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Have you ever felt compelled to open a social media account? Or have you been pressured to keep the one you already have?
For our generation, the internet has always been there. It’s how we connect with people we know and it’s also how we make new friends. However, this social media exposure has its ups and downs. This article will cover the positives and negatives of being on social media as well as practical advice on what to do to mitigate the negative effects.
Benefits of having a social media account:
1. It’s a way to communicate
2. Eye-Catching Filters Snapchat provides users with eye-catching filters and the ability to send short videos and photos to your friends.
3. Awareness
Social media is a medium through which many of my friends communicate with each other. Instagram can be used to wish people on their birthdays, post flattering photos of yourself, or maybe just talk to your friend who lives far away.
Snapchat offers users eye-catching filters and the ability to send short videos and photos to your friends.
Facebook is often seen as geared towards the older generation. People use it to talk to their loved ones and let their family know how their life is going. When used correctly, there are many benefits. Even I have Facebook. It is the application par excellence for raising awareness. However, it doesn’t really wow me, so I don’t find myself looking for this app.
Cons of having a social media account:
And now, what about its falls?
1. It’s highly addictive
2. Lack of confidentiality
3. Unreasonable standards
The premise of Instagram is to be addictive, and so you often find yourself staring at people’s posts. Eventually you end up wondering how you wasted 2 hours on the app. But why does Instagram make its interface so addictive? Do they get anything out of it? They do. Instagram takes money from various companies so they can post their own ads. By being on the app for a longer period, you see more and more ads, which equals more money for Instagram and the private provider. Either way, you might end up spending more time on your phone than you’d like. This time could have been spent with family, friends or doing homework.
What about the whole Facebook scandal with user privacy? See this article for more information: (https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/mar/17/the-cambridge-analytica-scandal-changed-the-world-but-it-didnt-change- Facebook ). It really makes you wonder where your information really goes. Nevertheless, I urge you not to completely delete your accounts. Their positive sides are something not to be overlooked. My advice to you is to only post things that you would be ok with for everyone to see. Be social media aware and stay grounded.
Additionally, Instagram has become a standard that many teenagers hold themselves to. It’s common to see models and other famous people constantly posting photos. This can lead to body positivity issues. Instagram has created a standard of the perfect man or woman, and it can be hard to accept yourself if you don’t match that expectation. This makes the idea of self-love much more difficult.
David Amerland, a British author, once said, “Social media is addictive precisely because it gives us something the real world lacks: it gives us immediacy, direction, a sense of clarity and worth as an individual.” Social media is how we get the attention we need. We love being liked by others, and every “Like” of our most recent post gives us a sense of accomplishment. That temporary sense of confidence quickly fades and we’re back. to the real problem. Remember that your value is definitely not defined by the number of likes, shares, retweets or comments your content receives. Your value is defined by YOU and only YOU.
What to do if you don’t want to delete social media
I’m definitely not trying to hit anyone with social media. Nor am I trying to convince you to delete your accounts. If you have social media, feel free to keep swiping. Having social media is completely different from not being able to tell the difference between reality and social media. To avoid falling into the clutches of Instagram, Snapchat, etc., I’ve compiled 5 tips to help you curb your internet addiction.
Tip #1: Set yourself a time limit
Tip #2: Love yourself!
Writing this, I feel a little hypocritical. It can be hard to love yourself sometimes, but know that you are amazing, beautiful and worth it! Don’t hold yourself to a standard that someone else is projecting. Be happy with what you have and understand that you can do great things if you truly believe in yourself. We are all critical of ourselves, but this frees us to let go of expectations.
Tip #3: Be nice to others!
Sometimes social media can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying. We look forward to the number of likes and comments and take the time to add that extra nice comment on someone’s post. It would make their day! You never know what’s going on in someone’s personal life, so be sure to treat everyone kindly.
Tip #4 Spend time alone every day
Go for a walk or read a book. Maybe even binge on that series you were watching. Up to you. It’s time to learn about yourself and it’s time to take stock of the day. You will learn that you are a good person! Making time for yourself every day has been shown to improve mental health. You will also find that you have become more productive and creative. You will begin to see the wonderful creation that you are and you will understand what your goals and dreams are.
Tip #5 Find a new hobby or spend more time on an existing one
It can be a daunting task, but your future self will definitely thank you for limiting your time on social media. Be sure to use these resources for good and have fun! Use the time you devote to your hobby to unwind and relax. Life is stressful just the way it is, and just letting go of all your burdens for that 30 minute period will make you feel content and grateful. 
That’s all! You are now ready to chart your own path! Remember to stay true to yourself and you will see your daily life improve.