is social media bad for relationships thesis statement

Learning Tips
Exam Guides
School Life

Thesis Statements about Social Media: 21 Examples and Tips

by Judy Jeni
January 27, 2024

Writing Thesis Statements Based On Social Media

A thesis statement is a sentence in the introduction paragraph of an essay that captures the purpose of the essay. Using thesis statements about social media as an example, I will guide you on how to write them well.

It can appear anywhere in the first paragraph of the essay but it is mostly preferred when it ends the introduction paragraph. learning how to write a thesis statement for your essay will keep you focused.

A thesis statement can be more than one sentence only when the essay is on complex topics and there is a need to break the statement into two. This means, a good thesis statement structures an essay and tells the reader what an essay is all about.

A good social media thesis statement should be about a specific aspect of social media and not just a broad view of the topic.

The statement should be on the last sentence of the first paragraph and should tell the reader about your stand on the social media issue you are presenting or arguing in the essay.

Reading an essay without a thesis statement is like solving a puzzle. Readers will have to read the conclusion to at least grasp what the essay is all about. It is therefore advisable to craft a thesis immediately after researching an essay.

Throughout your entire writing, every point in every paragraph should connect to the thesis. In case it doesn’t then probably you have diverged from the main issue of the essay.

How to Write a Thesis Statement?

Writing a thesis statement is important when writing an essay on any topic, not just about social media. It is the key to holding your ideas and arguments together into just one sentence.

The following are tips on how to write a good thesis statement:

Start With a Question and Develop an Answer

If the question is not provided, come up with your own. Start by deciding the topic and what you would like to find out about it.

Secondly, after doing some initial research on the topic find the answers to the topic that will help and guide the process of researching and writing.

Consequently, if you write a thesis statement that does not provide information about your research topic, you need to construct it again.

Be Specific

The main idea of your essay should be specific. Therefore, the thesis statement of your essay should not be vague. When your thesis statement is too general, the essay will try to incorporate a lot of ideas that can contribute to the loss of focus on the main ideas.

Similarly, specific and narrow thesis statements help concentrate your focus on evidence that supports your essay. In like manner, a specific thesis statement tells the reader directly what to expect in the essay.

Make the Argument Clear

Usually, essays with less than one thousand words require the statement to be clearer. Remember, the length of a thesis statement should be a single sentence, which calls for clarity.

In these short essays, you do not have the freedom to write long paragraphs that provide more information on the topic of the essay.

Likewise, multiple arguments are not accommodated. This is why the thesis statement needs to be clear to inform the reader of what your essay is all about.

If you proofread your essay and notice that the thesis statement is contrary to the points you have focused on, then revise it and make sure that it incorporates the main idea of the essay. Alternatively, when the thesis statement is okay, you will have to rewrite the body of your essay.

Question your Assumptions

Before formulating a thesis statement, ask yourself the basis of the arguments presented in the thesis statement.

Assumptions are what your reader assumes to be true before accepting an argument. Before you start, it is important to be aware of the target audience of your essay.

Thinking about the ways your argument may not hold up to the people who do not subscribe to your viewpoint is crucial.

Alongside, revise the arguments that may not hold up with the people who do not subscribe to your viewpoint.

Take a Strong Stand

A thesis statement should put forward a unique perspective on what your essay is about. Avoid using observations as thesis statements.

In addition, true common facts should be avoided. Make sure that the stance you take can be supported with credible facts and valid reasons.

Equally, don’t provide a summary, make a valid argument. If the first response of the reader is “how” and “why” the thesis statement is too open-ended and not strong enough.

Make Your Thesis Statement Seen

The thesis statement should be what the reader reads at the end of the first paragraph before proceeding to the body of the essay. understanding how to write a thesis statement, leaves your objective summarized.

Positioning may sometimes vary depending on the length of the introduction that the essay requires. However, do not overthink the thesis statement. In addition, do not write it with a lot of clever twists.

Do not exaggerate the stage setting of your argument. Clever and exaggerated thesis statements are weak. Consequently, they are not clear and concise.

Good thesis statements should concentrate on one main idea. Mixing up ideas in a thesis statement makes it vague. Read on how to write an essay thesis as part of the steps to write good essays.

A reader may easily get confused about what the essay is all about if it focuses on a lot of ideas. When your ideas are related, the relation should come out more clearly.

21 Examples of Thesis Statements about Social Media

Recently, social media is growing rapidly. Ironically, its use in remote areas has remained relatively low.
Social media has revolutionized communication but it is evenly killing it by limiting face-to-face communication.
Identically, social media has helped make work easier. However,at the same time it is promoting laziness and irresponsibility in society today.
The widespread use of social media and its influence has increased desperation, anxiety, and pressure among young youths.
Social media has made learning easier but its addiction can lead to bad grades among university students.
As a matter of fact, social media is contributing to the downfall of mainstream media. Many advertisements and news are accessed on social media platforms today.
Social media is a major promoter of immorality in society today with many platforms allowing sharing of inappropriate content.
Significantly, social media promotes copycat syndrome that positively and negatively impacts the behavior adapted by different users.
In this affluent era, social media has made life easy but consequently affects productivity and physical strength.
The growth of social media and its ability to reach more people increases growth in today’s business world.
The freedom on social media platforms is working against society with the recent increase in hate speech and racism.
Lack of proper verification when signing up on social media platforms has increased the number of minors using social media exposing them to cyberbullying and inappropriate content.
The freedom of posting anything on social media has landed many in trouble making the need to be cautious before posting anything important.
The widespread use of social media has contributed to the rise of insecurity in urban centers
Magazines and journals have spearheaded the appreciation of all body types but social media has increased the rate of body shaming in America.
To stop abuse on Facebook and Twitter the owners of these social media platforms must track any abusive post and upload and ban the users from accessing the apps.
Social media benefits marketing by creating brand recognition, increasing sales, and measuring success with analytics by tracking data.
Social media connects people around the globe and fosters new relationships and the sharing of ideas that did not exist before its inception.
The increased use of social media has led to the creation of business opportunities for people through social networking, particularly as social media influencers.
Learning is convenient through social media as students can connect with education systems and learning groups that make learning convenient.
With most people spending most of their free time glued to social media, quality time with family reduces leading to distance relationships and reduced love and closeness.

Is Social Media Bad for Relationships Argumentative Essay

This argumentative essay will discuss whether social media has a negative impact on personal relationships. It will explore how social media can lead to miscommunications, jealousy, and a lack of privacy, potentially damaging relationships. The piece will also present counterarguments, including how social media can strengthen connections and offer new ways of communication. The essay will evaluate evidence from various studies and expert opinions to support the arguments. Moreover, at PapersOwl, there are additional free essay samples connected to Effects Of Social Media.

How it works

Social media has transformed how we communicate, connect, and exchange information in the modern era. While social media platforms have many advantages, there is a rising concern about their impact on relationships. This paper investigates the risks of social media platforms and how they can impair people’s social and sexual relationships. By examining the consequences of social media on relationships, including the effects on mental health, interpersonal skills, trust, and privacy, we can better understand the potential risks and make informed decisions about our social media usage.

1 The Effects of Media on Relationships
2 Social Media and Alienation

The Effects of Media on Relationships

Addiction to social media can cause anxiety and depression, negatively impacting people’s well-being and capacity to have meaningful conversations with their loved ones. Because social media is addictive, people may become less aware of the feelings, expectations, and experiences of those around them, leading to a decline in participation in formerly enjoyable activities. Continued reliance on social media for solace can exacerbate mental health difficulties and impede personal and interpersonal achievement.

Prolonged usage of social media can lead to bad interactions between people in different relationships, such as siblings, parents, children, or romantic partners. This decline in interpersonal competencies inhibits effective communication and impedes the formation of relationships. Bonding weakens over time, resulting in instability and discontent. Individuals in a relationship who are disengaged can have difficulty problem-solving and understanding each other’s expectations and social cues.

Addiction to social media is linked to feelings of jealousy and loneliness. Individuals that rely solely on social media platforms for communication and connection miss out on critical social skills development, appreciating personal differences, and maintaining relationships. This loss of self-esteem and fewer face-to-face interactions can lead to interpersonal issues, increasing the risk of failure and negatively altering the experiences of the individuals involved.

Social Media and Alienation

Contrary to popular assumption, social networking platforms can help people create and maintain connections. According to a study, people use social media as a phatic tool to develop and explore relationships with others, building a sense of belonging and lessening feelings of alienation. People can use social media to express themselves, connect with others who share their interests, and strengthen community ties.

Alienation can result from a lack of control and power over one’s own expression. However, social media platforms enable people to express themselves and shape societal values. Social media lessens feelings of alienation by giving people power and control over their lives by allowing anyone to have a voice and impact the world. Furthermore, the greater social regulation and moral advice made possible by social media help to reduce alienation by involving a broader spectrum of opinions.

While social media can be exploitative, it does not always result in isolation. Users actively create content, express themselves, communicate with others, and boost their overall platform engagement. This active participation can aid in developing a sense of empowerment and connection, as well as reducing feelings of alienation and creating a more inclusive online community.

Social media platforms have both beneficial and negative effects on relationships. While social media can provide chances for connection and self-expression, overuse can result in diminished social skills, trust concerns, and a loss of privacy, ultimately hurting individual bonds. Maintaining a balance between online and offline relationships and being aware of social media’s possible risks and problems are critical.

