can even go a step further and set alerts through your social networking profile so that you receive notifications when a specific page has new information to review. This process allows you to customize your news feed, allowing the information discovery experience to follow the exact path you want.

4. Social networking creates brand exposure for businesses. Any type of professional organization can use their social networking presence to connect with their current and future customers. Most platforms allow businesses to sell their products, either directly on the social media site or through a link to the company’s sales page. This process makes it easier to expand the reach of a company through the use of these one-to-one connections that are possible.

There are numerous small businesses and entrepreneurs who have thriving companies today which survive almost entirely on what they can create through a social network. Some of the brands would be unable to operate without it.

5. Being on a social network is a lot of fun. The average person in the United States spends between 35 to 45 minutes every day on their favorite social networks. Some might call this behavior an addiction, but it wouldn’t be that way if people weren’t having fun checking in with others or staying up-to-date on the latest news and information. Humans are naturally social creatures, so it feels satisfying to have likes, hearts, or comments left on a posit. You can create friendly conversations in the comfort of home while seeing what everyone is doing without needing to ask them.

6. Social networks are a useful law enforcement tool. 73% of law enforcement officials in the United States say that they believe social networking sites help them to solve crimes with more speed. 85% of the police departments in the U.S. use social media to investigate local offenses. It is a tool that helps officers track down and arrest those who brag about their crimes online. This advantage has led to numerous prosecutions, including hate crimes, and identified multiple people in videos where inappropriate actions occur so that the proper charges can be brought against them.

7. This tool can help students perform better at school. About 3 out of every 5 students say that they use social media to discuss educational topics if they have access to the Internet. Half of students say that they talk about their school assignments with their friends thanks to the tools offered by these platforms. George Middle School, which is located in Portland, OR, introduce social networking programs to engage their students and found a 50% increase in grades. There were also declines of chronic absences and an increase in the voluntary extra-credit.

8. Social networking helps people who are shy or socially isolated to connect with others. About 1 in 4 teens say that their experiences on social media have helped them to feel less shy when interacting with others in real life. Almost 30% of the young people in that group say that these encounters help them to feel more outgoing, while 1 in 5 say that their confidence got a boost.

Some kids, teens, and young adults are not as socially adept as others, which is where the anonymity of social networking can help. This online resource gives them an opportunity to feel more comfortable, become vocal, and practice interactions with other people in a way that creates a safety net for them.

9. The elderly can feel more connected to society because of social media. The Pew Research Center conducted a study in 2015 to see how senior citizens felt about the use of social media. For those in the 65 and older age demographic, which is one of the fastest growing groups on social networks, they felt happier because of the online contacts that were available to them because of this technology. They could talk to their family, see pictures and video of their grandchildren, or access the bulletin from their church.

Only 2% of senior citizens were using social networking in 2008. That figure climbed to 35% by 2015 because of this unique advantage.

List of the Cons of Social Networking

1. Social networking exposes us to a lot of information. When social networks first started, the platforms became a place of meaningful connection. You would share videos, photographs, and letters with the essential people in your life. Now that there are millions (and sometimes billions) of people on a platform, there can be a lot of white noise that drowns out these conversations. Between the political arguments, posted selfies, shared links, and brand videos that enter the average news feed every day, it becomes pretty overwhelming to have all of this information at a glance.

Most people tend to create bloated news feeds with a collected group of friends and followers that contains irrelevant content. It becomes a challenge to stay connected with people because you might lose their conversations in the blizzard of data that social networks have become.

2. There are privacy issues to consider with social networks. Because there is so much data sharing happening with the modern social network, the amount of privacy that we have for the average person is shrinking a little bit every day. The user agreements that you agree to follow when signing up for this service might even create a license which allows the platform to use your content without attribution – including your pictures.

You might become a target if you share your current location over social media. Your employer can choose to fire you if they disagree with something that you shared over your network. If you share too much with the public, there could be problems that develop which will never resolve as the information releases.

3. Cyberbullying and peer pressure are significant issues. If you struggle to fit in with your group of peers, then you might feel some pressure to behave or communicate in specific ways to feel accepted. This disadvantage tends to impact teens and young adults the most, but it can also influence anyone. It is not unusual for the negative behaviors to be worse online than at school or work because bullies feel like they can be anonymous when sitting behind a screen or using a smartphone.

