Analysis 1

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Introduction Lopez's claim that young people are being "oppressed" by social media's hold on popular culture has generated strong reactions (Rottenberg). There has to be extensive research into the effects of young people's exposure to social media in this age of constant connectivity. This analysis delves deeply into many perspectives in the existing literature to unearth counterarguments to Lopez's claims. We're hoping to gain a better understanding of how social media affects young people's well-being, happiness, and worldview as we talk. This study aims to fill up the gaps in our understanding of the present discussion and its repercussions. Background and Context The evaluation of the effects of social media on young people calls for a careful examination of contrasting points of view. Lopez's claim that today's youth are being "oppressed" by social media deserves careful consideration. Proponents of these platforms argue that they allow users to feel more included and validated. People all over the world may connect with one another and share their talents, insights, and insights through social media. Cyberbullying, unrealistic beauty standards, and the perpetuation of social comparison are just a few of the potential negative outcomes that have been suggested as concerns (Bergstrom). Too much time spent on social media increases the risk of loneliness and depression among young people, according to research by (Bodi). The capacity of teenagers to get a restful night's sleep is another essential component of their health that has been proven to be significantly impacted by social media use (Szabo and Underwood). These results add to the causal analysis by demonstrating relationships between social media use and numerous aspects of psychological well-being.

Young people's growing scepticism of social networks is borne out by the data. The widespread nature of bullying and the ease with which rumours can spread via social media are major concerns for American youth (Richter). The multidimensional view kids exhibit regarding the impact of social media on their life is backed by the quantitative facts revealed by the Pew investigation investigation. This cynicism parallels more generalised societal worries, and it suggests we could benefit from a careful analysis of social media's function and ramifications, with a focus on the safety of its youngest users (Richter). A bar chart above depicting the diversity of teen opinions on the impacts of social media would do a good job of capturing the nuanced atmosphere. Graphs could show what share of young people have positive, negative, or neutral feelings about social media. It would be useful to have a visual representation of the different factors, such as bullying and the spread of rumours, that contribute to the complicated emotions experienced by teenagers. By providing a visual depiction of the data, this chart demonstrates the considerable impact that negative components of social media, such as bullying, have on the viewpoints of adolescents.

Cause/Effect Analysis A cause-and-effect analysis of the influence of social media on young people reveals a complex interaction of components that alter the perspectives, behaviours, and well-being of these demographics. Because they generate an endless stream of curated content, social media sites play a significant role. The constant barrage of media depicting idealised lifestyles, beauty standards, and social dynamics can make young people feel inadequate and increase their need for approval (Siemens and Kopp). Thus, it is possible that the widespread practise of social comparison and the accompanying pressure to conform to unachievable norms are to blame for low self-esteem and worries about one's physical appearance. Another important factor is the content selection algorithms employed by social media platforms. Algorithms' propensity for more "engaging" content often results in the amplification of sensationalised or otherwise false information. The way young people feel and think about politics, social issues, and cultural norms is profoundly influenced by this. The outcome is what's known as the "echo chamber effect," in which people only take in information that supports their existing worldview. This has the potential to further polarise public opinion (Rottenberg). Not to add, we can't overlook the source of cyberbullying and online harassment. The anonymity provided by social media can have a detrimental effect on the mental health of young people, leading to emotional suffering and, in extreme cases, contributing to mental health difficulties. This is an important example of the cause-and-effect relationship we've been discussing, showing how the online environment promotes hostility and has consequences for the youth population as a whole. In conclusion, young people's exposure to social media has a wide range of causes and effects, all of which highlight the importance of having a thorough awareness in order to constructively navigate these platforms' influence (Siemens and Kopp).

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Counterarguments While acknowledging the many negative impacts of social media on today's youth, it's vital to also consider contrasting viewpoints that help paint a fuller picture. The good aspects of social media, such as its role in fostering connectivity and social bonds, are highlighted by one prominent rebuttal. Through social media, today's youth have instantaneous access to a world of knowledge, ideas, and community. Contrary to popular belief, these sites can actually be a source of solace and community for those who are lonely or struggling with mental health issues. Those who support social media also argue that it may be a powerful tool for youth expression and activism. Websites like these help get the word out about causes, raise awareness about issues, and mobilise people to take action. Young people increasingly have a say in global discourses because content creation is more accessible to them. The popular idea that social media just represses young people is called into question by the power of social media and its potential as a force of positive social change. The need for improved digital literacy is often cited by those who disagree with the "oppression" idea rather than the platforms themselves. Youth users can be protected from the negative impacts of social media by learning to think critically, developing good online manners, and being media literate. If young people are taught how to utilise social media effectively, it need not be a place of oppression (Rottenberg). Media Representation The media has a significant impact on the attitudes that young people have regarding the effects of social media. People's perceptions of stories, narratives, and study findings can be influenced by how they are presented. When it comes to young people's mental health, certain media outlets have a tendency to sensationalise the negative aspects of social media by