Cite this page

Is Social Media Bad for Relationships Argumentative Essay. (2023, Aug 07). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/is-social-media-bad-for-relationships-argumentative-essay/

"Is Social Media Bad for Relationships Argumentative Essay." PapersOwl.com , 7 Aug 2023, https://papersowl.com/examples/is-social-media-bad-for-relationships-argumentative-essay/

PapersOwl.com. (2023). Is Social Media Bad for Relationships Argumentative Essay . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/is-social-media-bad-for-relationships-argumentative-essay/ [Accessed: 10 Sep. 2024]

"Is Social Media Bad for Relationships Argumentative Essay." PapersOwl.com, Aug 07, 2023. Accessed September 10, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/is-social-media-bad-for-relationships-argumentative-essay/

"Is Social Media Bad for Relationships Argumentative Essay," PapersOwl.com , 07-Aug-2023. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/is-social-media-bad-for-relationships-argumentative-essay/. [Accessed: 10-Sep-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

Essay Topic Generator
Essay Grader
Reference Finder
AI Outline Generator
Paragraph Expander
Essay Expander
Literature Review Generator
Thesis Generator
Text Editing Tools
AI Rewording Tool
AI Sentence Rewriter
AI Article Spinner
AI Grammar Checker
Spell Checker
PDF Spell Check
Paragraph Checker
Free AI Essay Writer
Paraphraser
Grammar Checker
Citation Generator
Plagiarism Checker
AI Detector
AI Essay Checker
Proofreading Service
Editing Service
AI Writing Guides
AI Detection Guides
Citation Guides
Grammar Guides
Paraphrasing Guides
Plagiarism Guides
Summary Writing Guides
STEM Guides
Humanities Guides
Language Learning Guides
Coding Guides
Top Lists and Recommendations
AI Detectors
AI Writing Services
Coding Homework Help
Citation Generators
Editing Websites
Essay Writing Websites
Language Learning Websites
Math Solvers
Paraphrasers
Plagiarism Checkers
Reference Finders
Spell Checkers
Summarizers
Tutoring Websites
Essay Checkers
Essay Topic Finders

Most Popular

12 days ago

Professors Share 5 Myths Students Believe About College

11 days ago

Anxiety Among Students: What Do Teachers Think About It?

How to write a character analysis essay, how to write a biography essay, apu students get flexible on-campus working hours and other benefits, social media & society thesis statement examples.

unsplash.com

Social Media & Society is a captivating and relevant research area, encompassing various aspects from interpersonal relations to global communication dynamics. A well-defined thesis statement is pivotal for delineating your research parameters and objectives in this expansive field. Below, you’ll find insightful examples of both good and bad thesis statements on Social Media & Society, accompanied by comprehensive explanations.

Good Thesis Statement Examples

Good: “This thesis evaluates the correlation between prolonged social media usage and increased levels of anxiety and depression among teenagers in the United States.” Bad: “Social media affects teenagers’ mental health.”

The good statement presents a specific correlation, target demographic (teenagers in the U.S.), and identified outcomes (anxiety and depression levels). The bad example, while correct, is vague and lacks defined variables and demographic focus.

Good: “The proliferation of fake news on social media platforms has discernibly influenced political elections, swaying public opinion and voter behavior.” Bad: “Fake news on social media impacts elections.”

The good statement provides a clear, arguable claim regarding fake news, public opinion, and voter behavior on social media. Conversely, the bad example states a general fact without depth or a specific area of impact.

Good: “Implementing educational programs that promote critical digital literacy can mitigate the negative effects of cyberbullying among middle school students.” Bad: “Education can help reduce cyberbullying.”

The good example is researchable and offers specific solutions (critical digital literacy programs), target demographic (middle school students), and defined problem (cyberbullying). The bad statement lacks detail, specific solutions, and target groups.

Bad Thesis Statement Examples

Overly Broad: “Social media has changed the way people communicate.”

Although true, this statement is excessively general and does not specify which aspect of communication or which demographic is being explored.

Lack of Clear Argument: “Social media is popular among young people.”

While factual, this statement lacks a clear argument or specific research focus, rendering it ineffective as a research guide.

Unmeasurable and Unresearchable: “Life is unimaginable without social media today.”

Although many might agree, this statement is not easily measurable or researchable and does not provide clear directions for academic exploration.

Crafting a compelling thesis statement for research in social media and society is crucial for delineating your investigation and elucidating your academic endeavor’s aims and scope. A good thesis statement should be specific, debatable, and researchable, acting as a sturdy foundation for scholarly inquiry. In contrast, a bad thesis statement is often too general, lacks a clear argument, and is not conducive to empirical exploration. The examples and analyses provided in this guide furnish students with valuable insights for developing thesis statements that are academically rigorous and insightful for exploring the intricate relationship between social media and society.

Comments (0)

Welcome to A*Help comments!

We’re all about debate and discussion at A*Help.

We value the diverse opinions of users, so you may find points of view that you don’t agree with. And that’s cool. However, there are certain things we’re not OK with: attempts to manipulate our data in any way, for example, or the posting of discriminative, offensive, hateful, or disparaging material.

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

More from Essay About Social Media: Best Samples and Examples

The Representation of Minority Cultures in Mainstream Media

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

< 1 min read

The Impact of Social Media Algorithms on Public Opinion Formation

Remember Me

Is English your native language ? Yes No

What is your profession ? Student Teacher Writer Other

Forgotten Password?

Username or Email

12 ways social media affects relationships, from research & experts.

Romanticizing other people's relationships is not a new concept (thanks, rom-coms). Unlike a movie script, though, social media shows real couples living real lives.

But can looking at these seemingly perfect couples online interfere with our own romantic relationships? Here, how social media can affect your relationships and more.

How social media can affect relationships

Social media, if used sparingly, is not necessarily bad for relationships.

Research has shown social media use can both positively and negatively affect relationships , depending on how it's used.

For example, social media can contribute to unhealthy comparison and unrealistic expectations for what relationships are supposed to be like, and couples may spend more time curating an "image" of who they are rather than focusing on the relationship itself.

Social media use has also been linked to poor body image and depression, which can negatively affect relationships.

Negative effects on relationships

Social media can create unrealistic expectations.

Although there are some useful resources shared via social media, "what you will mostly see are curated and filtered posts that only highlight unrealistic images of what a relationship is," says sex and behavioral therapist Chamin Ajjan, M.S., LCSW, A-CBT .

Attempting to measure up can distract you and your partner from the relationship.

Inevitably, real life won't look like the endless highlight reels we see on social media, which can lead to disappointment in either yourself, your partner, or both.

"You may begin to feel jealous of how much someone posts about their partner and feel resentment toward your partner for not doing the same," Ajjan says. "The lifestyles you are scrolling through may change how satisfied you are in your relationship because they seem to be better than what you have."

It can lead to jealousy

Some research has linked social media use with increased jealousy 1 and relationship dissatisfaction in college students.

If you are prone to jealousy because of an insecure attachment style , research says you may be more likely to get stuck in a cycle of endless scrolling to keep an eye on your partner's activities .

People may get upset seeing their partner liking or commenting on other people's posts, stoking concerns that their partner is interested in other people (or worse, is already cheating).

The use of Facebook, in particular, has been shown to increase feelings of suspicion and jealousy in romantic relationships among college students.

"This effect may be the result of a feedback loop, whereby using Facebook exposes people to often ambiguous information about their partner that they may not otherwise have access to," one study writes.

For example, cookies and Facebook algorithms can cause a partner's "hidden" interests to pop up on their feed.

The desire to find more information about them can perpetuate further social media use and feelings of mistrust.

(Notably, many of these studies have been conducted on college students, so it’s possible that there would be differences among older couples.)

Excessive social media use is linked to couples fighting more

A 2013 study found that, among couples who had been together for less than three years, spending more time on Facebook was linked with more "Facebook-related conflict" 2 and more negative relationship outcomes.

One study found that those who are dating people who overshare on social media 3 tend to have lower relationship satisfaction (though positive posts about the relationship itself every now and then seemed to mediate that effect).

Social media might make daily life seem less interesting

The drool-worthy image of a couple on vacation can trigger feelings of envy, which can keep you from appreciating where you are in the present moment.

"Social media tends to ignore the gritty and mundane parts of a couple's lives," says Ken Page, LCSW , psychotherapist and host of The Deeper Dating Podcast .

Struggles, chores, compromise, and intimacy in the midst of challenges—these small mini triumphs are valuable, he says.

Just remember: A vacation can make you feel happy, but it's the everyday moments that lead to ultimate satisfaction .

When relationships end, it is so often those tiny, mundane moments that evoke the deepest nostalgia, Page adds.

It can distract you from spending quality time with your partner

Though internet addiction 4 and Facebook addiction 5 are not considered mental health disorders by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), researchers recognize both as dependence issues, which can interfere with quality of life.

The more we become hooked on the dopamine rush of social media, Page says, the less engaged or excited we will feel for the quieter, simpler moments of life.

"But those are often the moments when our loved one reveals something personal and intimate," he explains.

Next time you and your partner are together and both focused on your phones, bring awareness to that.

"Practice valuing real-time connection over internet connection," he says. This can help increase emotional intimacy.

It can affect our mental health

Even though social media is meant to promote connection, multiple studies have linked social media use with loneliness 6 , mood disorders, and poor self-esteem 7 .

People with preexisting mental health issues may also be more susceptible to social comparisons, due to a negative cognitive bias 8 , one study found.

On the flip side, lowering social media use has been shown to reduce loneliness and depression symptoms .

Though these issues are more individualistic than relational, they can bleed into romantic relationships.

When a partner is suffering from mental health issues , they may be closed off to intimacy or become codependent .

It can lead to body image issues

The filtered and edited images you see all over social media can cause insecurities about your own body to surface, Ajjan says.

Several studies have linked social media use and body image issues 9 .

A person's body image issues can significantly affect their relationships.

One Journal of the International Society for Sexual Medicine study shows that heterosexual women with body image issues 10 have a harder time becoming sexually aroused.

Another study found the way wives perceive their own sexual attractiveness 11 , based on negative body image, directly affects the marital quality of both the wife and the husband.

In other words, these insecurities triggered by social media can interfere with emotional and physical intimacy and the overall quality of a relationship.

It can make us more narcissistic

Excessive social media use is linked to narcissistic traits 12 in some cases.

Research confirms that addictive social media use reflects a need to feed the ego and an attempt to improve self-esteem, both of which are narcissistic traits.

And different types of social media play into different aspects of narcissism.

For example, people who frequently tweet or post selfies may be displaying grandiosity, one of the common traits of narcissism .

Since you can be narcissistic without having a personality disorder , it's possible to develop these traits over time—and at least one small study has found excess social media use may be a trigger .

And of course, being in a relationship with a narcissist is not healthy and can lead to trauma later on.

Positive effects on relationships

Social media helps single people meet each other.

In the digital age we live in, it's not uncommon for people to meet online or through dating apps—in fact, it may be more common.

A 2017 survey found 39% of heterosexual couples reported meeting their partner online, compared to just 22% in 2009.

A later study analyzing the results found that " Internet meeting is displacing the roles that family and friends once played in bringing couples together."

According to one survey , online dating can be especially helpful for the LGBTQ+ community .

Of the adults who took the survey, 28% say they met their current partner online, compared with 11% of partnered straight adults.

It can keep you connected to your partner

Whether it's sending a funny meme over Instagram or taking a quick Snapchat, social media is an easy way for couples to interact throughout the day in a fun, low-pressure manner.

