By Ella Ho
The Negative Effects of Social Media
By Ella Ho
Unless you live under a rock and are just not the type to be on social media 24 / 7, the internet is something that we consume almost every single day. It is inevitable that we come in contact with it, because it is where we provide and consume information. Social media can be a blessing. What is easier than connecting and keeping in touch with your loved ones in just a split second through Facebook? Instead of having to go the H & M that is an hour away from home, you have the option of getting your purchase with just the click of a button. Your favorite celebrities live 7,903 miles away from you— so what? You practically get to feel like their“ besties” after going on their Instagram livestream. The information that we want to consume is always there in front of us, whenever we need it, because it is just that easy to access. However, it can be very harmful, not only to our emotional well-being, but also our perception of reality.
As John Storey( 2003) states in Inventing Popular Culture,“ consumption is perhaps the most visible way in which we stage and perform the drama of self-formation”. As we all know, identity is a part of who we are. But most importantly, our identity correlates with what we consume as well. Our identity stays with us forever, but it is not static. It is constantly changing and developing, and part of that reason is because we consume things every day that may have an impact on who we are and how we think. For example, when we watch a documentary that informs us about animal welfare and how animals are brutally slaughtered, we may be inspired to stop eating meat and start going on a vegan diet. When we listen to that song by Meghan Trainor that promotes body confidence, it may help us with self-acceptance. We start to become more confident in ourselves and also acknowledge the fact that every type of body is beautiful. When we watch a TV show, the representation of characters in it may affect our perception towards a particular group of people, which is why appropriate representation is important. Simply put, the media is what we often consume. Whatever we surround ourselves with can have a profound impact on us and consequently, influence and shape our identity. With the prominent use of social media, there is inevitably that same effect.
Moreover, we are comparing ourselves to others constantly. Just as we consume, we also compare— and that is normal and natural. We as human beings feel the need to compare because it
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