In extreme cases of this disadvantage, the bullying and negative comments that occur over social networking can lead to anxiety, depression-like symptoms, and high levels of stress. Cyberbullying makes teens and young adults twice as likely to attempt suicide or attempt to harm themselves in other ways.

“Prevention of cyberbullying should be included in school anti-bullying policies, alongside broader concepts such as digital citizenship, online peer support for victims, and how an electronic bystander might appropriately intervene,” Professor Ann John, of Swansea University Medical School, told The Telegraph. “Suicide prevention and intervention is essential within any comprehensive anti-bullying program and should incorporate a whole-school approach to include awareness raising and training for staff and pupils.”

4. Some people substitute online interactions for their offline relationships. Our constant connections with one another create a change in how we approach our relationships. You can pull up the social profile of a friend with a simple tap or click. Then you can message that person, leave a comment, or like one of their posts. We often substitute these actions for the face-to-face conversations we used to have, which reduces the number of social skills that we can use outside of the digital realm. Because of this disadvantage, some critics of social networking would say that our activities promote anti-social behavior more than it encourages new connections.

5. Social networking can become a severe distraction for some people. When someone becomes distracted by the information available through social media, it can take them up to 25 minutes to become focused on their original task. Do you check your phone when you wake up in the morning? How often do you scroll through Facebook or Instagram? The time spent on these platforms, along with the time it takes to recover from the distraction, can cost you up to 70 hours of productive time per month.

There are some ways that you can limit this disadvantage. Start by turning off notifications on your phone and in your browser. Talk with people instead of pulling out a device to chat on an app. Then give yourself specific times during the day where you check on your profile and news feed instead of going to it multiple times per day.

6. It can disrupt your sleep cycle. When you expose your brain to electronics, then it can change the emphasis of your mind from wanting to go to sleep to staying engaged with social media. The blue light spectrum from some devices can be stimulating as well, but the danger with this disadvantage is that you’ll start to think more about what other people are doing or the information on your profile instead of trying to get some rest.

7. Using social networking all of the time can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. Because social networking typically happens on a mobile device or a computer, it can promote the habit of sitting down in a single spot for too long during the day. Some people check their feeds when they exercise, but it happens more often when there are quiet moments that feel boring. If you’re using social media for 70 minutes every day in a seated position, then this habit can start to create changes that lead you toward a sedentary lifestyle.

8. Social networking can spread false or unreliable information quickly. When traditional media reporters were polled about their use of social media, over 78% of them said that they used their platforms to check for breaking news. The problem with this habit is that there tends to be a lack of fact verification before the sharing process happens. People tend to want news that conforms with their beliefs instead of the data being a direct observation of current events.

News items that contain inaccuracies spread six times faster on Twitter than articles that contain the truth. Fake news items receive more shares and retweets than true stories. It is up to each of us to verify the information that we share to avoid this disadvantage.

9. Students who use social networking too often have lower grades. About one-third of students say that they are on social media while studying or doing their homework in ways that are not educationally productive. This activity reduces the quality of their work, which often leads to lower grades. Non-users of social networking averaged a GPA of 3.82 in the United States, while those who continued to use Facebook and similar sites had an average GPA of 3.06.

Students who use social media sites while studying score up to 20% lower on their tests compared to non-users. For young adults in college or at a university, their grades drop 0.12 points for every 90 minutes they spend on networking sites each day. Four hours of screen time is enough for a student to drop a full grade.

10. Social media creates more time wasting opportunities throughout the day. Internet users between the ages of 16-64 said that they spend about 1.7 hours every day on their various social media sites. That accounts for about 30% of the total amount of time that they spend online each day. One-third of those who were surveyed said that their networking activities were the biggest waste of time in their day, ranking it above watching television, playing fantasy sports, and shopping.

11. The use of social networking is correlated with brain and personality disorders. Research from the University of Pittsburgh finds that the use of social networking sites creates a significant increase in depression and depression-like symptoms for adults between the ages of 19-32. The addictive qualities of these platforms can lead to an enhancement or increase in narcissistic behaviors and personality traits. It may lead to hyperactivity behaviors, resistance to authority figures, and general inattention as well.

12. It can be more difficult to find a job with your social media presence. Not only can you lose a job because of what you decide to share on social networks, but you can also find it more challenging to be offered a position in the first place. Job recruiters and human resource managers say that references to illegal drugs, sexualized content, poor grammar and spelling, and profanity all have a significantly negative impact on their perspective of a potential recruit. Firearms and alcohol are potential red flags on a profile as well.