This is particularly helpful for couples who don't live together and people in long-distance relationships . According to a survey published in the Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking journal, young adults in long-distance romantic relationships 13 are better able to maintain them if they're using social networking sites.

People who have their partner in their profile photo or have their relationship status public on Facebook also tend to be happier with their relationship 14 , for what that's worth.

You can learn about relationships from experts

"There are plenty of accounts that offer up good information to help develop and maintain a healthy connection," Ajjan says. "There is a lot of good information on social media from relationship bloggers, psychotherapists, and many others that highlight how to improve your relationship."

As long as it's coming from a place of growth and not comparison, this type of social media can motivate you to work on parts of the relationship that have been neglected, she explains.

It's like a time capsule of memories

Social media platforms have practically replaced printed photograph albums as a place to store and share our memories.

In this sense, Page says social media can be used to honor the activities you do and the things you create together.

Unlike a physical photo album, social media has the added component of followers.

"In this way, social media can be an institutionalized way to express love publicly and invite community support," he says, "both of which enhance a couple's ability to flourish."

Tips to manage social media use

Turn off your notifications. One study 15 found that smartphone notifications can cause a decline in task performance and negatively influence cognitive function and concentration. Turn off your notifications to avoid any distractions and focus more on the present.
Set aside a time to scroll. Whether that be every hour or every few hours, designate 15-20 minutes to getting on social media, answering texts, or taking calls to avoid the constant urge to get on your phone and scroll and focus on quality time with your partner.
Try a social media detox. Research shows that intentionally refraining from getting on social media can prevent harmful effects and reduce the risk of compulsive social media behavior in individuals. Designate a period of days, weeks, or even months to avoid any social media use.
Be transparent and communicate. If you are struggling with your body-image or find yourself feeling jealous or insecure, talk with your partner and explain how you are feeling. It may be time to avoid getting on social media altogether and focus on quality time with your significant other.

The takeaway

Scrolling through social media all day is, unfortunately, not a hard habit to pick up.

While these platforms can offer helpful resources, they can also lead to jealousy, mental health issues, and unrealistic expectations in relationships.

On top of that, the act of being on your phone constantly can distract from intimacy with a partner.

"Social media is not all bad," Ajjan says, "but if you find yourself comparing your relationship to what you are seeing online, it may be helpful to unfollow accounts that make you feel bad and focus more on accounts that make you feel empowered in your relationship."

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2011-27972-002
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23745615/
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0212186
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2719452/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4183915/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7268264/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6221086/#acps12953-bib-0010
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28940179/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6861923/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5005305/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2864925/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27072491/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25751046/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30212249/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4912993/

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

What Is Meditation?

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins

Box Breathing

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

What Breathwork Can Address

The 8 limbs of yoga - what is asana.

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How plants can optimize athletic performance.

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

How ayurveda helps us navigate modern life.

Nutrition | Sahara Rose

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Love Languages

25 Cozy Fall Date Ideas To Make Romantic Memories With Your Partner

Kelly Gonsalves

Walking Into A Party Alone? This Trick Makes You Instantly Feel At Ease

Hannah Frye

3 Major Relationship Red Flags To Watch For Over The Holidays, From A Therapist

Sarah Regan

9 Tips For Dealing With Heartache, According To Relationship Experts

Velvet Nails Are The Coziest Fall Trend — Get The Look With This Trick

Jamie Schneider

Wake Up Puffy? I’ve Tried So Many Remedies But This Is The First That Worked

Carleigh Ferrante

25 Cozy Fall Date Ideas To Make Romantic Memories With Your Partner

Is Social Media Bad for Relationships: Argumentative Essay

Introduction

Proper editing and formatting
Free revision, title page, and bibliography
Flexible prices and money-back guarantee

Our writers will provide you with an essay sample written from scratch: any topic, any deadline, any instructions.

Cite this paper

Join our 150k of happy users

Get original paper written according to your instructions
Save time for what matters most

Fair Use Policy

EduBirdie considers academic integrity to be the essential part of the learning process and does not support any violation of the academic standards. Should you have any questions regarding our Fair Use Policy or become aware of any violations, please do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected].

We are here 24/7 to write your paper in as fast as 3 hours.

Provide your email, and we'll send you this sample!

By providing your email, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Say goodbye to copy-pasting!

Get custom-crafted papers for you.

Enter your email, and we'll promptly send you the full essay. No need to copy piece by piece. It's in your inbox!

1-800-NAT-UNIV (628-8648)
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education (BAECE)
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development with an Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (California)
Bachelor of Arts in English
Bachelor of Arts in History
Master of Arts in Social Emotional Learning
Master of Education in Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple and Single Subject Teaching Credential and Intern Option (CA)
Master of Arts in Education
Master of Early Childhood Education
Education Specialist
Doctor of Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation
Certificate in Online Teaching (COT) Program
Online Medical Coding Program
Building Our Team Through Community Policing
Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential
Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option (California)
Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (CA Option)
Preliminary Education Specialist Credential: Mild/Moderate with Internship Option (CA)
All Teaching & Education
Associate of Science in Business
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
Bachelor of Arts in Management
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Master of Science in Data Science
Master of Public Administration
Doctor of Criminal Justice
Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership
Doctor of Business Administration
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Business
Post-Master's Certificate in Business
Graduate Certificate in Banking
Certificate in Agile Project Management
All Business & Marketing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (California)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Second Bachelor Degree (California)
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Master of Science in Nursing
Master of Science in Health Informatics
Master of Healthcare Administration
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)
Doctor of Health Administration
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership
LVN to RN 30 Unit Option Certificate
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Emergency Medical Technician Certificate
All Healthcare & Nursing
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis Degree
Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology
Master of Arts in Consciousness, Psychology, and Transformation
Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) Program
Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy
Graduate Certificate in Trauma Studies
Post-Master's Certificate in Psychology
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Pupil Personnel Services Credential School Counseling (PPSC)
University Internship Credential Program for Pupil Personnel Services School Counseling (California Only)
All Social Sciences & Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Master of Science in Computer Science
Master of Science in Engineering Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science
Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Cybersecurity
All Engineering & Technology
Associate of Arts in General Education
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Design
Bachelor of Arts in General Studies
Master of Arts in English
Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Foreign Credential Bridge Program
All Arts & Humanities
Graduate Certificate in Forensic and Crime Scene Investigations
Bachelor of Public Administration
Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Minor in Business Law
Master of Criminal Justice Leadership
Master of Forensic Sciences
Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Doctor of Public Administration
College of Law and Public Service
All Criminal Justice & Public Service
Paralegal Specialist Certificate Corporations
Paralegal Specialist Certificate Criminal Law
Paralegal Specialist Certificate Litigation
Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law Studies
Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
Juris Doctor
Associate of Science in Human Biology
Associate of Science in General Education
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
All Science & Math
Program Finder
Undergraduate Admissions
Graduate Program Admissions
Military Admissions
Early College
Credential & Certificate Programs
Transfer Information
Speak to an Advisor
How to Pay for College
Financial Aid
Scholarships
Tuition & Fees
NU offers a variety of scholarships to help students reduce their financial burden while focusing on achieving their goals. Explore Scholarships
Colleges/Schools
University Leadership
Office of the President
Academies at NU
Course Catalog
Accreditation
Workforce and Community Education
President’s Circle
Board of Trustees
NU Foundation
Military & Veterans
Coast Guard
Space Force
National Guard & Reservist
Military Spouses & Dependents
Military Resources
NU proudly serves active duty and Veteran students from all branches of the military — at home, on base, and abroad. Military Admissions
Online Degrees & Programs
Consumer Information
Student Login
Graduation Events
Student Portal
Student Bookstore
Student Resources
Dissertation Boot Camp
Show your NU pride and shop our online store for the latest and greatest NU apparel and accessories! Shop Now
Request Info
Our Programs

The Dangers of Social Media on Marriage and Family

woman with short brunette hair looking to her left at woman with blonde hair, smiling at woman with man blurred in background

If you’ve ever been out on a romantic dinner date with your partner only to discover they seem distracted by the latest intriguing Facebook update, you’re not alone. Sixty-six percent of adults in married or committed relationships report that smartphones and social media sites like Facebook play an integral role in their lives. In fact, research shows the average user scrolls through social media sites for two and a half hours per day.

It may be time to consider the pros and cons of using these sites and establish a few ground rules to avoid any potential dangers of social media on your marriage and family.

The Pros of Social Media and Relationships

First, it’s important to consider the ways social media can enhance the lives of you and your family members. Social media can be a real plus for couples who spend a lot of time apart because it offers a way for them to connect, says Alexandra Samuel, PhD , a speaker, author, and regular contributor to The Wall Street Journal and The Harvard Business Review who helps people and organizations excel at working and living together online.

According to an article written by Gwendolyn Seidman, PhD, in Psychology Today, social media can aid relationships by making it easier for partners to integrate their once-disconnected social networks. One woman Seidman interviewed says her Facebook feed makes her husband’s co-workers feel as if they know her, and has served as an icebreaker when meeting those people in real-world social settings.

Likewise, young people form and maintain friendships online. By connecting with extended family and friends or taking part in local and global online groups, children can gain a sense of belonging. Social media can provide an avenue for them to follow their interests and learn new ones. It also offers them an opportunity to explore their creativity with profile pages, images, videos, and game modifications.

The Dangers of Social Media on Relationships

Now that you know social media’s benefits, understanding its pitfalls can help you be aware of its potential dangers on relationships:

Social media serves as a distraction from focusing on the interactions that nurture relationships. “Social media use can become compulsive,” says Darren Adamson, PhD, LMFT , chair of the Department of Marriage and Family Sciences at National University.

According to the Pew Research Center, 40% of partnered adults say they are bothered by the amount of time their partner spends on their smartphone. As social media sites update, they become more interactive and more “addicting,” making it difficult to manage the time spent on it. In fact, according to a study cited by PsychCentral, American college students describe abstaining from social media the same way they describe drug and alcohol withdrawal — cravings, anxiety, and feeling jittery.

People share their best lives on social media, so couples sometimes compare their mundane lives with other’s exciting lives, which can create destructive comparisons. A negative social comparison or the fear of missing out (FOMO) is the idea that someone else is having a better time or is more successful than you (from what you can see of their online lives). This notion can impact our mental health in a number of ways. Feeling envy and down on ourselves because of what others post on social media is associated with worsening depression and decreased overall well-being.

