How Social Media Affects People’s Self-Esteem

 

Research Topic: Social Media and Self-esteem

Research Question: How does Social Media Affect People’s Self-esteem?

Argument: Though it is often claimed that social media might help people feel less isolated, an increasing amount of research indicates the opposite may be true. Self-esteem and other conditions may develop when people compare themselves to others on social media.

Paragraph/section 1: Description focused on how self-esteem tends to lower when people are cyber-bullied on social media. Academic book publisher Taylor & Francis Group found that a lack of “likes” on a post can have an adverse influence on a person’s sense of self-worth; this would start as a good introduction to the topic. I will use Bilton’s Journal as my reference.

Paragraph/section 2: Provide facts drawn from a study conducted to analyze quantitative and qualitative data to find links between social media use and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and shifts in self-perception. I will also explain how it is often claimed that social media might help people feel less isolated; a growing body of evidence suggests the opposite may be true. Mental health problems like anxiety and sadness may develop when people compare themselves to others. (Cite; “The Influences of Social Media: Depression, Anxiety, and Self-Concept”)

Paragraph/section 3: Describe how social media platforms are starting to give the option to “hide your likes” on a post. Kate Conger states in her article that social networks in Australia are beginning to provide the opportunity to keep personal likes, video view counts, and other measurements on posts (Cite; Facebook Tests Hiding ‘Likes’ On Social Media Posts, Published, 2019). I will explain that while social media can help people meet new people and lessen feelings of isolation, studies show that too much time spent on these sites can negatively affect a person’s sense of worth.

Paragraph/section 4: Describe the relationship between self-esteem, media influence, and how it pushes people to unhealthy behaviours. I will use numerous studies showing that time spent on social media is linked to higher rates of mental health problems like sadness, low self-esteem, isolation, and anxiety. Some research suggests that social media usage can lower one’s sense of self-worth, particularly among young women (10-14 years old).

Paragraph/section 5: Describe social media’s influence on teen self-esteem. These days, social media and other forms of online interaction are practically indispensable. I will also explain the benefits and drawbacks of social media have been the subject of numerous academic research. Positive profile feedback boosted adolescents’ social self-esteem and well-being, but negative comments lowered these factors. (Cite; “The Influence of Social Media on Teens Self-Esteem”)

Paragraph/section 6: Describe the satisfaction of life and self-esteem level people feel from social media. I will describe when young people are aware of their abilities and talents; this can lead to a stronger overall sense of contentment with their own lives, contributing to increased self-esteem. A similar phenomenon occurs when people tend to underestimate their capabilities: this can lead to a lower level of positive self-esteem.

Paragraph/section 7: Discuss different ways content on social media makes people feel about their bodies. I will explain how One’s body image may suffer if one spends too much time on social media since they are overexposed to “idealized” body types (Cite; What Students Are Saying About How Social Media Affects Their Body). While sharing selfies on social media may improve one’s body image, it’s not a good idea to modify them to hide perceived defects. Unfollowing accounts, joining positive communities and taking regular breaks are ways to make your social media experience less harmful.

Paragraph/section 8: Discuss what exactly is making people compare themselves so much to what they see on social media. I will include the ability to make comparisons that enables us to establish a benchmark for where we are in life and where we aspire to be in the future. They make it possible for us to take stock of ourselves and calibrate ourselves compared to our peers, fellow students, friends and coworkers, and the individuals we look up to.

Paragraph/section 9: Explanation of how users perceived influence compared to how much studies show social media influence them. I will describe how social media can give the impression that many people support a particular viewpoint. These anticipations, often referred to as “prior beliefs,” allow us to make meaning of what we are witnessing in the present by drawing on similar experiences from the past. (Cite; Experience sampling self-reports of social media use has comparable predictive validity to digital trace measures).

Paragraph/section 10: I will conclude my paper by summarizing what social media sites allow their users to post and its impact on other users. Most research show that in as much as there may be negative impacts, there may also be positive impacts on self-esteem. Social media has positive societal effects as well. It has the potential to facilitate communication and foster closer bonds among individuals. Students’ use of social media bolsters learning and development. And it may empower businesses to increase their audiences and boost their bottom line.

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