Social media and it’s negative impacts on students and their mental developments

Introduction

With the advancement of technology, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. More than ever, students are using social media to connect, communicate and learn about the world around them. However, the rise in social media usage has also led to a rise in internet threats. These threats can impact not only the academic performance but also the mental development of students. This research paper aims to explore internet threats, specifically social media, and their negative impacts on the mental development of students at school.

Internet threats

Internet threats are a range of threats that come with the use of the internet. These threats can range from hacking, identity theft, phishing scams and cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is one of the most prominent internet threats, especially among students. Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, intimidate or cause harm to another person. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have become breeding grounds for cyberbullying, making it difficult for schools to control or monitor. Cyberbullying can cause severe psychological consequences that can negatively affect the mental wellbeing of students.

Negative impacts of social media on mental development

In recent years, there has been an increasing concern over the impact of social media on mental development among students. Social media has been found to have negative impacts on students’ mental health. A study by the Royal Society for Public Health found that social media use was associated with anxiety, depression, poor sleep quality and negative body image. This is because social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat are filled with photoshopped images that set unrealistic beauty standards, leading to body shaming and low self-esteem among students.

Social media usage is also linked to cyberbullying, which can have a severe impact on the mental health of students. Cyberbullying can cause depression, anxiety and even suicidal thoughts among students. Cyberbullying on social media is particularly harmful because it is pervasive and persistent, with the potential to reach a much wider audience than traditional forms of bullying.

Social media usage can also lead to addiction, with students spending hours upon hours scrolling through their newsfeeds. Addiction to social media can lead to poor academic performance, lack of social skills and isolation, which can negatively impact mental development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, social media has become an integral part of the lives of students, but with its rise has come a range of internet threats that can severely impact their mental development. Cyberbullying, addiction and negative body image are just some of the negative impacts of social media usage among students. It is essential for schools to educate students on the safe and responsible use of social media and to provide a safe space for students to discuss any concerns related to their mental health. Only through concerted efforts can we ensure that social media usage among students does not have a negative impact on their mental development.