A study published in Computers in Human Behavior found a link between social media use and decreased marriage quality in every model analyzed. The study results predict that people who do not use social media are 11 percent happier in their marriages than people that regularly use social media. For children, it’s important to consider what they’re not doing when they’re spending so much time on social media. According to the National Institutes of Health , the overuse of digital media can put your children at risk for:

Depression and anxiety . Research shows the more time adolescents spend on their smartphone, the higher levels of depression and anxiety are found one year later.
Not enough sleep . Children and teens who have too much media exposure or who have a TV, computer, or mobile device in their bedroom fall asleep later at night and sleep less.
Obesity . Excessive screen use and having a TV in the bedroom can increase the risk of obesity. Watching TV for more than 1.5 hours daily is a risk factor for obesity for children ages 4 through 9. Teens who watch more than five hours of TV per day are five times more likely to be overweight than teens who watch two hours or less per day.
Cyberbullying . Children and teens online can become victims of cyberbullying, which can lead to negative social, academic, and health issues for both the bully and target.

woman sitting in chair with notepad in hand with a pen, smirking at a person sitting across from her

Guidelines for Maintaining a Healthy Balance Between Social Media and Relationships

Is it possible to maintain healthy relationships and be actively involved in social media? The answer is yes. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that 55% of Gen Z feel supported through social media. Still, setting a few ground rules can mean the difference between a healthy use of social media in a relationship, and taking it into the danger zone.

Don’t use social media as a negative point of comparison for your relationship. “If you feel compelled to make comparisons involving your relationship,” says Adamson, “compare where your relationship is today with what it was like a year ago — or five or ten years ago for those in a long-term relationship. Let the results of the comparison prompt changes in behavior that can build your relationship.”

Spend time nurturing your relationship. “Do things that create closeness in your relationship,” encourages Adamson, “and do them regularly without distraction.” If possible, tuck the smartphone away — out of sight and out of mind. The distraction factor is one of the biggest challenges with social media. According to a study by Scientific American , the presence of a smartphone can be detrimental to interpersonal relationships.

Do not maintain a separate social media life. “Share your social media world with your partner,” Adamson says. The same is true for your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests co-viewing social media with your child, so they can use it to learn, be creative, and share these their experiences with family.

In healthychildren.org , the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends setting social media ground rules for your children. To strike a healthy balance in your family, remember that all children and teens need adequate sleep (8-12 hours, depending on age), physical activity (1 hour), and time away from media. By creating a family media plan , you and your children can set media priorities that matter most to your family.

Plan media-free times together, such as family dinners, and engage in family activities that promote well-being, such as sports, reading, and talking with each other. As a parent, set a good example by turning off the TV and putting your smartphone on “do not disturb” during media-free times with your family. Another important media-free time is when your child does homework.

Keep in mind that social media is exactly what the name implies — media. “It is not a separate and distinct world,” Adamson says. “It does not sustain relationships, because it is based on virtual reality that, by its nature, is not able to support the activities required to make a relationship work.”

Couple in counseling session learning The dangers of social media on marriage and family

Pursuing a career in marriage and family therapy

From social media and pressures at work to a stack of bills still unpaid, modern-day life can strain marriages and families. If you’re a compassionate individual who cares about helping people and would like to help them build stronger relationships and navigate life’s difficulties, becoming a marriage and family therapist can be a satisfying career choice. National University’s Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology is designed to prepare you to work with couples, children, and other family members to help them manage various emotional situations or psychological issues.

Students in this online MFT program choose between two specialization options based on their career goals: the standard Marriage and Family Therapist Option and the Combined MFT/LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) option. Throughout the program, you’ll work closely with faculty members who are also practicing professionals in their field, so you’ll gain real-world insights into how licensed therapists can make a positive difference in the lives of their clients.

NU’s online MFT program is designed for California only. The program can be completed in 20 months, at which time you’ll be prepared to sit for the Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) License mandated by the Board of Behavioral Sciences in the state of California. By adding three more courses in three months, you can also be eligible to sit for a license in Professional Clinical Counseling.

Ready to take the first step in your education journey? Contact NU for more information.

Learn More About Our University and Scholarships

Join our email list!

First Name *
Form Email Field
Consent * I agree to the terms and conditions below. *

Recent Resources

National University’s Online Ph.D. of Business Administration in Strategic Marketing Named One of the Best in the Nation August 20, 2024
How to Become an Investment Banker July 26, 2024
What Can You Do With an Economics Degree? July 19, 2024

Your passion. Our Programs.

Choose an area of study, select a degree level.

Search the site

Modal window with site-search and helpful links

Featured Programs

Business and Management
Computer Science
Teaching and Credentials

Helpful Links

Admissions & Application Information
Online College Degrees & Programs
Student Services
Request Your Transcripts

Terms & Conditions

By submitting your information to National University as my electronic signature and submitting this form by clicking the Request Info button above, I provide my express written consent to representatives of National University and National University affiliates (including City University of Seattle) to contact me about educational opportunities. This includes the use of automated technology, such as an automatic dialing system and pre-recorded or artificial voice messages, text messages, and mail, both electronic and physical, to the phone numbers (including cellular) and e-mail address(es) I have provided. I confirm that the information provided on this form is accurate and complete. I also understand that certain degree programs may not be available in all states. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary.

I understand that consent is not a condition to purchase any goods, services or property, and that I may withdraw my consent at any time by sending an email to [email protected] . I understand that if I am submitting my personal data from outside of the United States, I am consenting to the transfer of my personal data to, and its storage in, the United States, and I understand that my personal data will be subject to processing in accordance with U.S. laws, unless stated otherwise in our privacy policy . Please review our privacy policy for more details or contact us at [email protected] .

By submitting my information, I acknowledge that I have read and reviewed the Accessibility Statement .

By submitting my information, I acknowledge that I have read and reviewed the Student Code of Conduct located in the Catalog .

National University

Chat Options

Domestic or International?
Current students
My Courses 0

Is social media damaging our relationships?

Research news

Reflecting major social change in society, relationship researchers are increasingly investigating the effects of social media on our relationships with partners, family and friends, says Dr Gery Karantzas, Senior Lecturer and Director of the Relationship Science Laboratory at Deakin.

Dr Karantzas will Chair the 14th National Conference of the Australian Psychological Society’s Psychology of Relationships Interest Group (APS-PORIG), which will be held at Deakin’s Melbourne City Centre, on 8-9 October.

Bringing together scholars, practitioners and policy makers from all fields, the conference will cover a broad spectrum of relationship issues and types. Entitled “The Changing Face of Relationships,” it will include topics on romantic relationships, parent-child relationships, peer relationships, client-therapist relationships, and inter-group relationships.

Dr Karantzas explained that, while some researchers continue to focus on classic issues like trust and support in relationships, there is growing interest in the role of social media in determining how people form relationships and how it effects their maintenance of these relationships.

“Social media is a useful tool, but it is providing challenges for many people, in terms of how we make connections and how we go about forging and maintaining relationships,” he said.

“We are using social media to connect with some people, but our preoccupation with mobile devices and social media means that our most immediate and closest relationships can suffer, perhaps by spending more time on Facebook and less time with our partners, for instance.”

In line with other trends, researchers are increasingly studying homosexual and transgender relationships as these become more visible in society.

“In the past, people’s ideas about how they would navigate a romantic relationship was largely based on using one’s parents as a template or model to guide relationship behaviour. The diversity in relationships today makes it harder to rely on pre-existing socio-cultural norms or way of doing relationships. People are working out their own ways of how to manage relationships and sometimes they are making mistakes,” Dr Karantzas said.

He suggests that now more than ever, people need to learn how to be good decision makers, but many ingredients to successful relationships haven’t changed.

“Being engaged in effective problem solving with a romantic partner, listening and being sensitive to your partner’s needs, and not having preconceived or unrealistic expectations are as important today as they ever were.”

Share this story

Relationships expert - Dr Gery Karantzas is set to Chair the 14th APS-PORIG conference.

More like this

Which best describes you?

Domestic student

an Australian citizen;
an Australian permanent resident;
an Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder;
a New Zealand citizen.

International student

a temporary resident (visa status) of Australia;
a permanent resident (visa status) of New Zealand;
a resident or citizen of any other country, intending to study on a student visa.

We use cookies to improve your experience. You consent to the use of our cookies if you proceed. Visit our Privacy policy for more information.

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

The Relationship Between Social Media and Mental Health. It's Not All Negatives. Public Deposited

Downloadable content.

In the twenty-first century, social media has become an integral part of life in various countries across the world. However, not enough is being done, in terms of research, to look at how social media affects mental health. This is echoed in some of the literature I will discuss later (J. S.L. Brown, 2018; Pantic, 2014; Naslund et al., 2016). In this paper, I look at the relationship between social media and mental health as it relates to college age students (with a focus on the University of Colorado). The focus stems from the increase in mental illness and mental health problems among college students (“Campus Mental Health,” 2019) and my close proximity to CU. Using interviews I have gathered from expert sources and previously established research I look at more specific mental illnesses and logistical elements of the relationship. I also interviewed college students to get their opinions on how social media affects their own mental health and how they perceive it to affect those around them. With both students (from a discussion standpoint) and professionals (from a research based and investigative standpoint), there is too much focus on the negative aspects of social media and the harm it causes colleges as a whole. While it is important to acknowledge these effects, I also explore some of the benefits social media has on mental health. This paper could be published in the Journal of Communication or the Journal of New Media and Society amongst other places.
Doty, Gavyn
Ryan, Kathleen
Chuang, Angie
Talbot, Brian
University of Colorado Boulder
Mental Health
Social Media
In Copyright
English [eng]

Relationships

College of Media, Communication & Information Honors Theses

Thumbnail	Title	Date Uploaded	Visibility	Actions
		2019-11-18	Public	' $('.canonical-image').after(template) $('.canonical-image').remove() }
		2019-11-18	Public	' $('.canonical-image').after(template) $('.canonical-image').remove() }

Read the latest news stories about Mailman faculty, research, and events.

Departments

We integrate an innovative skills-based curriculum, research collaborations, and hands-on field experience to prepare students.

Learn more about our research centers, which focus on critical issues in public health.

Our Faculty

Meet the faculty of the Mailman School of Public Health.

Become a Student

Life and community, how to apply.

Learn how to apply to the Mailman School of Public Health.

Just How Harmful Is Social Media? Our Experts Weigh-In.