highlighting isolated events and dire circumstances. Due to its distortion of the complexity of young people's real use of social media, this narrow perspective may be deceptive (Bergstrom). It is the duty of the media to present an impartial analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of youth social media use. Policymakers and educators will be better equipped to address the underlying problems without overlooking the benefits if they have a more comprehensive understanding. Public Opinion 3 Conversations in the culture and media portrayals of the effects of social media on today's kids have a part in shaping public opinion. The depth of the subject is reflected in the range of viewpoints that are offered. While some are concerned about the possible negative effects on mental health, supporters point up benefits like improved social contact and information access. Media depictions can have a significant impact on how the public feels, which in turn can shape the broader discourse and potential regulatory measures. It is important to understand and take into consideration the diversity of public opinion as social media continues to expand in order to foster well-informed debates and implement policies that properly balance the benefits and problems related with young people's engagement on digital platforms (Bergstrom). Examples Examining specific case studies or examples can provide valuable insights into the real- world implications of social media use among young people. For instance, where individuals faced consequences in college admissions due to their social media posts highlight the tangible impact of online presence. Additionally, exploring cases where social media platforms played a role in mobilizing young activists underscores the positive potential of these platforms in fostering social and political engagement. These real-life scenarios serve as illustrative examples

that contribute to a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted relationship between social media and the younger generation, offering concrete instances that support or challenge broader claims about the oppressive or empowering nature of these digital spaces. The advent of social media activism among teenagers is an intriguing case study that sheds light on the complexities of the impact that social media has on young people. The "March for Our Lives" movement, which was begun by teenagers who had survived the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida, was able to achieve a great deal of popularity thanks in large part to the widespread use of social media. Users of these platforms were put in the position of being vulnerable to cyberbullying, online abuse, and divided speech; yet, they did give a space for young activists to raise their voices, mobilise support, and effect change. The example demonstrates how unpleasant aspects of online interaction can be brought to the attention of users of social media platforms while simultaneously fostering positive societal change. Examining examples like this is necessary in order to have a better understanding of the complicated connection between digital platforms and the mental health of young people. Conclusion As this conversation has shown, there are many sides to the topic of whether or not young people are being oppressed by social media. There are valid concerns regarding the effects of social media on mental health and privacy, despite the fact that it plays an essential function in facilitating connection, advocacy, and self-expression. New methods and social norms are constantly being developed, therefore things are always shifting. Given the challenges and opportunities presented by social media, it will be crucial to take in mind the various viewpoints of individuals participating as we move forward, especially those of young people. The role of

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social media in modern society can be better understood and addressed if the conversation is more evenly shared.

Works Cited Bergstrom, Ida. “Facebook Can Ruin Your Life. And so Can MySpace, Bebo...” InformationLiberation , 10 Feb. 2008, www.informationliberation.com/?id=24911. Accessed 26 Nov. 2023. Bodi, Sonia. “Ethics and Information Technology: Some Principles to Guide Students.” The Journal of Academic Librarianship , vol. 24, no. 6, Nov. 1998, pp. 459–63, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0099-1333(98)90007-6. Harris, Benjamin R. “Credit Where Credit Is Due: Considering Ethics, Ethos, and Process in Library Instruction on Attribution.” Education Libraries , vol. 28, no. 1, Sept. 2017, p. 4, https://doi.org/10.26443/el.v28i1.208. Accessed 7 Dec. 2020. Richter, Felix. “Infographic: U.S. Teens Have Mixed Feelings about Social Media.” Statista Infographics , Statista, 1 June 2018, www.statista.com/chart/14085/teenagers-views-on- social-media/. Rottenberg, Annette T. ELEMENTS of ARGUMENT : A Text and Reader. Bedford Bks St Martin’s, 2020. Siemens, Jennifer C., and Steven W. Kopp. “Teaching Ethical Copyright Behavior: Assessing the Effects of a University-Sponsored Computing Ethics Program.” Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice , vol. 43, no. 4, Jan. 2007, https://doi.org/10.2202/1949- 6605.1725. Accessed 19 Apr. 2021. Szabo, Attila, and Jean Underwood. “Cybercheats.” Active Learning in Higher Education , vol. 5, no. 2, July 2004, pp. 180–99, https://doi.org/10.1177/1469787404043815. Accessed 30 Oct. 2019.

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Analysis 1

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