Up to 55% of recruiters today say that they consider hiring an applicant based on what they can see of their social media activities.

Verdict on the Pros and Cons of Social Networking

Social networking gives us an opportunity to quickly disseminate essential information to the general public. The Department of Veterans Affairs uses this tool as a way to help prevent suicide attempts in veterans’ groups after they return from active combat. The World Health Organization used it to combat the spread of false information after the 2011 nuclear disaster in Japan where people were encouraging the ingestion of salt to fight off the effects of radiation.

We can use social media to disarm social stigmas. It helps us to stay connected with each other, learn about current events, and share the good things about our lives.

The pros and cons of social networking also show us that it can be used to spread hate and bully others. There are about 10,000 tweets every day which contain racial slurs. It can create echo chambers where followers reinforce extreme propaganda within their group, which can lead to radicalization over time. It can also lead to social isolation. That’s why we must make healthy choices when using this technology.

Social networking can be used for good just as easily as it can be used to harm others.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Social Networking

Aakanksha M.

Checked : T. M. H. , Vallary O.

Latest Update 19 Jan, 2024

Table of content

There are pros and cons of using social media

However, there are some disadvantages of using social networks.

Social networks have become the essential part of private and professional life of many people all over the world. Research shows that the most popular sites worldwide are Facebook with 2.38 billion monthly active users, You Tube (2 billion users),WhatsApp (1.6 billion users). Six-ranked photo-sharing app Instagram has 1 billion monthly active accounts. About 2 billion Internet users are using social networks and these figures are expected to grow. The majority of social networks with 100 mln. users originated in America.

One of the most obvious benefits of using social networks is that you can keep in touch with your friends easily, quickly and cheaply. Besides, it’s a good way of making new acquaintances, communicating with people from different countries, discussing various topics, sharing photos and videos. Apart from this, many people use combined profiles in social media for business and private networking. Also, social networks give a great opportunity for many companies to make a market research and to   develop new products   and services. Monitoring social media you get direct and fast access to your customers’ interests, opinions and problems. Social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are excellent ways to communicate with customers. Some large international companies are working with project wikis, project blogs and have global virtual teams. They are already using file sharing, collaborative platforms for project teams. Social media are a platform for podcasts and webinars to show your customers how your product works. What is more, finding a job has become easier because employers update pages with the job descriptions and candidates can apply online.

One negative aspect lies in the fact that some teenagers spend so much time online. As a result of it , children suffer from the lack of live communication. They can become Internet addicts. Cyberbullying is a serious problem. According to statistics, about 37% of teenagers between the ages12 and 17 have been bullied online, most of them on the platform of Instagram. The people who experience cyberbullying are at a great risk for suicidal behavior.

Another problem is connected with hackers. They can get into our computers and use personal information for identity theft. We are worried by increasing cases of fraud. Scams are prevalent on popular social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. That is why it is highly recommended not to include your personal data such as your home address or phone number into your public profile. You should check and regularly update privacy settings on your social media accounts.

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All in all, we cannot disagree with the fact that social networks made our lives much easier. However, I think that social media will never replace real-life communication. I am convinced that blended networking, the combination of on-line and offline networking, is the way forward.

I agree with the statement: “People should lift their heads from their computer and phone screens and start living life”.

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• Social Networking Site: Its Advantages and Disadvantages

Everything has its advantages and its disadvantages. Social networking sites are no exception. We live in a time when technology has reached such heights that no aspect of life is complete without it .Social networking sites are that innovation of technology that makes this huge world of our look small.

Beginning with the advantages of the various social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and various others; these give us a platform to express our thoughts and share it with billions of people out there, know their views and interact with them. No matter how many miles apart it makes us feel close to the ones sitting on the other end of the screen. It makes distance look nothing but just a word. Apart from communication between people it also gives us an opportunity to get various information about the people or celebrities we admire .It makes us feel closer to the ones we idolise. Often it makes us come in contact with long lost friends' .Social networking sites also are seen as a get away from the daily stressful monotonous life that many lead. A blessing for the man who can't get frequent holidays to meet his dear ones and whose day starts and ends in front of the computer screen at his workplace. Many people cannot afford to travel the world like others can ,but the pictures shared on social networking sites makes them feel a lot less sad about that. Social networking sites have been the place to discuss issues that are international, national, local and have time and again attracted attention of concerned authorities which is a great advantage.