A recent investigation by the Wall Street Journal revealed that Facebook was aware of mental health risks linked to the use of its Instagram app but kept those findings secret. Internal research by the social media giant found that Instagram worsened body image issues for one in three teenage girls, and all teenage users of the app linked it to experiences of anxiety and depression. It isn’t the first evidence of social media’s harms. Watchdog groups have identified Facebook and Instagram as avenues for cyberbullying , and reports have linked TikTok to dangerous and antisocial behavior, including a recent spate of school vandalism .

As social media has proliferated worldwide—Facebook has 2.85 billion users—so too have concerns over how the platforms are affecting individual and collective wellbeing. Social media is criticized for being addictive by design and for its role in the spread of misinformation on critical issues from vaccine safety to election integrity, as well as the rise of right-wing extremism. Social media companies, and many users, defend the platforms as avenues for promoting creativity and community-building. And some research has pushed back against the idea that social media raises the risk for depression in teens . So just how healthy or unhealthy is social media?

Two experts from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia Psychiatry share their insights into one crucial aspect of social media’s influence—its effect on the mental health of young people and adults. Deborah Glasofer , associate professor of psychology in psychiatry, conducts psychotherapy development research for adults with eating disorders and teaches about cognitive behavioral therapy. She is the co-author of the book Eating Disorders: What Everyone Needs to Know. Claude Mellins , Professor of medical psychology in the Departments of Psychiatry and Sociomedical Sciences, studies wellbeing among college and graduate students, among other topics, and serves as program director of CopeColumbia, a peer support program for Columbia faculty and staff whose mental health has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. She co-led the SHIFT research study to reduce sexual violence among undergraduates. Both use social media.

What do we know about the mental health risks of social media use?

Mellins : Facebook and Instagram and other social media platforms are important sources of socialization and relationship-building for many young people. Although there are important benefits, social media can also provide platforms for bullying and exclusion, unrealistic expectations about body image and sources of popularity, normalization of risk-taking behaviors, and can be detrimental to mental health. Girls and young people who identify as sexual and gender minorities can be especially vulnerable as targets. Young people’s brains are still developing, and as individuals, young people are developing their own identities. What they see on social media can define what is expected in ways that is not accurate and that can be destructive to identity development and self-image. Adolescence is a time of risk-taking, which is both a strength and a vulnerability. Social media can exacerbate risks, as we have seen played out in the news.

Although there are important benefits, social media can also provide platforms for bullying and exclusion, unrealistic expectations about body image and sources of popularity, normalization of risk-taking behaviors, and can be detrimental to mental health. – Claude Mellins

Glasofer : For those vulnerable to developing an eating disorder, social media may be especially unhelpful because it allows people to easily compare their appearance to their friends, to celebrities, even older images of themselves. Research tells us that how much someone engages with photo-related activities like posting and sharing photos on Facebook or Instagram is associated with less body acceptance and more obsessing about appearance. For adolescent girls in particular, the more time they spend on social media directly relates to how much they absorb the idea that being thin is ideal, are driven to try to become thin, and/or overly scrutinize their own bodies. Also, if someone is vulnerable to an eating disorder, they may be especially attracted to seeking out unhelpful information—which is all too easy to find on social media.

Are there any upsides to social media?

Mellins : For young people, social media provides a platform to help them figure out who they are. For very shy or introverted young people, it can be a way to meet others with similar interests. During the pandemic, social media made it possible for people to connect in ways when in-person socialization was not possible. Social support and socializing are critical influences on coping and resilience. Friends we couldn’t see in person were available online and allowed us important points of connection. On the other hand, fewer opportunities for in-person interactions with friends and family meant less of a real-world check on some of the negative influences of social media.

Whether it’s social media or in person, a good peer group makes the difference. A group of friends that connects over shared interests like art or music, and is balanced in their outlook on eating and appearance, is a positive. – Deborah Glasofer

Glasofer : Whether it’s social media or in person, a good peer group makes the difference. A group of friends that connects over shared interests like art or music, and is balanced in their outlook on eating and appearance, is a positive. In fact, a good peer group online may be protective against negative in-person influences. For those with a history of eating disorders, there are body-positive and recovery groups on social media. Some people find these groups to be supportive; for others, it’s more beneficial to move on and pursue other interests.

Is there a healthy way to be on social media?

Mellins : If you feel social media is a negative experience, you might need a break. Disengaging with social media permanently is more difficult—especially for young people. These platforms are powerful tools for connecting and staying up-to-date with friends and family. Social events, too. If you’re not on social media then you’re reliant on your friends to reach out to you personally, which doesn’t always happen. It’s complicated.

Glasofer : When you find yourself feeling badly about yourself in relation to what other people are posting about themselves, then social media is not doing you any favors. If there is anything on social media that is negatively affecting your actions or your choices—for example, if you’re starting to eat restrictively or exercise excessively—then it’s time to reassess. Parents should check-in with their kids about their lives on social media. In general, I recommend limiting social media— creating boundaries that are reasonable and work for you—so you can be present with people in your life. I also recommend social media vacations. It’s good to take the time to notice the difference between the virtual world and the real world.

Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Social Media — Social Media: Thesis Statement

Social Media: Thesis Statement

Categories: Journalism Social Media

About this sample

Words: 562 |

Published: Mar 16, 2024

Words: 562 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Positive effects, negative effects, positive social change.

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below:

Let us write you an essay from scratch

450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

Expert in: Sociology

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

4 pages / 1769 words

5 pages / 2417 words

3 pages / 1504 words

2 pages / 737 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Social Media

In the 21st century, the rise of social media platforms has ushered in a digital revolution that has profoundly transformed the way we communicate, connect, and live our lives. From Facebook to Twitter, Instagram to TikTok, [...]

Social media has transformed the way we communicate, share information, and engage with the world. While it offers numerous benefits, it also poses significant challenges, including the spread of misinformation, threats to [...]

Primack, B. A. (n.d.). Social Media Use and Perceived Social Isolation Among Young Adults in the U.S. Emotion, 17(6), 1026–1032. DOI: 10.1037/emo0000525Hobson, K. (n.d.). The Social Media Paradox: Are We Really More Connected? [...]

Shannon, C. E., & Weaver, W. (1949). The Mathematical Theory of Communication. University of Illinois Press.Lasswell, H. D. (1948). The Structure and Function of Communication in Society. In L. Bryson (Ed.), The Communication of [...]

Social media creates a dopamine-driven feedback loop to condition young adults to stay online, stripping them of important social skills and further keeping them on social media, leading them to feel socially isolated. Annotated [...]

News media discusses many different topics. From political to economic they all include things that happen in our world today. Political news today has many fallacies. Fallacies are things that are a mistaken belief and they [...]

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

Instructions Followed To The Letter
Deadlines Met At Every Stage
Unique And Plagiarism Free

Potential risks of content, features, and functions: The science of how social media affects youth

Almost a year after APA issued its health advisory on social media use in adolescence , society continues to wrestle with ways to maximize the benefits of these platforms while protecting youth from the potential harms associated with them. 1

By early 2024, few meaningful changes to social media platforms had been enacted by industry, and no federal policies had been adopted. There remains a need for social media companies to make fundamental changes to their platforms.

Psychological science continues to reveal benefits from social media use , as well as risks and opportunities that certain content, features, and functions present to young social media users. The science discussed below highlights the need to enact new, responsible safety standards to mitigate harm. 2

Download in PDF format (267KB)

Elaboration of science on social media content, features, and functions

Platforms built for adults are not inherently suitable for youth. i Youth require special protection due to areas of competence or vulnerability as they progress through the childhood, teenage, and late adolescent years. ii This is especially true for youth experiencing psychological, physical, intellectual, mental health, or other developmental challenges; chronological age is not directly associated with social media readiness . iii

Hypersensitivity to social feedback

Brain development starting at ages 10–13 (i.e., the outset of puberty) until approximately the mid-twenties is linked with hypersensitivity to social feedback/stimuli. iv In other words, youth become especially invested in behaviors that will help them get personalized feedback, praise, or attention from peers.

AI-recommended content has the potential to be especially influential and hard to resist within this age range. v It is critical that AI-recommended content be designed to prioritize youth safety and welfare over engagement. This suggests potentially restricting the use of personalized recommendations using youth data, design features that may prioritize content evoking extreme emotions, or content that may depict illegal or harmful behavior.
Likes and follower counts activate neural regions that trigger repetitive behavior, and thus may exert greater influence on youths’ attitudes and behavior than among adults. vi Youth are especially sensitive to both positive social feedback and rejection from others. Using these metrics to maintain platform engagement capitalizes on youths’ vulnerabilities and likely leads to problematic use.
The use of youth data for tailored ad content similarly is influential for youth who are biologically predisposed toward peer influence at this stage and sensitive to personalized content. vii

Need for relationship skill building

Adolescence is a critical period for the development of more complex relationship skills, characterized by the ability to form emotionally intimate relationships. viii The adolescent years should provide opportunities to practice these skills through one-on-one or small group interactions.

The focus on metrics of followers, likes, and views focuses adolescents’ attention on unilateral, depersonalized interactions and may discourage them from building healthier and psychologically beneficial relationship skills. ix

Susceptibility to harmful content

Adolescence is a period of heightened susceptibility to peer influence, impressionability, and sensitivity to social rejection. x Harmful content, including cyberhate, the depiction of illegal behavior, and encouragement to engage in self-harm (e.g., cutting or eating-disordered behavior) is associated with increased mental health difficulties among both the targets and witnesses of such content. xi

The absence of clear and transparent processes for addressing reports of harmful content makes it harder for youth to feel protected or able to get help in the face of harmful content.

Underdeveloped impulse control

Youths’ developing cortical system (particularly in the brain’s inhibitory control network) makes them less capable of resisting impulses or stopping themselves from behavior that may lead to temporary benefit despite negative longer-term consequences. xii This can lead to adolescents making decisions based on short-term gain, lower appreciation of long-term risks, and interference with focus on tasks that require concentration.

Infinite scroll is particularly risky for youth since their ability to monitor and stop engagement on social media is more limited than among adults. xiii This contributes to youths’ difficulty disengaging from social media and may contribute to high rates of youth reporting symptoms of clinical dependency on social media. xiv
The lack of time limits on social media use similarly is challenging for youth, particularly during the school day or at times when they should be doing homework. xv
Push notifications capitalize on youths’ sensitivity to distraction. Task-shifting is a higher order cognitive ability not fully developed until early adulthood and may interfere with youths’ focus during class time and when they should be doing homework. xvi
The use and retention of youths’ data without appropriate parental consent, and/or child assent in developmentally appropriate language, capitalizes on youths’ relatively poor appreciation for long-term consequences of their actions, permanence of online content, or their ability to weigh the risks of their engagement on social media. xvii

Reliance on sleep for healthy brain development

Other than the first year of life, puberty is the most important period of brain growth and reorganization in our lifetimes. xviii Sleep is essential for healthy brain development and mental health in adolescence. xix Sleep delay or disruptions have significant negative effects on youths’ attention, behavior, mood, safety, and academic performance.

