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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