Moving on to the disadvantage part of the social networking site. First and foremost it makes life so easy that it makes us lazy. Kids these days prefer "chatting" over playing games. They are always glued to their phones and computers socializing .They forget that there is a world beyond. Outdoor games become secondary for these tech savvy kids who trying to cope up with this changing world lose their childhood to some gadgets .Social networking sites as mentioned earlier gives us a platform to express our views ,but often they take a nasty turn and becomes a controversy. Not only that one has to be extremely careful about what he shares and with who he shares cause a few number of times we come across cases or should i say crimes in news channel which have had their initiations on social networking sites .It becomes very easy to access someone's personal information and use it to the persons disadvantage. It is such case that makes us question the safety of these social networking sites. Also these sites on a number of occasions are used to instigate people on a certain issue as they provide a wide platform and a lot of independence which also makes us question the amount of independence the sites provide and whether there should be some kind of restrictions. Thought these days the social networking sites are coming up with security settings, we on a personal basis should be extremely careful.

So in short, a social networking site has innumerable pros and cons. What is needed is awareness among people about the cons while enjoying the pros of it .And on the part of the social networking sites, they should be more responsible about security issues and protection of information of individual users.

Sohini Majumder

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David Wallace-Wells

Are smartphones driving our teens to depression.

By David Wallace-Wells

Opinion Writer

Here is a story. In 2007, Apple released the iPhone, initiating the smartphone revolution that would quickly transform the world. In 2010, it added a front-facing camera, helping shift the social-media landscape toward images, especially selfies. Partly as a result, in the five years that followed, the nature of childhood and especially adolescence was fundamentally changed — a “great rewiring,” in the words of the social psychologist Jonathan Haidt — such that between 2010 and 2015 mental health and well-being plummeted and suffering and despair exploded, particularly among teenage girls.

For young women, rates of hospitalization for nonfatal self-harm in the United States, which had bottomed out in 2009, started to rise again, according to data reported to the C.D.C., taking a leap beginning in 2012 and another beginning in 2016, and producing , over about a decade, an alarming 48 percent increase in such emergency room visits among American girls ages 15 to 19 and a shocking 188 percent increase among girls ages 10 to14.

Here is another story. In 2011, as part of the rollout of the Affordable Care Act, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a new set of guidelines that recommended that teenage girls should be screened annually for depression by their primary care physicians and that same year required that insurance providers cover such screenings in full. In 2015, H.H.S. finally mandated a coding change, proposed by the World Health Organization almost two decades before, that required hospitals to record whether an injury was self-inflicted or accidental — and which seemingly overnight nearly doubled rates for self-harm across all demographic groups. Soon thereafter, the coding of suicidal ideation was also updated. The effect of these bureaucratic changes on hospitalization data presumably varied from place to place. But in one place where it has been studied systematically, New Jersey, where 90 percent of children had health coverage even before the A.C.A., researchers have found that the changes explain nearly all of the state’s apparent upward trend in suicide-related hospital visits, turning what were “essentially flat” trendlines into something that looked like a youth mental health “crisis.”

Could both of these stories be partially true? Of course: Emotional distress among teenagers may be genuinely growing while simultaneous bureaucratic and cultural changes — more focus on mental health, destigmatization, growing comfort with therapy and medication — exaggerate the underlying trends. (This is what Adriana Corredor-Waldron, a co-author of the New Jersey study, believes — that suicidal behavior is distressingly high among teenagers in the United States and that many of our conventional measures are not very reliable to assess changes in suicidal behavior over time.) But over the past several years, Americans worrying over the well-being of teenagers have heard much less about that second story, which emphasizes changes in the broader culture of mental illness, screening guidelines and treatment, than the first one, which suggests smartphones and social-media use explain a whole raft of concerns about the well-being of the country’s youth.

When the smartphone thesis first came to prominence more than six years ago, advanced by Haidt’s sometime collaborator Jean Twenge, there was a fair amount of skepticism from scientists and social scientists and other commentators: Were teenagers really suffering that much? they asked. How much in this messy world could you pin on one piece of technology anyway? But some things have changed since then, including the conventional liberal perspective on the virtues of Big Tech, and, in the past few years, as more data has rolled in and more red flags have been raised about American teenagers — about the culture of college campuses, about the political hopelessness or neuroticism or radicalism or fatalism of teenagers, about a growing political gender divide, about how often they socialize or drink or have sex — a two-part conventional wisdom has taken hold across the pundit class. First, that American teenagers are experiencing a mental health crisis; second, that it is the fault of phones.