A lack of limits on the time of day when youth can use social media has been cited as the predominant reason why adolescents are getting less than the recommended amount of sleep, with significant implications for brain and mental health. xx

Vulnerability to malicious actors

Youth are easily deceived by predators and other malicious actors who may attempt to interact with them on social media channels. xxi

Connection and direct messaging with adult strangers places youth at risk of identity theft and potentially dangerous interactions, including sexploitation.

Need for parental/caregiver partnership

Research indicates that youth benefit from parental support to guide them toward safe decisions and to help them understand and appropriately respond to complex social interactions. xxii Granting parents oversight of youths’ accounts should be offered in balance with adolescents’ needs for autonomy, privacy, and independence. However, it should be easier for parents to partner with youth online in a manner that fits their family’s needs.

The absence of transparent and easy-to-use parental/caregiver tools increases parents’ or guardians’ difficulty in supporting youths’ experience on social media. xxiii

Health advisory on social media use in adolescence

Science Spotlight

Get the most relevant news and information for psychological scientists delivered to your inbox every two weeks

Welcome! Thank you for subscribing.

Six Things Psychologists are Talking About

The APA Monitor on Psychology ® sister e-newsletter offers fresh articles on psychology trends, new research, and more.

A path forward based on science

Change is needed soon. Solutions should reflect a greater understanding of the science in at least three ways.

First, youth vary considerably in how they use social media. Some uses may promote healthy development and others may create harm. As noted in the APA health advisory , using social media is not inherently beneficial or harmful to young people. The effects of social media depend not only on what teens can do and see online, but teens’ pre-existing strengths or vulnerabilities, and the contexts in which they grow up.

Second, science has highlighted biological and psychological abilities/vulnerabilities that interact with the content, functions, and features built into social media platforms, and it is these aspects of youths’ social media experience that must be addressed to attenuate risks. xxiv Social media use, functionality, and permissions/consenting should be tailored to youths’ developmental capabilities. Design features created for adults may not be appropriate for children.

Third, youth are adept at working around age restrictions. Substantial data reveal a remarkable number of children aged 12 years and younger routinely using social media, indicating that current policies and practices to restrict use to older youth are not working. xxv

Policies will not protect youth unless technology companies are required to reduce the risks embedded within the platforms themselves.

As policymakers at every level assess their approach to this complex issue, it is important to note the limitations of frequently proposed policies, which are often misreported and fall far short of comprehensive safety solutions that will achieve meaningful change.

Restricting downloads

Restricting application downloads at the device level does not fully restrict youths’ access and will not meaningfully improve the safety of social media platforms. Allowing platforms to delegate responsibility to app stores does not address the vulnerabilities and harms built into the platforms.

Requiring age restrictions

Focusing only on age restrictions does not improve the platforms or address the biological and psychological vulnerabilities that persist past age 18. While age restriction proposals could offer some benefits if effectively and equitably implemented, they do not represent comprehensive improvements to social media platforms, for at least four reasons:

Creating a bright line age limit ignores individual differences in adolescents’ maturity and competency
These proposals fail to mitigate the harms for those above the age limit and can lead to a perception that social media is safe for adolescents above the threshold age, though neurological changes continue until age 25
Completely limiting access to social media may disadvantage those who are experiencing psychological benefits from social media platforms, such as community support and access to science-based resources, which particularly impact those in marginalized populations
The process of age-verification requires more thoughtful consideration to ensure that the storage of official identification documents does not systematically exclude subsets of youth, create risks for leaks, or circumvent the ability of young people to maintain anonymity on social platforms.

Use of parental controls

Granting parents and caregivers greater access to their children’s social media accounts will not address risks embedded within platforms themselves. More robust and easy-to-use parental controls would help some younger age groups, but as a sole strategy, this approach ignores the complexities of adolescent development, the importance of childhood autonomy and privacy, and disparities in time or resources available for monitoring across communities. xxvi

[Related: Keeping teens safe on social media: What parents should know to protect their kids ]

Some parents might be technologically ill-equipped, lack the time or documentation to complete requirements, or simply be unavailable to complete these requirements. Disenfranchising some young people from these platforms creates inequities. xxvii

Speaking of Psychology

Subscribe to APA’s audio podcast series highlighting some of the most important and relevant psychological research being conducted today.

Subscribe to Speaking of Psychology and download via:

1 These recommendations enact policies and resolutions approved by the APA Council of Representatives including the APA Resolution on Child and Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Health and the APA Resolution on Dismantling Systemic Racism in contexts including social media. These are not professional practice guidelines but are intended to provide information based on psychological science.

2 This report seeks to elaborate on extant psychological science findings, which may be particularly relevant in the creation of policy solutions that protect young people, and to inform the development of social media safety standards.

Recommendations from APA’s health advisory on social media use in adolescence

Youth using social media should be encouraged to use functions that create opportunities for social support, online companionship, and emotional intimacy that can promote healthy socialization.
Social media use, functionality, and permissions/consenting should be tailored to youths’ developmental capabilities; designs created for adults may not be appropriate for children.
In early adolescence (i.e., typically 10–14 years), adult monitoring (i.e., ongoing review, discussion, and coaching around social media content) is advised for most youths’ social media use; autonomy may increase gradually as kids age and if they gain digital literacy skills. However, monitoring should be balanced with youths’ appropriate needs for privacy.
To reduce the risks of psychological harm, adolescents’ exposure to content on social media that depicts illegal or psychologically maladaptive behavior, including content that instructs or encourages youth to engage in health-risk behaviors, such as self-harm (e.g., cutting, suicide), harm to others, or those that encourage eating-disordered behavior (e.g., restrictive eating, purging, excessive exercise) should be minimized, reported, and removed; moreover, technology should not drive users to this content.
To minimize psychological harm, adolescents’ exposure to “cyberhate” including online discrimination, prejudice, hate, or cyberbullying especially directed toward a marginalized group (e.g., racial, ethnic, gender, sexual, religious, ability status), or toward an individual because of their identity or allyship with a marginalized group should be minimized.
Adolescents should be routinely screened for signs of “problematic social media use” that can impair their ability to engage in daily roles and routines, and may present risk for more serious psychological harms over time.
The use of social media should be limited so as to not interfere with adolescents’ sleep and physical activity.
Adolescents should limit use of social media for social comparison, particularly around beauty- or appearance-related content.
Adolescents’ social media use should be preceded by training in social media literacy to ensure that users have developed psychologically-informed competencies and skills that will maximize the chances for balanced, safe, and meaningful social media use.
Substantial resources should be provided for continued scientific examination of the positive and negative effects of social media on adolescent development.

Acknowledgments

We wish to acknowledge the outstanding contributions to this report made by the following individuals:

Expert advisory panel

Mary Ann McCabe, PhD, ABPP, member-at-large, Board of Directors, American Psychological Association; associate clinical professor of pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Mitchell J. Prinstein, PhD, ABPP, chief science officer, American Psychological Association; John Van Seters Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Mary K. Alvord, PhD, founder, Alvord, Baker & Associates; board president, Resilience Across Borders; adjunct associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Dawn T. Bounds, PhD, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, assistant professor, Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, University of California, Irvine

Linda Charmaraman, PhD, senior research scientist, Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College

Sophia Choukas-Bradley, PhD, assistant professor, Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh

Dorothy L. Espelage, PhD, William C. Friday Distinguished Professor of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Joshua A. Goodman, PhD, assistant professor, Department of Psychology, Southern Oregon University

Jessica L. Hamilton, PhD, assistant professor, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University

Brendesha M. Tynes, PhD, Dean’s Professor of Educational Equity, University of Southern California

L. Monique Ward, PhD, professor, Department of Psychology (Developmental), University of Michigan

Lucía Magis-Weinberg, MD, PhD, assistant professor, Department of Psychology, University of Washington

We also wish to acknowledge the contributions to this report made by Katherine B. McGuire, chief advocacy officer, and Corbin Evans, JD, senior director of congressional and federal relations, American Psychological Association.

Selected references

i Maza, M. T., Fox, K. A., Kwon, S. J., Flannery, J. E., Lindquist, K. A., Prinstein, M. J., & Telzer, E. H. (2023). Association of habitual checking behaviors on social media with longitudinal functional brain development. JAMA Pediatrics , 177 (2), 160–167; Prinstein, M. J., Nesi, J., & Telzer, E. H. (2020). Commentary: An updated agenda for the study of digital media use and adolescent development—Future directions following Odgers & Jensen (2020). Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry , 61 (3), 349–352. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13219

ii Nesi, J., Choukas-Bradley, S., & Prinstein, M. J. (2018). Transformation of adolescent peer relations in the social media context: Part 1—A theoretical framework and application to dyadic peer relationships. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review , 21 (3), 267–294. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-018-0261-x

iii Valkenburg, P. M., & Peter, J. (2013). The differential susceptibility to media effects model. Journal of Communication , 63 (2), 221–243. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcom.12024

iv Fareri, D. S., Martin, L. N., & Delgado, M. R. (2008). Reward-related processing in the human brain: Developmental considerations. Development and Psychopathology , 20 (4), 1191–1211; Somerville, L. H., & Casey, B. J. (2010). Developmental neurobiology of cognitive control and motivational systems. Current Opinion in Neurobiology , 20 (2), 236–241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conb.2010.01.006

v Shin, D. (2020). How do users interact with algorithm recommender systems? The interaction of users, algorithms, and performance. Computers in Human Behavior , 109 , 106344. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2020.106344

vi Sherman, L. E., Payton, A. A., Hernandez, L. M., Greenfield, P. M., & Dapretto, M. (2016). The power of the Like in adolescence: Effects of peer influence on neural and behavioral responses to social media. Psychological Science , 27 (7), 1027–1035. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797616645673

vii Albert, D., Chein, J., & Steinberg, L. (2013). The teenage brain: Peer influences on adolescent decision making. Current Directions in Psychological Science , 22 (2), 114–120. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721412471347

viii Armstrong-Carter, E., & Telzer, E. H. (2021). Advancing measurement and research on youths’ prosocial behavior in the digital age. Child Development Perspectives , 15 (1), 31–36. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12396 ; Newcomb, A. F., & Bagwell, C. L. (1995). Children’s friendship relations: A meta-analytic review. Psychological Bulletin , 117 (2), 306.

