Social media are interactive media platforms that make it easier to create and share content through online communities and networks, including information, interests, ideas, and other kinds of expression. People are using different platforms to bring more visitors to their social media channels. You can use StreamOZ to increase viewers for your Twitch live videos, for instance, and earn more money.
However, Social media has been proven to have harmful outcomes for users. Cyber harassment, fraud, addiction, hacking, scams, and abuse have been reported on a number of social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and others. But the question is why social media is toxic. Let’s try to find out
Why social media is toxic?
Social media has embedded itself in our daily lives. The research estimates that 72% of Americans use social media. It began as a means of keeping in touch with friends and family. But it has greatly changed throughout the years. You can now consume entertainment, information, and your favorite brand’s products on social media. And regrettably, some of these habits could make you feel less than fantastic. Social media can actually be extremely toxic. There is a big drawback to your mental health, no doubt about it.
It may aggravate depression.
Have you ever fallen into an Instagram post-black hole only to emerge two hours later feeling like a puddle of sludge? That is not an accident. Research has repeatedly discovered a troubling link between social media and depression.
Your Self-Esteem Could Drop
You know that many (if not most) of the pictures you see online are edited or enhanced in some way. But it doesn’t matter. You still end up feeling like you’re not enough, compared to the people you see on TikTok and Instagram.
The FOMO is Real
This shows up in two different ways. You might be concerned that if you don’t check social media because it allows you to monitor everyone, you’ll miss something crucial. Second, when you witness others enjoying things that you believe you are missing out on, it might cause FOMO.
Instant gratification via social media feeds
We already have a problem with always expecting fast satisfaction because of the digital environment we live in. Social media intensifies this and fosters an attitude of “I want what I want, and I want it now.”
It impairs impulse control.
Do you ever find yourself trying to work at your desk while your phone is face-down and a foot away from you? Just in case someone posts something significant, you have to pick it up. They failed to. They didn’t publish any significant content. Simply put, using social media makes it harder to restrain those urges.
How can you protect yourself from the toxic effects of social media?
Technically, you could turn off your phone or limit how long you spend on social media. Simply put, you won’t be able to use these platforms because of this. Since everyone, even our friends and families, are online, it is obvious that this is not as simple as it might seem. As a result, we should be more informed about the news and any other material we read online. For instance, whenever someone shares a dubious post, we should always examine the source or the person’s profile. Additionally, we ought to read widely and not set ourselves up for failure. It is improper to share something without first reading it.
Conclusion
You should now have a clear idea of why researchers call social media toxic. Social media platforms need to disclose their algorithms and the processes they use to determine which content is seen by which users. Besides, we need to discover strategies to encourage individuals to spend more time in the real world rather than on social media. There is ample proof that social media is harmful to us on various levels. Don’t let its harmful repercussions get greater attention.