“Smartphones and social media are destroying children’s mental health,” the Financial Times declared last spring. This spring, Haidt’s new book on the subject, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, debuted at the top of the New York Times best-seller list. In its review of the book, The Guardian described the smartphone as “a pocket full of poison,” and in an essay , The New Yorker accepted as a given that Gen Z was in the midst of a “mental health emergency” and that “social media is bad for young people.” “Parents could see their phone-obsessed children changing and succumbing to distress,” The Wall Street Journal reflected . “Now we know the true horror of what happened.”

But, well, do we? Over the past five years, “Is it the phones?” has become “It’s probably the phones,” particularly among an anxious older generation processing bleak-looking charts of teenage mental health on social media as they are scrolling on their own phones. But however much we may think we know about how corrosive screen time is to mental health, the data looks murkier and more ambiguous than the headlines suggest — or than our own private anxieties, as parents and smartphone addicts, seem to tell us.

What do we really know about the state of mental health among teenagers today? Suicide offers the most concrete measure of emotional distress, and rates among American teenagers ages 15 to 19 have indeed risen over the past decade or so, to about 11.8 deaths per 100,000 in 2021 from about 7.5 deaths per 100,000 in 2009. But the American suicide epidemic is not confined to teenagers. In 2022, the rate had increased roughly as much since 2000 for the country as a whole, suggesting a national story both broader and more complicated than one focused on the emotional vulnerabilities of teenagers to Instagram. And among the teenagers of other rich countries, there is essentially no sign of a similar pattern. As Max Roser of Our World in Data recently documented , suicide rates among older teenagers and young adults have held roughly steady or declined over the same time period in France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Germany, Greece, Poland, Norway and Belgium. In Sweden there were only very small increases.

Is there a stronger distress signal in the data for young women? Yes, somewhat. According to an international analysis by The Economist, suicide rates among young women in 17 wealthy countries have grown since 2003, by about 17 percent, to a 2020 rate of 3.5 suicides per 100,000 people. The rate among young women has always been low, compared with other groups, and among the countries in the Economist data set, the rate among male teenagers, which has hardly grown at all, remains almost twice as high. Among men in their 50s, the rate is more than seven times as high.

In some countries, we see concerning signs of convergence by gender and age, with suicide rates among young women growing closer to other demographic groups. But the pattern, across countries, is quite varied. In Denmark, where smartphone penetration was the highest in the world in 2017, rates of hospitalization for self-harm among 10- to 19-year-olds fell by more than 40 percent between 2008 and 2016. In Germany, there are today barely one-quarter as many suicides among women between 15 and 20 as there were in the early 1980s, and the number has been remarkably flat for more than two decades. In the United States, suicide rates for young men are still three and a half times as high as for young women, the recent increases have been larger in absolute terms among young men than among young women, and suicide rates for all teenagers have been gradually declining since 2018. In 2022, the latest year for which C.D.C. data is available, suicide declined by 18 percent for Americans ages 10 to 14 and 9 percent for those ages 15 to 24.

None of this is to say that everything is fine — that the kids are perfectly all right, that there is no sign at all of worsening mental health among teenagers, or that there isn’t something significant and even potentially damaging about smartphone use and social media. Phones have changed us, and are still changing us, as anyone using one or observing the world through them knows well. But are they generating an obvious mental health crisis?

The picture that emerges from the suicide data is mixed and complicated to parse. Suicide is the hardest-to-dispute measure of despair, but not the most capacious. But while rates of depression and anxiety have grown strikingly for teenagers in certain parts of the world, including the U.S., it’s tricky to disentangle those increases from growing mental-health awareness and destigmatization, and attempts to measure the phenomenon in different ways can yield very different results.

According to data Haidt uses, from the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health, conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the percent of teenage girls reporting major depressive episodes in the last year grew by about 50 percent between 2005 and 2017, for instance, during which time the share of teenage boys reporting the same grew by roughly 75 percent from a lower level. But in a biannual C.D.C. survey of teenage mental health, the share of teenagers reporting that they had been persistently sad for a period of at least two weeks in the past year grew from only 28.5 percent in 2005 to 31.5 percent in 2017. Two different surveys tracked exactly the same period, and one showed an enormous increase in depression while the other showed almost no change at all.

