515147191_How_social_media_jeopardizes_and_harms_today_s_youth_into_suicide

.doc

School

The University of Nairobi *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

MISC

Subject

Communications

Date

Nov 24, 2024

Type

doc

Pages

6

Uploaded by drjrnwrite

Surname 1 Student’s Name: Tutor’s Name: Course: Date: Effects of Social Media and Contribution to Suicide Social media could negatively impact the mental health of today’s youth, and according to unavoidable circumstances, it could even lead to an overall elevated or increased likelihood of suicide or death. depending on the specifics of the situation, it could potentially raise the probability of suicide or death. Social media is not the only cause of suicidal thoughts and actions; it can amplify preexisting risks and create an atmosphere that encourages feelings of worthlessness, isolation, and a lack of self-confidence (Aichner et al. 217) . It remains essential to remember that not everybody will find themselves negatively impacted by the proliferation of social media, given that many young people utilize these platforms constructively for communication, creative expression, and emotional support. Still, it reflects the utmost need to spread awareness about technological literacy, open discourse, and psychological wellness to lessen the potential damage that might get triggered by social media, along with assisting individuals who could be having difficulty (Aichner et al. 218) . The widespread use of social media among young people today presents a a grave danger to their psychological health, as it increases their susceptibility to problems like cyberbullying, peer pressure, fear of missing out (FOMO), online abuse, and unattainable beauty standards, all of which can lead to depression and even suicide. Cyberbullying
Surname 2 The environments provided by social media platforms remain ideal for the easy and anonymous expression of cyberbullying. Using electronic communication to harass, threaten, or embarrass another person is known as cyberbullying. Individuals might become the subject of cyberbullies who harass them online by posting derogatory remarks, disseminating misinformation, or uploading humiliating material (Beyens et al. 6) . Young individuals who find themselves subjected to such persistent negativity become more likely to experience mental anguish, social exclusion, and an overwhelming feeling that there does not exist hope for their future. Exposure to Harmful Material Specific social media sites may permit dissemination of content that remains dangerous and plainly stated, including directions on how to do oneself injury or commit suicide. It could happen for vulnerable people, in particular, individuals who have already encountered challenges related to their mental health, to come across such material and become impacted by it (Beyens et al. 8) . These individuals’ distress can be worsened by exposure to these directions, which also raises the possibility that they will hurt themselves or take their own life. Low Self-Esteem and Comparisons People tend to selectively highlight their finest moments, accomplishments, and appearances on social media, which can lead to an inaccurate portrayal of the reality being presented. This carefully crafted image can produce a toxic atmosphere for youths, who, as a result, may evaluate themselves poorly compared to others (Elsayed 5) . Continuous contact with highly idealistic and unattainable standards may make a person experience various emotions of inadequacy, leading to reduced self-esteem and an overall greater likelihood of developing depression. Absence of Genuine Connections
Surname 3 In contrast to the title, social media may occasionally reduce the number of meaningful interactions between people. Spending a disproportionate amount of free time on various social networking sites can result in fewer real-life conversations and an increased feeling of alienation (Kolhar et al. 2218) . Isolation could add to sensations of solitude, sorrow, and a weakened support system, among other factors that raise the possibility of suicidal thoughts. Moreover, this sense of isolation might increase the likelihood of a person attempting suicide. Demoralization and Online Harassment Online harassment occurs when an individual becomes targeted by continual negative remarks, private insults, or public humiliation. This act might happen to certain people who use the internet. This ongoing kind of cyberbullying may devastate psychological wellness, perhaps leading to elevated anxiety levels, depression, and stressful situations (Schemer et al. 12) . The demoralizing impacts of persistent harassment may render individuals feel guilty that they have no control over their situation, which could increase the risk of contemplating suicide or actions. Additionally, social media has the potential to be addictive. This reason remains valid because it causes the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which contributes to feelings of pleasure. Individuals who utilize social networking sites become constantly subjected to a barrage of messages and updates consistently, potentially retaining them captivated onto the network. Some research suggests that youth’s social media usage could have been linked to an increased risk of suicide. An investigation published in 2019 discovered that teenagers who accessed social networking sites for over three hours daily became more likely to engage in suicidal thoughts or acts than youths who accessed social media for fewer hours (Schemer et al. 15) . However, it is remains crucial essential to keep in mind that this remains merely a
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help