The Dark Side of Social Media: Understanding Addiction and Identity Crisis

Use Of Social Media

The Interplay of dopamine, the need for social validation, and the tendency to create fake identities contributes significantly to why people engage with social media. While it offers connection and enjoyment, it also has the potential to foster negative mental health outcomes and a distorted sense of reality.

Close-up Photography of Smartphone Icons

According to a study by the Pew Research Centre, 69% of adults and 81% of teens in the U.S. use social media, with 59% of teens using it daily. This high usage rate raises concerns about potential addiction and its consequences.

A report from the Royal Society for Public Health found that social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are linked to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and poor body image among young people.

Misuse of Social Media

Research by MIT showed that false news stories on Twitter are 70% more likely to be retweeted than true stories, highlighting how misinformation spreads faster due to these platforms’ design. These platforms have come under fire for mishandling user data and violating privacy.

 Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica scandal is a notable example of how personal data can be misused for political manipulation and business interests.

A report from The Guardian detailed how 87 million Facebook users had their data harvested by Cambridge Analytica without consent, which was then used to influence elections.

Teens and Cyber Bullying

bullying, cyberbullying, insult

Cyberbullying has become a pervasive issue in the digital age, especially among adolescents who spend significant time online. Several studies have revealed the severe psychological impact of online harassment, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts among victims. According to a report by the Pew Research Centre, approximately 59% of U.S. teens have experienced some form of cyberbullying

1. Pew Research Centre (2018)

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According to Pew Research, 59% of teens in the U.S. have experienced some form of cyberbullying. The most common forms include name-calling, spreading false rumors, receiving unsolicited explicit images, and physical threats. The emotional toll includes increased levels of anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

Nearly half of U.S. teens have been bullied or harassed online, with physical appearance being seen as a relatively common reason why. Older teen girls are especially likely to report being targeted by online abuse overall and because of their appearance.

2. UNICEF Study on Cyberbullying (2019)

UNICEF reported that one in three young people across 30 countries had been a victim of cyberbullying. The study also found a correlation between cyberbullying and skipping school due to fear and stress. Many victims reported feeling unsafe both online and offline. The global scale of cyberbullying is alarming, and it not only affects mental health but also educational outcomes.

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Purpose of platforms like Instagram Facebook YouTube (Billions of Businesses Behind It)

According to Business Insider, the global influencer marketing industry was worth $13.8 billion in 2021, with Instagram leading the market as the most popular platform for influencer marketing.

Engagement-driven algorithms are designed to maximize time spent on the platforms by showing users content that captures their attention. These algorithms promote sensational content, which increases views, likes, and shares, all boosting ad revenue. A study from Stanford University showed that social media platforms use “dopamine-driven feedback loops” to increase user addiction, exploiting human psychology to maintain user engagement.

The algorithms used by these platforms tend to promote polarizing content that provokes strong emotional reactions

Several documentaries and series have explored the business model and dangers of social media platforms

1.The Social Dilemma (2020)

This Netflix documentary explores how social media platforms are designed to manipulate users and create addiction.

2.The Great Hack (2019)

This documentary dives into the Cambridge Analytica scandal, showing how personal data was used to influence elections worldwide.

3.Terms and Conditions May Apply (2013)

This documentary focuses on the hidden dangers in user agreements on social media platforms, exposing how companies collect and exploit personal data without users fully understanding the consequences

4.Black Mirror: Nosedive (2016)

While fictional, this Black Mirror episode offers a dystopian look at a world driven by social media ratings, showing how constant judgment and comparison can affect mental health and social behavior.

The Problem of “Fake” People and Smiles

Many social media users create highlight reels of their lives, showcasing only the positive aspects while hiding struggles and hardships. This tendency can lead to feelings of inadequacy among peers who compare their real lives to these idealized portrayals

A study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that users who engage in self-presentation strategies on social media often feel less authentic and may experience anxiety and depression as a result of constantly comparing themselves to others’ curated lives.

Child with a fake mouth

Online dating sites often exacerbate the issue of fake personas. Users may use outdated or heavily edited photos and exaggerated descriptions to attract potential matches. This misrepresentation can lead to disappointment during in-person meetings and fosters a culture of mistrust.

Research from the International Journal of Human-Computer Studies highlights that nearly 80% of people on dating apps admit to embellishing or lying about personal details to seem more attractive. This creates a cycle where authenticity is sacrificed for perceived desirability.

Addictive Behavior: Social media platforms utilize a model of variable rewards, where the unpredictability of receiving likes or comments creates a compulsion to check notifications frequently. This unpredictability can lead to addictive behaviors, as users chase the next rewarding interaction.

What We Can Do as Individual

Digital Detox: Suggest the idea of taking breaks from social media. Talk about how reducing screen time can lead to better mental clarity and more focus on personal growth.

Share steps on how readers can start by unfollowing negative accounts, setting screen time limits, or engaging in real-life hobbies.

Focus on Real Friendships: Encourage the youth to spend more time with genuine people, and how surrounding themselves with authentic relationships is key to growth.

Mindset Shift: Promote the idea of focusing on self-improvement rather than external validation. Encourage young readers to work on real goals, whether it’s fitness, education, or skills, instead of chasing likes.

“We expect more from technology and less from each other”!!
                                                                                           – Sherry Turkle (American sociologist)

“Thank you for taking the time to read this article; your engagement is vital in raising awareness about the impact of social media and fostering meaningful conversations.”

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