And if the rise of mood disorders were a straightforward effect of the smartphone, you’d expect to see it everywhere smartphones were, and, as with suicide, you don’t. In Britain, the share of young people who reported “feeling down” or experiencing depression grew from 31 percent in 2012 to 38 percent on the eve of the pandemic and to 41 percent in 2021. That is significant, though by other measures British teenagers appear, if more depressed than they were in the 2000s, not much more depressed than they were in the 1990s.

Overall, when you dig into the country-by-country data, many places seem to be registering increases in depression among teenagers, particularly among the countries of Western Europe and North America. But the trends are hard to disentangle from changes in diagnostic patterns and the medicalization of sadness, as Lucy Foulkes has argued , and the picture varies considerably from country to country. In Canada , for instance, surveys of teenagers’ well-being show a significant decline between 2015 and 2021, particularly among young women; in South Korea rates of depressive episodes among teenagers fell by 35 percent between 2006 and 2018.

Because much of our sense of teenage well-being comes from self-reported surveys, when you ask questions in different ways, the answers vary enormously. Haidt likes to cite data collected as part of an international standardized test program called PISA, which adds a few questions about loneliness at school to its sections covering progress in math, science and reading, and has found a pattern of increasing loneliness over the past decade. But according to the World Happiness Report , life satisfaction among those ages 15 to 24 around the world has been improving pretty steadily since 2013, with more significant gains among women, as the smartphone completed its global takeover, with a slight dip during the first two years of the pandemic. An international review published in 2020, examining more than 900,000 adolescents in 36 countries, showed no change in life satisfaction between 2002 and 2018.

“It doesn’t look like there’s one big uniform thing happening to people’s mental health,” said Andrew Przybylski, a professor at Oxford. “In some particular places, there are some measures moving in the wrong direction. But if I had to describe the global trend over the last decade, I would say there is no uniform trend showing a global crisis, and, where things are getting worse for teenagers, no evidence that it is the result of the spread of technology.”

If Haidt is the public face of worry about teenagers and phones, Przybylski is probably the most prominent skeptic of the thesis. Others include Amy Orben, at the University of Cambridge, who in January told The Guardian, “I think the concern about phones as a singular entity are overblown”; Chris Ferguson, at Stetson University, who is about to publish a new meta-analysis showing no relationship between smartphone use and well-being; and Candice Odgers, of the University of California, Irvine, who published a much-debated review of Haidt in Nature, in which she declared “the book’s repeated suggestion that digital technologies are rewiring our children’s brains and causing an epidemic of mental illness is not supported by science.”

Does that overstate the case? In a technical sense, I think, no: There may be some concerning changes in the underlying incidence of certain mood disorders among American teenagers over the past couple of decades, but they are hard to separate from changing methods of measuring and addressing mental health and mental illness. There isn’t great data on international trends in teenage suicide — but in those places with good reporting, the rates are generally not worsening — and the trends around anxiety, depression and well-being are ambiguous elsewhere in the world. And the association of those local increases with the rise of the smartphone, while now almost conventional wisdom among people like me, is, among specialists, very much a contested claim. Indeed, even Haidt, who has also emphasized broader changes to the culture of childhood , estimated that social media use is responsible for only about 10 percent to 15 percent of the variation in teenage well-being — which would be a significant correlation, given the complexities of adolescent life and of social science, but is also a much more measured estimate than you tend to see in headlines trumpeting the connection. And many others have arrived at much smaller estimates still.

But this all also raises the complicated question of what exactly we mean by “science,” in the context of social phenomena like these, and what standard of evidence we should be applying when asking whether something qualifies as a “crisis” or “emergency” and what we know about what may have caused it. There is a reason we rarely reduce broad social changes to monocausal explanations, whether we’re talking about the rapid decline of teenage pregnancy in the 2000s, or the spike in youth suicide in the late ’80s and early 1990s, or the rise in crime that began in the 1960s: Lives are far too complex to easily reduce to the influence of single factors, whether the factor is a recession or political conditions or, for that matter, climate breakdown.