ix Nesi, J., & Prinstein, M. J. (2019). In search of likes: Longitudinal associations between adolescents’ digital status seeking and health-risk behaviors. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology , 48 (5), 740–748. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2018.1437733 ; Rotondi, V., Stanca, L., & Tomasuolo, M. (2017). Connecting alone: Smartphone use, quality of social interactions and well-being. Journal of Economic Psychology , 63 , 17–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joep.2017.09.001

x Sherman, L. E., Payton, A. A., Hernandez, L. M., Greenfield, P. M., & Dapretto, M. (2016). The power of the Like in adolescence: Effects of peer influence on neural and behavioral responses to social media. Psychological Science , 27 (7), 1027–1035. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797616645673

xi Susi, K., Glover-Ford, F., Stewart, A., Knowles Bevis, R., & Hawton, K. (2023). Research review: Viewing self-harm images on the internet and social media platforms: Systematic review of the impact and associated psychological mechanisms. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry , 64 (8), 1115–1139.

xii Hartley, C. A., & Somerville, L. H. (2015). The neuroscience of adolescent decision-making. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences , 5 , 108–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2015.09.004

xiii Atherton, O. E., Lawson, K. M., & Robins, R. W. (2020). The development of effortful control from late childhood to young adulthood. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 119 (2), 417–456. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspp0000283

xiv Boer, M., Stevens, G. W., Finkenauer, C., & Van den Eijnden, R. J. (2022). The course of problematic social media use in young adolescents: A latent class growth analysis. Child Development , 93 (2), e168–e187.

xv Hall, A. C. G., Lineweaver, T. T., Hogan, E. E., & O’Brien, S. W. (2020). On or off task: The negative influence of laptops on neighboring students’ learning depends on how they are used. Computers & Education , 153 , 103901. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2020.103901 ; Sana, F., Weston, T., & Cepeda, N. J. (2013). Laptop multitasking hinders classroom learning for both users and nearby peers. Computers & Education , 62 , 24–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2012.10.003

xvi von Bastian, C. C., & Druey, M. D. (2017). Shifting between mental sets: An individual differences approach to commonalities and differences of task switching components. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General , 146 (9), 1266–1285. https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0000333

xvii Andrews, J. C., Walker, K. L., & Kees, J. (2020). Children and online privacy protection: Empowerment from cognitive defense strategies. Journal of Public Policy & Marketing , 39 (2), 205–219. https://doi.org/10.1177/0743915619883638 ; Romer D. (2010). Adolescent risk taking, impulsivity, and brain development: Implications for prevention. Developmental Psychobiology , 52 (3), 263–276. https://doi.org/10.1002/dev.20442

xviii Orben, A., Przybylski, A. K., Blakemore, S.-J., Kievit, R. A. (2022). Windows of developmental sensitivity to social media. Nature Communications , 13 (1649). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-29296-3

xix Paruthi, S., Brooks, L. J., D’Ambrosio, C., Hall, W. A., Kotagal, S., Lloyd, R. M., Malow, B. A., Maski, K., Nichols, C., Quan, S. F., Rosen, C. L., Troester, M. M., & Wise, M. S. (2016). Recommended amount of sleep for pediatric populations: A consensus statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine , 12 (6), 785–786. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.5866

xx Perrault, A. A., Bayer, L., Peuvrier, M., Afyouni, A., Ghisletta, P., Brockmann, C., Spiridon, M., Hulo Vesely, S., Haller, D. M., Pichon, S., Perrig, S., Schwartz, S., & Sterpenich, V. (2019). Reducing the use of screen electronic devices in the evening is associated with improved sleep and daytime vigilance in adolescents. Sleep , 42 (9), zsz125. https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsz125 ; Telzer, E. H., Goldenberg, D., Fuligni, A. J., Lieberman, M. D., & Gálvan, A. (2015). Sleep variability in adolescence is associated with altered brain development. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience , 14, 16–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2015.05.007

xxi Livingstone, S., & Smith, P. K. (2014). Annual research review: Harms experienced by child users of online and mobile technologies: The nature, prevalence and management of sexual and aggressive risks in the digital age. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry , 55 (6), 635–654. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12197 ; Wolak, J., Finkelhor, D., Mitchell, K. J., & Ybarra, M. L. (2008). Online “predators” and their victims: Myths, realities, and implications for prevention and treatment. American Psychologist , 63 (2), 111–128. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.63.2.111

xxii Wachs, S., Costello, M., Wright, M. F., Flora, K., Daskalou, V., Maziridou, E., Kwon, Y., Na, E.-Y., Sittichai, R., Biswal, R., Singh, R., Almendros, C., Gámez-Guadix, M., Görzig, A., & Hong, J. S. (2021). “DNT LET ’EM H8 U!”: Applying the routine activity framework to understand cyberhate victimization among adolescents across eight countries. Computers & Education , 160 , Article 104026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2020.104026 ; Padilla-Walker, L. M., Stockdale, L. A., & McLean, R. D. (2020). Associations between parental media monitoring, media use, and internalizing symptoms during adolescence. Psychology of Popular Media , 9 (4), 481. https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000256

xxiii Dietvorst, E., Hiemstra, M., Hillegers, M. H. J., & Keijsers, L. (2018). Adolescent perceptions of parental privacy invasion and adolescent secrecy: An illustration of Simpson’s paradox. Child Development , 89 (6), 2081–2090. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13002 ; Auxier, B. (2020, July 28). Parenting Children in the Age of Screens. Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech; Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/07/28/parenting-children-in-the-age-of-screens/

xxiv National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2024). Social media and adolescent health . The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/27396

xxv Charmaraman, L., Lynch, A. D., Richer, A. M., & Zhai, E. (2022). Examining early adolescent positive and negative social technology behaviors and well-being during the Covid -19 pandemic. Technology, Mind, and Behavior , 3 (1), Feb 17 2022. https://doi.org/10.1037/tmb0000062

xxvi Dietvorst, E., Hiemstra, M., Hillegers, M.H.J., & Keijsers, L. (2018). Adolescent perceptions of parental privacy invasion and adolescent secrecy: An illustration of Simpson’s paradox. Child Development , 89 (6), 2081–2090. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13002

xxvii Charmaraman, L., Lynch, A. D., Richer, A. M., & Zhai, E. (2022). Examining early adolescent positive and negative social technology behaviors and well-being during the Covid -19 pandemic. Technology, Mind, and Behavior , 3 (1), Feb 17 2022. https://doi.org/10.1037/tmb0000062

Social Media: Impact on Interpersonal Communication and Relationships Words: 2064
Social Media Hindrance on Interpersonal Relationships Words: 1169
Social Media and Interpersonal Relationships Words: 1933
The Causes and Effects of Social Media on Relationships and Communication Words: 1942
Social Media and Mental Health Relationship Words: 1481
Negative Effects of Social Media on Health Words: 1166
The Power of Social Media Words: 2322
Social Relationships: Why Do We Need Them? Words: 2074
Impact of Social Media in Education Words: 1988
Social Media in Moderation Words: 1444

Social Media: The Negative Impact on Relationships

Introduction, impacts of media on relationships, works cited.

Modern technologies are revolutionizing the way human beings share ideas, pursue their goals, and solve emerging social problems. Such inventions streamline communication processes and guide people to make informed decisions. Broadcast media is essential in educating, training, and informing the targeted audience. However, those who use these innovations stand a chance to experience both benefits and possible challenges associated with them. This analytical paper describes the dangers of social media platforms and how they can ruin people’s social and romantic relationships.

Some social media users tend to suffer from anxiety and depression due to its addictive nature, thereby having higher chances of affecting their relationships in a negative manner. These mental challenges will make it impossible for them to engage in sincere conversations with their colleagues, lovers, or even family members (Yacoub et al. 54). They might ignore the emotions, expectations, and experiences of those near them, and eventually become less involved in activities that used to be interesting before. The affected individuals will continue to rely on different social media platforms as the only source of consolation. Those who fail to seek timely treatment will have higher risks of developing mental illnesses and eventually becoming unsuccessful in life.

Prolonged use of social media can result in negative interactions between siblings, parents and their children, or individuals in romantic relationships. The affected people will have minimum opportunities for communicating efficiently and improving their interpersonal competencies (Abbas et al. 1689). The level of bonding will decline after a short period and eventually affect the stability of the relationship. The occurrence of these challenges makes it impossible for the individuals involved in such a relationship to engage in sustainable social exchange. For example, some could stop sharing ideas to solve their common problems. Others could find it hard to learn more about their partners’ expectations and social cues (Abbas et al. 1691). Any relationship that lacks the engagement of the involved individuals will definitely fail and make it hard for them to be successful in social communication.

Human beings engaged in various relationships need to improve their social skills continuously and apply them accordingly to make them healthy. However, social media addiction is associated with increased levels of envy and loneliness. In worst cases, the individuals will find it hard to improve their social skills since they will be relying on such platforms to converse and relate with their friends, relatives, partners, or spouses (Yacoub et al. 56). These people will be unable to develop their social skills, appreciate personal differences, and support their relationships. The loss of self-esteem will make it impossible for them to meet their relatives and partners face-to-face (Abbas et al. 1696). Such occurrences would mean that the relationship will have increased chances of failing and affecting the experiences of the involved partners.

The above analysis has identified modern technologies as inventions that present both opportunities and risks to every user. Those who are engaged in various relationships should utilize them sparingly to minimize cases of addiction and depression. Over Reliance of social media will destroy partnerships by affecting people’s social skills, triggering anxiety, and discouraging them from communicating directly with their partners. These insights have the potential to guide more individuals to use modern technology cautiously if they want to have fruitful relationships.

Abbas, Jaffar, et al. “The Impact of Social Media on Learning Behavior for Sustainable Education: Evidence of Students from Selected Universities in Pakistan.” Sustainability, vol. 11, no. 6, 2019, pp. 1683-1705.

Yacoub, Christine, et al. “The Impact of Social Media on Romantic Relationships.” Journal of Education and Social Development, vol. 2, no. 2, 2018, pp. 53-58.

