By | John Preston
The negative effects of using social networks are many. Of course, the use of these platforms has advantages, but their excessive use has consequences.
From Facebook to YouTube, Snapchat to TikTok, social networks have grown to become the entertainment centers of the world. And in their attempt to optimize their platforms, social media companies ended up creating many dependent users.
These heavy users of social media are the lifeblood that drives the social business model. So the more eyeballs the better. But the excessive use of social networks is not good for you? This post shows you the top 10 negative effects of social media on people.
Tips to reduce the negative effects of social networks
The use of social networks brings many benefits. However, the applications of human psychology and other ideas in their designs are creating problems for people. So once you find yourself questioning your social media interactions, then it’s time to consider walking away.
If you can confirm that social media is negatively affecting your life or the lives of those close to you, then the best solution is to stop using it altogether. However, this can be difficult, so here are some other tips to help.
- You can limit the use of your social networks to specific times of the day. For example, only in the morning, at breaks or before going to bed.
- You can also set time limits for your social media interactions by timing yourself each time you use a social platform.
- Learn how to avoid using smartphones at work, during family meals, when talking to your kids, and at other important times of the day.
- If you bought a smartphone for your child, set limits early. This may include specific usage times or not having a phone in bed.
- Remove social media apps from your phone as they are optimized to disrupt you. It is better to visit social platforms from your browser. Turn off all social media notifications.
Main negative effects of social networks
Here are the 10 biggest negative effects of social media:
1. Addiction to social networks
Social media addiction is characterized by a high preoccupation with social media and the constant urge to log on and see what happens. Although it may seem like a simple behavioral addiction, the negative effects on the user’s life can be as real as those of substance abuse.
The use of social platforms has been optimized to induce the production of dopamine in the mind of the user, in the same way that drugs and gambling do. And this leads to the ever-recurring behavior of checking for status updates and incessant browsing.
If you have reason to verify your or someone else’s use of social media, answering yes to 3 or more of the following questions should be an indication of a possible social media addiction.
- Are you constantly on your phone or checking for updates?
- Do you check your account in the middle of conversations?
- Have you ever lied about how much time you spend on social apps?
- Do you find yourself neglecting your work because of social media?
- Do you see social networks as a refuge from the physical world?
- Are you always eager to share something online?
- Have you tried to reduce the use of social networks and failed?
2. Narcissi
Narcissism is an extreme focus on your public image. That is your ego-personality. Now, a little bit of narcissism is good for all of us, but too much is not.
The problem is that social networks like Facebook and Instagram focus on sharing images of a person’s external appearance, successes in life, etc. This pushes people to do almost anything just to get likes and followers – in other words, narcissism.
Narcissus from Greek mythology fell in love with his reflection in a pond and rejected everything else in life, including lovers and food. He finally dies by the pond, totally in love with himself.
As with Narcissus, from whose name the word narcissist derives, once a person becomes too focused on their ego, the people around them suffer. This includes loved ones, family members, and most importantly, spouses.
Of course, narcissism will always exist in human societies. But research shows that young adults who are frequent users of social media are more prone to grandiose narcissism.
3. Depression and stress
Since everyone tries to get as much attention and likes as possible, it’s no surprise that the vast majority of influencers often host their photo shoots. That is, they only share their good side with the world.
This eventually leads to a feeling of inadequacy for the average user, because they just can’t seem to measure up. Or that you’re not as good as the wacky influencers.
The end result is often depression, as everyone else seems to be doing better than you. It can also lead to stress in your daily life or isolation from real life activities.
4. Loss of productivity
Numerous studies have shown that social media disrupts work and overall productivity. We’re at our most productive when we’re focused, but social media notifications know how to break those focused moments.
According to Pew Research, 77% of workers report using social media at work. And considering that workers spend up to 30% of their time on social media, it’s clear why many companies have social media policies or outright bans.
Still, if you’re self-employed or part of company management, you’ll find that turning off notifications or setting time outside of your work schedule to browse and socialize can go a long way in increasing your productivity.
5. Relationship problems
We are animals and this means that in addition to reasoning, we also excite. Social platforms are aware of this, which is why you have emojis and smileys everywhere.
The truth, however, is that certain emotions require physical proximity to be truly effective through resonance, something called vibration. Sure, you can have a good understanding with someone through the web, but you can only really vibrate with that person physically.
Another issue is the healthy psychological development of adolescents. Human beings need physical interactions for proper psycho-emotional development, something that social media alone cannot provide.
6. Low self-esteem
Another negative effect is low self-esteem. This is especially evident on sites like Instagram where everyone is fit with a six pack and a perfect body.
These models have thousands of followers and sell all kinds of exercises, videos, and the latest gadgets for weight loss and bodybuilding.
What most of their followers don’t realize is that they will never be like those models. Because they usually spend all day training for many years to be like that. Normal people have to work during the day, travel or have babies.
But followers believe they have to look attractive like models, and this often translates into low self-esteem that can lead to substance abuse, impair work or academic performance, and create other personal problems.
7. Numb minds
Most of the social media users are in the habit of mindlessly browsing through their favorite platforms. This makes their minds as numb as watching TV.
Since social networks have become a distraction and an escape from the real world. Users often turn to their phones when they feel lonely or anxious, in an attempt to disconnect from the reality in front of them.
Such behavior leads to lower levels of creativity, initiative, and problem-solving abilities. And this, in turn, increases stress, personal problems, and negative consequences that you may have been avoiding.
The solution is to address the problems head on. Don’t let your problems continue to grow until they get out of control. Work on solving your problems first, then socialize when you have free time.
8. Fake news
Fake news is incorrect information that is often used to influence and manipulate social media users. There are two types of fake news: misinformation and disinformation.
Disinformation is simply news that has changed from the original content, mainly due to different people interpreting the original events differently and passing on their interpretations as real. Disinformation is news that is created with the intent to deceive.
Most social media users fall victim to fake news because they often believe what their social media friends believe. So if everyone protests against a particular political issue, everyone else joins the movement because it’s trending. And usually without doing any research.
Even for those trying to find unbiased information, AI search functions can mostly return results that are only in line with user biases, making the problem worse.
9. Invasions of privacy
Big Tech knows everything about you because you are the one feeding its machines and algorithms with all the information they need.
In addition to platforms mining your data and using it for whatever they want, there are other privacy concerns to be aware of.
Social networks are often used to spread spyware that can steal information from your phone or computer. Or ransomware to extort you.
Other malware types include botnets for DDoS attacks and spam. As well as phishing, where the malicious actor will find a way to trick you into revealing your personal information such as credit card numbers, passwords, etc.
10. Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a serious problem among teens and relates to everything from appearance to race, intelligence, sexuality, religion, and more.
With the majority of teens available online, more than 60% have experienced some form of cyberbullying according to Pew Research. But it doesn’t end there, as adults are also victims of bullying online.
Bullied people are often withdrawn or moody. Their academic performance may drop, they may lose interest in school, change their eating and sleeping habits, or try to make new friends.
Social media platforms are well aware of this, which is why they have ways to allow you to report bullies and others with offensive behavior.
Conclusion
Coming to the bottom of our list of the 10 Negative Effects of Social Media on People, you’ve seen the other side of Web 2.0 and the potential dangers of its overuse.
However, these platforms still have their advantages. So it’s up to you to find out how useful they are for you and decide how much you want to use them.
