Social Media:  The Dark Side

Let's flag how social media is challenging our intelligence and emotional vulnerabilities.

Social Media and Mental Health

Studies have shown that social media can hurt the mental health of young people.

Social Comparison

Social media tends to showcase an unrealistic and idealized version of people’s lives.

Social Comparison

Unfortunately, teenagers often fall into the trap of comparing their lives to idealized version of people’s lives.

Body Shaming

On social media platforms like Instagram, beauty tends to be highly valued. Many filters are even introduced to make one look more attractive.

Body Shaming

On social media there is a high probability that a Youth may experience body shaming if they do not meet society’s standards for physical perfection.

Validation

On social media the focus is on accumulating likes and followers. We strive for the highest number of likes, comments, and followers.

Validation

This trend is leading to a harmful cycle of seeking validation among younger generations. Seeking online validations can result in feelings of anxiety and depression.

Echo-chamber Effect

Social media algorithms are designed in a way that they always show us what we want to see.

Echo-chamber Effect

If we consume content that aligns with our presumptions or beliefs only, we limit our ability to develop reasoning skills.

Manipulating Public opinion.

Misinformation, or information disorder, is easily spread by social media propagandists with millions of followers.

Manipulating Public opinion.

Social media platforms with their vast user base and instant dissemination capabilities are breeding grounds for such disorder.

Manipulating Public opinion.

By manipulating emotions such as fear, anger, or excitement, propagandists can easily manipulate public opinion and shape collective consciousness.