Cite this paper

Chicago (N-B)
Chicago (A-D)

StudyCorgi. (2022, January 9). Social Media: The Negative Impact on Relationships. https://studycorgi.com/social-media-the-negative-impact-on-relationships/

"Social Media: The Negative Impact on Relationships." StudyCorgi , 9 Jan. 2022, studycorgi.com/social-media-the-negative-impact-on-relationships/.

StudyCorgi . (2022) 'Social Media: The Negative Impact on Relationships'. 9 January.

1. StudyCorgi . "Social Media: The Negative Impact on Relationships." January 9, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/social-media-the-negative-impact-on-relationships/.

Bibliography

StudyCorgi . "Social Media: The Negative Impact on Relationships." January 9, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/social-media-the-negative-impact-on-relationships/.

StudyCorgi . 2022. "Social Media: The Negative Impact on Relationships." January 9, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/social-media-the-negative-impact-on-relationships/.

This paper, “Social Media: The Negative Impact on Relationships”, was written and voluntary submitted to our free essay database by a straight-A student. Please ensure you properly reference the paper if you're using it to write your assignment.

Before publication, the StudyCorgi editorial team proofread and checked the paper to make sure it meets the highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, fact accuracy, copyright issues, and inclusive language. Last updated: November 8, 2023 .

If you are the author of this paper and no longer wish to have it published on StudyCorgi, request the removal . Please use the “ Donate your paper ” form to submit an essay.

IMAGES

Is Social Media Bad for Relationships Argumentative Essay
How Does Social Media Affect Relationships?
Negative Effects Of Social Media: Relationships And Communication
(PDF) Thesis statement How social media platforms has changed the form
≫ Effects of Social Media on Communication and Relationships Free Essay
16 Ways Social Media Is Ruining Relationships

VIDEO

Three Minute Thesis Bad
Resurrecting from Relationship Ruins Part 1 by Pastor Cross Sr. July 7, 2024
[n] Thesis meaning (statement) with 5 examples
ARE SOCIAL MEDIA BAD FOR YOU? / 15 days challenge review
How Social Media is Destroying You
Does SOCIAL MEDIA Ruin RELATIONSHIPS *GETS HEATED*

COMMENTS

Thesis Statements about Social Media: 21 Examples and Tips
21 Examples of Thesis Statements about Social Media. Recently, social media is growing rapidly. Ironically, its use in remote areas has remained relatively low. Social media has revolutionized communication but it is evenly killing it by limiting face-to-face communication. Identically, social media has helped make work easier.
Social Media Use and Its Impact on Relationships and Emotions
Social Media Use and Its Impact on Relationships and ...
The Impact of Social Media on Personal Relationships
This argument can be summarized as follows: Premise 1: Excessive use of social media leads to reduced face-to-face interaction and communication with loved ones. Premise 2: Reduced face-to-face interaction diminishes the quality of personal relationships. Conclusion: Therefore, excessive use of social media leads to a decline in the quality of ...
Is Social Media Bad for Relationships Argumentative Essay
This paper investigates the risks of social media platforms and how they can impair people's social and sexual relationships. By examining the consequences of social media on relationships, including the effects on mental health, interpersonal skills, trust, and privacy, we can better understand the potential risks and make informed decisions ...
Is Social Media Toxic or Healthy for Relationships?
Is Social Media Toxic or Healthy for Relationships ...
Social Media and Romantic Relationship: Excessive Social Media Use
While social media allows one to foster relationships with ease, it may pose challenges for individuals in a romantic relationship. Mounting evidence suggests that social media use may have an adverse impact on relationship dynamics, largely due to reduced time and attention for relationship partners.
Argumentative Essay about Social Media • Free Examples
Social Media Argumentative Essay Topics. This is a comprehensive resource to help you find the perfect social media essay topic. Whether you're navigating the complexities of digital communication, exploring the impact of social media on society, or examining its effects on personal identity, the right topic can transform your essay into a captivating and insightful exploration.
Social Media & Society Thesis Statement Examples
Bad Thesis Statement Examples. Overly Broad: "Social media has changed the way people communicate.". Although true, this statement is excessively general and does not specify which aspect of communication or which demographic is being explored. Lack of Clear Argument: "Social media is popular among young people.".
How Social Media Affects Relationships (Positive & Negative
How Social Media Affects Relationships (Positive & Negative)
Is Social Media Bad for Relationships: Argumentative Essay
This concluded that social media is identifiable as phatic technology and is used as a source of relationship building and management (Wang & Edwards, 2016). In this way, social media can help people feel less alienated from their surroundings. It can lead to less isolation and estrangement from other people by forming relationships and giving ...
Social Media s Impact on One s Mental, Physical, and Emotional Well-being
social media diminishes one's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The main goal of the data analysis was to determine the positive and negative interactions with social. media from the participants. In addition, this information was examined to find. commonalities as well as unique responses.
Negative Effects of Social Media: Relationships and Communication
Phoon (2017) in his essay explains why social media is bad for people's communication as it "has robbed people's ability to find trust and comfort in one another, replacing our need for warm, supportive interaction and fellowship with a virtual, hollow connection". ... Negative Effects Of Social Media: Relationships And Communication ...
Is social media bad for you? The evidence and the unknowns
Is social media bad for you? The evidence and the unknowns
The Dangers of Social Media on Marriage and Family
The Dangers of Social Media on Marriage and Family
Is social media damaging our relationships?
Deakin University is hosting a national conference on the psychology of relationships. Reflecting major social change in society, relationship researchers are increasingly investigating the effects of social media on our relationships with partners, family and friends, says Dr Gery Karantzas, Senior Lecturer and Director of the Relationship ...
Undergraduate Honors Thesis
In this paper, I look at the relationship between social media and mental health as it relates to college age students (with a focus on the University of Colorado). The focus stems from the increase in mental illness and mental health problems among college students ("Campus Mental Health," 2019) and my close proximity to CU.
The Impact of social media on modern relationships
The Impact of social media on modern relationships
Impact of Social Media on Relationships Essay
The increasing use of social networking has had both a negative and positive effect on communication in relationships. The purpose of this literary analysis is to answer if social networks are helpful or harmful to relationships. As social networking evolves, different aspects of communication suffer. Such as the social penetration theory ...
Just How Harmful Is Social Media? Our Experts Weigh-In
Just How Harmful Is Social Media? Our Experts Weigh-In.
Social Media: Thesis Statement: [Essay Example], 562 words
Social media has become an integral part of modern society, revolutionizing the way people communicate, interact, and share information.With the rise of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, social media has transformed the way we connect with others and consume content. This essay will explore the impact of social media on society, focusing on the thesis statement that ...
How Social Media Affects Relationships Essay
The overall obsessiveness of having social media as a guide in relationships is detrimental to its success. Couples that are so focused on the aspect of social media tend to neglect the element of communication. The idea of a couple that is successful relies on their ability to effectively communicate with each other.
Potential risks of content, features, and functions: The science of how
Almost a year after APA issued its health advisory on social media use in adolescence, society continues to wrestle with ways to maximize the benefits of these platforms while protecting youth from the potential harms associated with them. 1. By early 2024, few meaningful changes to social media platforms had been enacted by industry, and no federal policies had been adopted.
Social Media: The Negative Impact on Relationships
Prolonged use of social media can result in negative interactions between siblings, parents and their children, or individuals in romantic relationships. The affected people will have minimum opportunities for communicating efficiently and improving their interpersonal competencies (Abbas et al. 1689). The level of bonding will decline after a ...
Tim Walz's brother stands by criticism of his policies but says
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's brother said Tuesday that he doesn't agree with the Democrat's policies but expressed some remorse for inserting himself into the spotlight after he posted on ...
Leah Remini
147K likes, 9,694 comments - leahremini on August 29, 2024: "Well, here we are. After 28 years together and 21 years of marriage, we have decided to file for divorce. This decision came after a lot of thought and care, and as hard as divorce is, we are approaching this with a positive outlook because we know it's what's best for us. We are proud of how we have worked through this together.

Thesis Statements about Social Media: 21 Examples and Tips

How to Write a Thesis Statement?

Start With a Question and Develop an Answer

Be Specific

Make the Argument Clear

Question your Assumptions

Take a Strong Stand

Make Your Thesis Statement Seen

21 Examples of Thesis Statements about Social Media

Is Social Media Bad for Relationships Argumentative Essay

The Effects of Media on Relationships

Social Media and Alienation

Cite this page

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Most Popular

Professors Share 5 Myths Students Believe About College

Anxiety Among Students: What Do Teachers Think About It?

Good Thesis Statement Examples

Bad Thesis Statement Examples

Comments (0)

Cancel reply

More from Essay About Social Media: Best Samples and Examples

The Representation of Minority Cultures in Mainstream Media

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

The Impact of Social Media Algorithms on Public Opinion Formation

Forgotten Password?

Advertisement

How social media can affect relationships

Negative effects on relationships

It can lead to jealousy

Excessive social media use is linked to couples fighting more

Social media might make daily life seem less interesting

It can distract you from spending quality time with your partner

It can affect our mental health

It can lead to body image issues

It can make us more narcissistic

Positive effects on relationships

It can keep you connected to your partner

You can learn about relationships from experts

It's like a time capsule of memories

Tips to manage social media use

The takeaway

What Is Meditation?

Box Breathing

What Breathwork Can Address

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

What to Eat Before a Workout

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love Languages

25 Cozy Fall Date Ideas To Make Romantic Memories With Your Partner

Walking Into A Party Alone? This Trick Makes You Instantly Feel At Ease

3 Major Relationship Red Flags To Watch For Over The Holidays, From A Therapist

9 Tips For Dealing With Heartache, According To Relationship Experts

Velvet Nails Are The Coziest Fall Trend — Get The Look With This Trick

Wake Up Puffy? I’ve Tried So Many Remedies But This Is The First That Worked

Popular Stories

Is Social Media Bad for Relationships: Argumentative Essay

Introduction

Cite this paper

Related articles

Most popular essays

Join our 150k of happy users

The Dangers of Social Media on Marriage and Family

The Pros of Social Media and Relationships

The Dangers of Social Media on Relationships

Guidelines for Maintaining a Healthy Balance Between Social Media and Relationships

Pursuing a career in marriage and family therapy

Learn More About Our University and Scholarships

Recent Resources

Your passion. Our Programs.

Is social media damaging our relationships?

Share this story

More like this

Domestic student

International student

The Relationship Between Social Media and Mental Health. It's Not All Negatives. Public Deposited

Relationships

Departments

Our Faculty

Become a Student