Introduction
Social networks are an integral part of modern human life. Unfortunately, if you misuse the Internet, you can develop an inferiority complex and mental disorders like depression. The intended use of social media promotes creativity and allows, for example, designers to share ideas. Although the Internet does not always hurt humans, it is crucial to understand the potential dangers it poses by applying ethical approaches such as utilitarianism and consequentialism. For a positive experience, people must learn to use the Internet responsibly, considering the pros and cons.
Analysis of Social Media Use
Özkent’s Study
A study by Özkent (2022) analyzes how social networks can positively affect the human condition. Using social networks provides an opportunity to disseminate the results of human research and ensure their increased visibility (Özkent, 2022). By regular use, the author means a moderate amount of time spent on the Internet. A person can spend considerable time online without even noticing it. Excessive social media use can affect health, lead to social exclusion, and even reduce communication skills (Elsayed, 2021).
The quality of the content viewed also plays an important role. In particular, vulnerable populations, such as adolescents or children, may be affected by information overload. Uncontrolled surfing on the Internet can lead to negative consequences that can affect the human psyche.
Elsayed’s Study
Elsayed (2021) has investigated the fact that excessive use of social media can disrupt the process of self-identification. Surfing the Internet can confuse a person’s self-esteem (Elsayed, 2021). The presence of idealization in networks disrupts how one sees oneself in life. It reflects on the person’s self-esteem, which worsens with every perfect picture.
People with diseases are a vulnerable group, and social networks can negatively affect feelings of anxiety and pressure (Wilson & Stock, 2021). When a person does not have this indicator of the time spent on the Internet, they may lose dignity. It affects a person’s well-being psychologically and complicates their life. The impact of social media on a person’s self-identification is complex and destructive if it is not stopped in time.
Dehdarirad and Didegah’s Study
Dehdarirad and Didegah (2020) noted in their research that social media may not always have a negative impact but can still lead to dependency and social exclusion. Appropriate Internet use may not negatively affect the psyche if one understands the emotional state (Dehdarirad & Didegah, 2020). According to utilitarianism and consequentialism, the consequences of actions determine their morality. Thus, by claiming that the use of social media is harmful, individuals can point to negative consequences, such as the possibility of disinformation and the development of dependency.
The use of social media can help a person express their creative abilities (Elsayed, 2021). These actions raise social identity but, in the case of an adverse reaction, can lower a person’s self-esteem. The Internet offers users educational information, but only they can decide whether to use it. People need to know how to utilize social media.
Conclusion
Social media can be dangerous if users cannot control their surfing, and it is essential not to consume too much content, monitor its benefits, and avoid psychological problems. Social media can negatively affect a person’s self-identification and impair self-esteem, and vulnerable populations, such as adolescents or people with diseases, should be careful about surfing the Internet. Despite the negative aspects often associated with excessive content consumption, social media can benefit the life and education of the person, which is an argument supporting their security.
References
Dehdarirad, T., & Didegah, F. (2020). To what extent does the open access status of articles predict their social media visibility? A case study of life sciences and biomedicine. International Journal of Altmetrics, 3(1). Web.
Elsayed, W. (2021). The negative effects of social media on the social identity of adolescents from the perspective of social work. Heliyon, 7(2), e06327. Web.
Özkent, Y. (2022). Social media usage to share information in communication journals: An analysis of social media activity and article citations. PloS One, 17(2), e0263725. Web.
Wilson, C., & Stock, J. (2021). “Social media comes with good and bad sides, doesn’t it?” A balancing act of the benefits and risks of social media use by young adults with long-term conditions. Health (London, England: 1997), 25(5), 515–534. Web.