Introduction
Currently, informational globalization and digitalization processes are being developed in society. Large amounts of social interaction have moved to the space of the Internet, and there are many different websites or portals where people can communicate, learn news or entertain themselves. Therefore, it is necessary to notice how media technology affects the human psyche and self-esteem. The negative and positive impact is directly proportional to a person’s age, self-image and self-confidence.
Logos
At the moment, digitalization is affecting the younger generation to a greater extent, who, almost without exception, feel comfortable online. Nevertheless, when the mass adoption of technology began, people of all ages joined the movement, and today, it is rare to find a person of any age who does not use technology. Based on this, one can assume an increased impact on the unformed self-esteem of teenagers. Moreover, entertainment and news portals are less critical for their formation than social networks, so it is suggested that they be focused more on.
An example of a study dealing with the question is an article by Valkenburg, Koutamanis, and Vossen that studies the relationship between self-esteem and the use of social media or mass media among adolescents and adults. According to their thesis, there is a link between self-esteem and social media use, and it is supported by statistical data (Valkenburg et al., 2017). In addition, they emphasize the correlation between the frequency of media usage and social self-esteem, which has been partly shaped by these same media (Valkenburg et al., 2017). The statistical data and other research materials used by the authors are credible and verifiable.
However, it is worth noting the narrow focus of the study, as the primary focus was on the adolescent age group. Despite this, there is logical and organized reasoning in the study area, which is supported by observations about the influence of media and social media on adults and highlights their lesser vulnerability (Valkenburg et al., 2017). The process of reasoning and the authors’ conclusions are relatively consistent, although partly vague: no clear correlation between adolescents’ self-esteem and media has been proven or confirmed.
Nevertheless, it is difficult to disagree with the authors’ reasoning, and their opinion indirectly confirms the thesis of this paper. The reason for not highlighting the full-fledged addiction can be explained by the narrowness of their study and the focus on a particular group. Social and mass media can adjust the self-esteem of all active users. However, it is the emerging personalities, particularly children, who are more dependent on other people’s opinions, imposed ideals, or incorrect information. Moreover, each generation spends more and more time online, making itself more and more dependent on the digital space.
Ethos
In the context of evaluating the ethos component of a paper, the first point to consider is the qualifications of the authors. Valkenburg is the leader in the number of scholarly papers, with the highest number of citations and reviews. Her two co-authors have fewer publications but have academic titles and multiple regalias like Professor Valkenburg. Virtually all of the authors’ papers have been published in peer-reviewed sources and have been cited extensively after that.
The specifics of the topic are not alien to the authors since one of their main specializations is the social sciences. Despite differences of opinion among the researchers whose work was the basis for the article, all seven primary reference sources have been studied, and the opinions of their authors have been respectfully acknowledged (Valkenburg et al., 2017). In addition, the professionalism of Valkenburg et al. (2017) is confirmed by the choice of literature used. All sources have sufficient credibility and are arranged in an appropriate format.
The judicious tone used in much of the paper implies respect for the reader and broadens the audience. There is no specific terminology or talking points available only to professionals, which makes this article accessible to a broader range of interested persons. However, this is not a simplification and does not invalidate the professionalism of the work. The stated limitations and the need for future research allow for further observation and reasoning by all who wish to do so.
Pathos
Emotional work with the audience in the context of this article is expressed weakly. The study’s statistical and descriptive features do not imply a great exercise of the reader’s imagination, nor does it provoke emotion. However, the central thesis and related thoughts are supported by an attempt to evoke agreement on an internal level. “Self-esteem is a major predictor of psychological well-being, and the acquisition of an adequate level of self-esteem is crucial to an adolescent’s development,” thus underscoring the importance of the study (Valkenburg et al., 2017, p. 35). Without attempting to evoke specific emotions, the study pushes to test the reader’s conviction.
Universal values, assessed by providing examples of children’s and adults’ addictions to media, especially social media, are labeled as shaping the assessment of the cause of such addiction. According to the authors, many researchers have only tested the presence of a connection instead of discovering the reasons for them (Valkenburg et al., 2017). Thus, the reader’s interest and values are affected by the increased motivation to determine the answer to this question, which was partially addressed in the work itself.
Persuasion and Reflection
Certainly, one must agree with the authors that some previous studies have overestimated, underestimated, or undervalued the relationship between media influence on individuals and the formation of self-esteem. Based on their work, the thesis that such a longitudinal relationship exists, using adolescents and social media as examples, is only part of a more global idea that can be seen in the text (Valkenburg et al., 2017). What is being highlighted is not so much a difference in the age-related vulnerability of self-perception to media but rather a difference in the activity of using digital space between people of different ages.
From personal experience, it is possible to confirm this possibility partially. As everyone knows, most young people have much more free time than the adult generation and prefer to spend it online according to current fashion trends. Pensioners have a similar or even more significant amount of free time, but many do not spend that much time in the media. The reason for this is that the spread of technology occurred when the older generation had less free time for life and hobbies. In addition, in most cases, the psychological state of a mentally healthy person becomes more stable with each passing year, and it is more difficult for him not only to depend on others’ opinions but sometimes simply to accept them.
Moreover, in today’s media space, in addition to social media, many stereotypical connections or opinions can damage the plastic psyche and damage one’s ego. Everyone who spends a significant portion of their time in media space runs the risk of being subjected to information blows, fraud, or deception. Unfortunately, all categories of people are susceptible to this exposure format and subsequent suffering of self-esteem. The development of digital literacy makes it possible to combat such negative influences.
Furthermore, it is impossible to fully agree with the author’s idea of the prevalence of positive effects with positive reviews on the Internet or social networks and complimentary manifestations in the media. The correlation determined by an increased propensity for social media among extroverts is likewise incorrect (Valkenburg et al., 2017). Introverts are more likely to rely on media for the difficult but needed interactions they tend to have with people.
Negative feedback and negative comments do the most damage to self-esteem, and in most cases, their effect is far more devastating. One negative remark can bring down a person’s self-esteem, and ten subsequent positive ones will not be able to restore it. Moreover, exposure to negativity is equally possible among all people, regardless of age or occupation.
Conclusion
The highlighted actual existence of the link in the case study confirms that the influence on a person is proportional to their age, self-confidence, and self-esteem. The example of a sample of the most vulnerable category confirmed the significant role of the media in the life of modern humans and their self-esteem. As a conclusion that coincides with the authors’ findings, the proposal to strengthen the focus on digital literacy training and the explanation of online mechanisms and rules of behavior for all who are potentially vulnerable can be emphasized. Moreover, social media is underlined as the most dangerous section of the media space for self-esteem.
Reference
Valkenburg, P. M., Koutamanis, M., & Vossen, H. G. M. (2017). The concurrent and longitudinal relationships between adolescents’ use of social network sites and their social self-esteem. Computers in Human Behavior, 76, 35–41. Web.