To me, the number of places where rates of depression among teenagers are markedly on the rise is a legitimate cause for concern. But it is also worth remembering that, for instance, between the mid-1990s and the mid-2000s, diagnoses of American youth for bipolar disorder grew about 40-fold , and it is hard to find anyone who believes that change was a true reflection of underlying incidence. And when we find ourselves panicking over charts showing rapid increases in, say, the number of British girls who say they’re often unhappy or feel they are a failure, it’s worth keeping in mind that the charts were probably zoomed in to emphasize the spike, and the increase is only from about 5 percent of teenagers to about 10 percent in the first case, or from about 15 percent to about 20 percent in the second. It may also be the case, as Orben has emphasized , that smartphones and social media may be problematic for some teenagers without doing emotional damage to a majority of them. That’s not to say that in taking in the full scope of the problem, there is nothing there. But overall it is probably less than meets the eye.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.

Further reading (and listening):

On Jonathan Haidt’s After Babel Substack , a series of admirable responses to critics of “The Anxious Generation” and the smartphone thesis by Haidt, his lead researcher Zach Rausch, and his sometime collaborator Jean Twenge.

In Vox, Eric Levitz weighs the body of evidence for and against the thesis.

Tom Chivers and Stuart Ritchie deliver a useful overview of the evidence and its limitations on the Studies Show podcast.

Five experts review the evidence for the smartphone hypothesis in The Guardian.

A Substack survey of “diagnostic inflation” and teenage mental health.

Poll: Biden and Trump supporters sharply divided by the media they consume

Supporters of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are sharply divided across all sorts of lines, including the sources they rely on to get their news, new data from the NBC News poll shows.

Biden is the clear choice of voters who consume newspapers and national network news, while Trump does best among voters who don’t follow political news at all. 

The stark differences help highlight the strategies both candidates are using as they seek another term in the White House — and shed some light on why the presidential race appears relatively stable.

The poll looked at various forms of traditional media (newspapers, national network news and cable news), as well as digital media (social media, digital websites and YouTube/Google). Among registered voters, 54% described themselves as primarily traditional news consumers, while 40% described themselves as primarily digital media consumers. 

Biden holds an 11-point lead among traditional news consumers in a head-to-head presidential ballot test, with 52% support among that group to Trump’s 41%. But it’s basically a jump ball among digital media consumers, with Trump at 47% and Biden at 44%. 

And Trump has a major lead among those who don’t follow political news — 53% back him, and 27% back Biden. 

“It’s almost comic. If you’re one of the remaining Americans who say you read a newspaper to get news, you are voting for Biden by 49 points,” said Republican pollster Bill McInturff, who conducted the poll alongside Democratic pollster Jeff Horwitt.

The trends also extend to other questions in the poll. There's a significant difference in how traditional news consumers view Biden, while digital news consumers are far more in line with registered voters overall.

More primarily traditional news consumers have positive views of Biden (48%) than negative ones (44%). Among primarily digital news consumers, 35% view Biden positively, and 54% view him negatively. Vice President Kamala Harris' positive ratings show a similar divide, while Trump is viewed similarly by news consumers of both stripes.

And although the sample size is small, those who don't follow political news feel more positively about Trump and independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and more negatively about Biden.

Trump’s lead among those not following political news caught Horwitt’s eye amid Trump's trial on charges related to allegations he paid hush money to quash news of an alleged affair from coming out during the heat of his 2016 presidential campaign and as he faces legal jeopardy in other cases that consistently make news. 

“These are voters who have tuned out information, by and large, and they know who they are supporting, and they aren’t moving,” Horwitt said. 

“That’s why it’s hard to move this race based on actual news. They aren’t seeing it, and they don’t care,” he continued.

Third-party candidates also do well with this chunk of the electorate — a quarter of the 15% who say they don’t follow political news choose one of the other candidates in a five-way ballot test that includes Kennedy, Jill Stein and Cornel West. Third-party supporters also make up similar shares of those who say they get their news primarily from social media and from websites.

But voting behavior among those groups suggests that Biden's stronger showing with those traditional media consumers puts him ahead with a more reliable voting bloc.

Of those polled who could be matched to the voter file, 59% of those who voted in both 2020 and 2022 primarily consume traditional media, 40% primarily consume digital media, and just 9% don't follow political news. (The percentages add up to more than 100% because some people chose media platforms across multiple categories.)

Those who voted less frequently were more likely to say they don’t follow political news: 19% of those who voted in the last presidential election but not in 2022 and 27% who voted in neither of the last two elections say they don't follow political news.

The NBC News poll of 1,000 registered voters nationwide — 891 contacted via cellphone — was conducted April 12-16, and it has an overall margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

Ben Kamisar is a deputy political editor in NBC's Political Unit.