“It’s a dialogue, not a monologue, and some people don’t understand that. Social media is more like a telephone than a television.”— AMY JO MARTIN.
Social media has brought in a new wave among us! It is debatable whether this wave is more beneficial or detrimental but this fact cannot be denied that social media has pretty much become a part of everybody’s life. It is use for various purposes from spreading awareness among students about Dissertation PowerPoint Presentation Service providers to offering jobs to people. At the same time; social media platforms bring in negative effects as well.
People worldwide are largely engaged and attached to the web 2.0 technology and Social media platforms (Ali Abdallah Alalwan, 2017). Even though social media has reduced distances and provides awareness about online data collection services, etc; but at the same time, many negative effects of social media can also be witnessed specifically among students, which will be discussed in this post.
Defining social media:
The impact of social media on students academic performance is quite evident but before that, it is essential to comprehend the crux of social media. Basically, social media is a digital communication platform that lets individual plus organization to interact with other users through the internet. It enables people to;
- Connect with each other.
- Share information.
- Share opinions.
- Share multimedia content such as text, images, videos, and links.
Do you know that American youth is known to be spending 7 hours online per day? And this fact should not be considered wrong for the rest of the world too (dissertationwritinghelp.uk, 2021). The key characteristics of social media platforms include:
- User-generated content: Social media platforms rely on users to create and share content, whether it is in the form of text posts or other media.
- Interaction and engagement: Users can engage with content by liking, commenting, sharing, or reacting to posts. This interaction fosters communication and connections among users.
- Profiles and identities: Users typically create profiles that represent their online identities. These profiles may include personal information, interests, etc.
- Networks and connections: Social media allows users to connect with others, form online relationships, and follow or be followed by people/organizations of interest.
- Real-time and asynchronous communication: Social media platforms offer real-time communication through features, as well as asynchronous communication through posts and comments that can be viewed and responded to at a later time.
- Diverse content types: Users can share a wide range of content, including news articles, personal stories, and more.
Negative Impact of social media on students academic performance:
1. Distraction and Decreased Productivity:
One of the main negative effects of social media on students is distraction. The continuous notifications or messages can divert students away from their studies. A lot of students find themselves unable to resist the urge to check their social media profiles even while studying. This leads to decreased productivity and poor academic performance.
2. Sleep Disruption:
Students often use social media late into the night, scrolling through their feeds in online chats. This habit can disrupt their sleep patterns that lead to sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep can have serious consequences on students’;
- Cognitive functions.
- Memory.
- Overall well-being.
3. Cyberbullying:
Social media platforms can give rise to cyberbullying and online harassment. Students who are faced with cyberbullying can have severe psychological and emotional consequences. The anonymity provided by social media can make individuals to engage in hurtful behavior they might not exhibit in person.
4. Side effect on Mental Health:
The comparison to others on social media can give rise to the feelings of low self-esteem among students. The carefully made, often idealized versions of others’ lives can create unrealistic expectations. This comparison culture can contribute to;
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Feelings of isolation among students.
5. Privacy Concerns:
Privacy is an important concern on social media platforms. Many students cannot completely understand the implications of sharing personal information online. This lack of awareness can lead to;
- Privacy breaches.
- Identity theft.
- Exposure to online predators.
6. Reduced Face-to-Face Social Interaction:
The number of in-person social encounters may decrease as a result of excessive social media use. It is possible that students would rather communicate via computers than in person, which could prevent them from learning critical social skills. The effects on their interpersonal and professional connections could be long-lasting.
7. Academic Performance Decline:
As social media takes up more of students’ time, their academic performance can suffer. Spending excessive hours on social media can lead to;
- Procrastination.
- Missed assignments.
- Poor grades.
In addition to that; the constant barrage of information and the need for instant gratification that social media promotes can negatively impact a student’s ability to focus and engage in deep, meaningful learning.
8. Fear of Missing Out:
The fear of missing out or FOMO, is a phenomenon that affects many students on social media. Seeing their mates attending events or enjoying experiences can lead to feelings of exclusion and anxiety. This constant comparison can overshadow the joy of the present moment and contribute to stress and dissatisfaction.
9. Addiction and Time Wasting:
Students are particularly prone to this addiction because social media platforms are made to be compulsive. Social media scrolling may turn into a time-consuming habit, resulting in hours of lost time that could have been used for more useful pursuits. It can be difficult to overcome a social media addiction, and it may call for willpower and self-control.
10. Impact on Academic and Career Opportunities:
Inappropriate or unprofessional content shared on social media can have long-lasting consequences on students’ academic and career prospects. College admissions officers and potential employers often review applicants’ social media profiles. Offensive or inappropriate posts or comments can lead to missed opportunities and damage to one’s reputation.
Conclusion:
Social media is a platform of inclusivity and connections. Even though; it has brought in a lot of possibilities but, along with it, we can witness the negative effects as well. Hopefully; students will understand the negative effects of social media platforms and limit their use accordingly.
Bibliography
Ali Abdallah Alalwan, N. P. (2017, Nov). Social media in marketing: A review and analysis of the existing literature. Telematics and Informatics .
dissertationwritinghelp.uk. (2021, April 21st). How social media helps you to complete your dissertation? https://dissertationwritinghelp.uk/how-social-media-helps-you-to-complete-your-dissertation/ .
