The Negative Effects Of Over-Dependency On Social Media And Media

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"Facebook is a mirror and Twitter is a megaphone," says a University of Michigan study. Social network and media are taking up more and more of people's time. Psychologists say there's nothing wrong with social media, but that it was never meant to replace a person's life. Experts recommend that individuals establish a balance between them. Although social media is used to connect with people, it is easy for people to get caught up and become alone and isolated. Over-dependency on social networks and media negatively affect people by causing depression, lower grades, psychological disorders and physical health problems.

Excessive use of social media has been linked with depression. Nearly 400 million people in the world have accounts on either Facebook or MySpace.Doctors say it is not healthy for a person to compare him/herself to other people continuously as this can lead to a negative self image.."They don't like me" and "I'm not good enough" are thoughts that run through some peoples minds; these thoughts and others like them lead to an unhealthy life and depression. Study author Professor Paul Kirschner said, "The problem is that most people have Facebook or other social networking sites, their emails and maybe instant messaging constantly running in the background while they are carrying out other tasks. These mistakes can lead to depression." A new study about Facebook depression found that the more time a person spends on Facebook, the more his/her feelings of good health decrease and feelings of depression increase. Ethan Kross, the lead researcher on the project, explains that normal people fear "missing out" and easily become addicted. (Facebook Causes Depression New Study Say) Social networker Mohammed Gols...

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...l teenaged ads and commercials are for unhealthy food. After a while, they accept that they are gaining weight and begin thinking of it as natural. An effective way to reduce the gaining of weight is to go outdoors and play outside. In addition, parents can engage teenagers in sports so, instead of sitting all day on Facebook, they can be play a sport.(Obesity among Kids: A Media Problem?)

In conclusion, excessive use of social networks and media take up time and negatively affect grades and health, both mental and physical. It is important to balance peoples time between social media, studies, and outdoor play. From depression and lower grades to lack of sleep and obesity, social networks are a danger to the unaware, especially youth. Despite the fact people might feel that they are missing out on online life, what about what's going outside the internet?

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