While social media provides various functions, many argue that it has detrimental effects on young users. I fully concur that online platforms like Tiktok and Facebook have contributed to mental health issues and serious diseases. This essay will examine the reasons and give solutions at the end of the essay.
First and foremost, the platforms’ algorithmic exacerbate mental health problems by promoting unrealistic comparison and addictive behaviour. Users, especially teens, are exposure by curated image of perfection, leading to chronic self-esteem issues and anxiety. The platforms’ algorithmic designs prioritize engagement over wellbeing. For instance, studies show that young people in Indonesia spend time on screen for six to nine hours daily on Tiktok reported severe loneliness, compared to moderate users. This underscores how social media harms psychological health.
Furthermore, online users who sitting hours on screen would give a serious disease to their body. Disease like diabetes is increase significantly over the years because people who active on social media spend hours on screen and lack of activities. Users often replace exercise and home-cooked meals with passive scrolling and fast-food consumption. For example, a study in Japan shows that 40% of teenagers is prone to obesity disease because of sedentary lifestyles linked to chronic disease. Thus, social media’s impact extends beyond psychology to physical health.
Given the evidences, I strongly believe that even though online platforms offer convenience and connectivity, platfotms’ algorithmic has negative consequences into society, especially on young user. Strict regulations and user education are needed to mitigate these harms.