ENG106 Causal Paper

docx

School

Grand Canyon University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

106

Subject

English

Date

Jan 9, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by MajorRat251

Social media’s link to depression Luis A. Galindo College Name, Grand Canyon University English Composition II: 106 Patrick McHugh 12 November, 2023

2 Social medias link to depression Psychological autopsy studies reveal that approximately 60% of adolescent suicide victims met criteria for some form of depressive illness at time of death thus linking clinical depression and suicide from social media. (Twenge & Campbell, 2018). In this digital age, technology intertwines with our daily lives in a complex way of accessibility and convenience. The products of this technological revolution is social media, a platform that has transformed the way we communicate, share information, and perceive the world. However, beneath the surface of viral videos and trending hashtags lurks a darker side to these platforms. The seemingly harmless act of logging onto a social media account can initiate a chain of events leading to detrimental mental health consequences. Social media leads to depression because of cyberbullying and self-esteem. Social media's far-reaching influence has inadvertently provided a platform for a new form of harassment: cyberbullying. With the advent of social media, the traditional playground bullying has morphed into a universal threat, with the potential to infiltrate the sanctuary of homes through screens. The anonymity and vast reach offered by these platforms have made them potential grounds for bullies to agonize their victims relentlessly. According to a study by Patchin and Hinduja (2010), almost 23% of teenagers reported being targeted online, a figure that has undoubtedly risen with the increasing ubiquity of social media. This research shows the magnitude of the problem and the direct role of social media in facilitating cyberbullying. The correlation is evident that the widespread use of social media has led to an increase in cyberbullying incidents. The prevalence of cyberbullying, facilitated by social media, has a great impact on the self-esteem of victims. Cyberbullying often involves public humiliation, ridicule, or personal

3 attacks, all of which contribute to a deteriorating sense of self-worth in the victims. A study by (Hinduja and Patchin 2010) suggests a significant correlation between cyberbullying and low self-esteem among teens. Victims of cyberbullying, constantly subjected to online derision, often internalize the negativity, leading to a critical perception of themselves. The research shows how constant cyberbullying can diminish a person's self-esteem. The onset of cyberbullying significantly contributes to the decline in the self-esteem of victims. A decline in self-esteem, induced by cyberbullying, plays a significant role in causing depression. A person's perception of self-worth is intrinsically linked to mental well-being, and a consistently negative self-view can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression. According to a study conducted by Orth, Robins, and Roberts (2008), low self-esteem is a significant predictor of depression. The study explains that when people perceive themselves negatively, they are more likely to develop depressive symptoms, creating a cycle of negativity and low mood. Diminished self-esteem significantly contributes to the onset of depression. Therefore, it is evident that social media, by facilitating cyberbullying and negatively impacting self-esteem, can ultimately lead to depression. While linking the chain of social media to depression through cyberbullying and self- esteem decline is compelling, some arguments suggest that responsible social media use can have positive effects. For instance, Valkenburg and Peter (2009) argue that social media can enhance social connectivity, provide emotional support, and improve self-esteem, especially when utilized positively. They note the potential for diverse connections, shared experiences, and positive feedback as opportunities for boosting self-esteem and mental well-being. However, this perspective can be countered by emphasizing the role of context and individual differences. As pointed out by (Twenge and Campbell 2018), the positive or negative impacts of

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

4 social media are largely dependent on its usage patterns and the individual's resilience. For instance, vulnerable individuals or those with pre-existing mental health issues are more likely to experience the negative effects of social media, such as cyberbullying, leading to lower self- esteem and depression. while social media can potentially have positive effects, it's likely to have potential harm, especially for susceptible individuals. The overwhelming evidence linking social media to cyberbullying, self-esteem issues, and depression underscores the need for responsible usage and protective measures on these platforms. The presents of social media has facilitated a rise in cyberbullying, which subsequently affects the victims' self-esteem. This decrease in self-esteem can then trigger depressive symptoms, creating a domino effect originating from social media use. The counterargument proposing the potential positive impacts of social media has been considered, but the evidence suggests that these positive outcomes are largely dependent on individual resilience and usage patterns. The argument matters because it highlights the potential pitfalls of our increasingly digital world, particularly for vulnerable individuals. It is crucial to recognize and address the role of social media in fostering harmful behaviors like cyberbullying and the subsequent mental health implications. The takeaway from this paper is the need for more responsible social media use and the implementation of protective measures to safeguard users from potential harm. The conversation around mental health and social media is far from over, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that these platforms are used in ways that promote well-being rather than undermine it.

5 References Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study. Preventive Medicine Reports, 12, 271-283. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6278213/ Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2010). Bullying, cyberbullying, and suicide. Archives of Suicide Research, 14(3), 206-221. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20658375/

6 Valkenburg, P. M., & Peter, J. (2009). Social consequences of the internet for adolescents: A decade of research. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 18(1), 1–5. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2009-02973-001 Orth, U., Robins, R. W., & Roberts, B. W. (2008). Low self-esteem prospectively predicts depression in adolescence and young adulthood. Journal of personality and social psychology , 95 (3), 695–708. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.95.3.695/

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

ENG106 Causal Paper

Related Documents