Risky Business: Social Media Perspective Final Essay

               With a new generation comes new forms of technology and even more ways to be connected. Along with the constant growth of trends in our society, we have used it to our advantage through social media. With the benefits and disadvantages to having social media, disadvantages have shown more due to the amount of time that is irresponsibly consumed, influences teens, and takes away physical activity.            

              As the world progresses, the knowledge and technology develops with it as well. Social media is given the purpose to save time by helping our society become more connected, but for some, the amount of saved time could be the complete opposite. Although some may not notice, the time being taken away due to social media is exceedingly high. “There is no denying that social media does have its uses, but our growing dependency on social media results in a disruption of time for us.” (Kristen Ha) Time is taken up not just by teens but by adults as well. “About 10 hours and 45 minutes per day are spent online” (Katie Lepi). Our world today is becoming more reliant on technology, which can lead to many disadvantages. 

           Social media as not only developed but the users as well. With most teens being on social media, it can be very easy to be influenced by what is seen on social media. Both boys and girls are being exposed to what is said to be a “perfect image”. “According to a study by the Keep it Real Campaign, 80 percent of 10-year-old American girls have been on a diet. Examples of negative teen body image are all over the Web. In YouTube videos, kids ask an Internet audience to tell them if they're pretty or ugly. They rate each other on Instagram.They edit their selfies and drink in advice about how to improve their online image.” (Caroline Knorr) Along with the information consumed through social media, the way teens act are also affected. “The difference is that with social media, adolescents not only consume information, they also produce it.” (Megan Moreno).

            With the amount of time that is irresponsibly taken by the hours spent on social media, less physical activity is being done. For instance, teens could be on social media rather than going outside and getting exercise that is needed.  Grades have also been affected by the usage of social media. “Researchers have found that the middle-school, high school and college students who used Facebook at least once during a 15 minute period get lower grades overall.” (Chris Cosby) With that bullying has also become an issue. “Cyber-bullying has spread widely among youth, with 42% reporting that they have been victims.” Social media has made its way to become both good and bad for teens today.

            Though many people may not see it, social media is taking the world by storm and has greatly affected its users both positively and negatively. We are constantly using it to a point where it has affected our daily life. Social media is a growing trend that could that could possibly become bigger, but the society today must realize that social media must be responsibly used to continue having a healthy life away from technology.