Surjit Singh Flora
Significantly, we are reliant on the internet. Regarding both our academic pursuits and our personal lives, we are concerned. There is an urgent requirement for all of us to have access to it at any time and from any location. In every aspect, the Internet has dominated our lives, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that it has become an indispensable requirement for the current generation.
Smartphones, laptops and other modern technological tools like internet and social media have become an integral part of our lives. While the Internet has brought us many benefits, it has also created many challenges for us.
While the ‘digital revolution’ has reduced the distance between people living in different parts of the world, it has also widened the gap in the real social relations of people. Apart from this, excessive use of the Internet is also having negative effects on the mental health of children. In fact, the habit of using a mobile phone in a child is instilled by the parents.
Improved our quality of life and streamlined our processes. The artificial intelligence assistants such as SIRI, Alexa, and Google Voice assistants are recognized for their efficiency.
The search engines, such as Google, have addressed nearly all of our inquiries.
YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and various messaging applications provide entertainment options. Providing numerous opportunities for learning and talent demonstration, they are offering young individuals a platform to present their skills.
Are we utilizing these platforms effectively? It is not the case. The attention span is diminishing due to continuous engagement with these platforms throughout the day and night. At least once in an individual’s lifetime, the experience of cyberbullying is encountered. We can expect a significant number of offensive and controversial posts as a result of this initiative. This indicates that we are not enthusiasts of entertainment, but rather connoisseurs of spices. We aim to express offense regarding each individual post. What is the reason for this? Human emotions are being manipulated by external influences seeking attention consistently. The dark web presents significant risks, particularly for adolescents and children who continue to face various challenges associated with it. It is anticipated that a resolution will be achieved regarding the current web entrapment, allowing for a transition to a more relaxed and comfortable lifestyle.
In order to feed or feed one and a half year old children, parents’ hand over mobile phones to them. By doing this, the habit of being busy with the mobile phone is gradually formed in the children. If the mobile phone is taken away from them, they start screaming or crying as if someone has beaten them. During the covid lockdown, children’s classes started being held online. After that the work of online classes was stopped but the habit of children’s mobile was not a holiday. There are many other reasons why children become addicted to the Internet.
Anxiety can be a challenging experience, often characterized by feelings of worry, fear, or unease. It may manifest in various ways, affecting both mental and physical well-being. Understanding its triggers and symptoms is essential for managing it effectively.
We tend to be more interested in what others are doing instead of dedicating time to ourselves. Individuals who dedicate excessive time to social media may find themselves facing depression and anxiety, as it negatively impacts their thought patterns and emotional well-being.
Maintaining good mental health is essential for academic success, professional growth, and personal well-being. Therefore, it is advisable to dedicate just half an hour each day rather than consuming your entire day.
Stalking: Smartphones are bringing people together. When you consistently share your location, your social media friends are aware of your whereabouts. Teenagers frequently update their status, sharing what they’re watching, listening to, reading, and where they are checking in. This habit evolves into an addiction and leads to hyperactivity as individuals constantly seek new updates from their friends. They review each notification and alert to ensure a timely response, as they consider promptness essential. Teenagers connect with new friends on social media and rarely take a break. These connections may be virtual, yet they can lead to feelings of anxiety and contribute to depression. Some teenagers experience feelings of loneliness when their virtual friends are unavailable or do not respond promptly. They approached every status update and text with utmost seriousness. Parents should engage in meaningful discussions with their children and provide guidance on navigating the situation. Teenagers particularly need their parents’ complete attention.
Cyberbullying: A cyberbully refers to the act of utilizing social media platforms to disseminate false, humiliating, or aggressive information directed at particular individuals. Among the significant effects of social media, cyberbullying is a troubling phenomenon that has emerged as a concerning issue. Individuals who experience extended periods of cyber-bullying frequently face psychosocial challenges such as depression, isolation, loneliness, stress, anxiety, diminished self-esteem, and in some cases, may contemplate suicide. The absence of a system to identify individuals behind cyberbullying accounts is contributing to the prevalence of these behaviors.
Lack of Sleep: Social media ranks as one of the primary contributors to sleep deprivation in today’s teenagers. They frequently find themselves anxious about the content their friends are posting and sharing. Adolescents tend to remain engaged on social platforms for extended periods when not encouraged to take a break. If these actions are taken, particularly during sleep time or right before sleeping, there is a significant chance that their sleep will be disturbed. The readings provide insight into the significance of sleep and the potential dangers linked to sleep deprivation.
Decreased Self-esteem: Many teenage girls begin to compare themselves to celebrities after engaging with social media, aspiring to achieve a slim, attractive, and affluent appearance similar to theirs. During adolescence, it is common for individuals to emulate those they admire or view as role models. This mimicry can adversely impact their self-esteem and sense of worth. The results of various studies indicate that girls who dedicate more time to social media in order to present themselves like celebrities often find themselves isolated from their friend groups. Their friends do not embrace them.
Social Isolation: A statistical relationship exists between social media usage and social isolation. When teenagers come across pictures or videos of a party they weren’t invited to, it can lead to feelings of anxiety. It is referred to as “fear of missing out” or FOMO. Often, teenagers think they are engaging with various individuals through social media, yet they are, in reality, disconnected from the present moment and their own lives. It may lead to increased feelings of isolation and contribute to a sense of FOMO.
Unrealistic Expectations: It’s no shock to say that Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat contribute to unrealistic expectations and relationships. It is not possible to verify the authenticity of someone else’s actions.
In a perfect world, honesty would prevail on social media; however, the dynamics of showbiz and promotional tactics are unlikely to shift anytime soon. Instagram and YouTube celebrities, including influencers, utilize such strategies to attract audiences. Lack of Focus: The negative effects of social media on students are readily apparent today. Various tasks, including schoolwork, classwork, or homework, demand heightened concentration to manage important responsibilities; however, many teenagers now tend to engage with social media simultaneously. Many people view it as multitasking, but that is not the case. Studies indicate that frequent interruptions negatively impact attention and diminish both learning and performance.
Reduced Engagement: Teenagers who heavily engage with social media often neglect activities that significantly enhance mental capabilities, skills, and physical activity. Daily exercise prompts the body to release endorphins, which communicate with the brain to promote positivity and alleviate depression. Consequently, reduced activities lead to a decrease in endorphin secretion, contributing to depression, which is a prevalent issue.
Internet Addiction: Excessive social media use among teenagers may result in internet addiction. As children dedicate more time to social media, they encounter a greater variety of stories and ideas that pique their curiosity and encourage exploration. This habit can develop into an addiction that, if not addressed promptly, may impact their academic performance, mental well-being, and overall personal growth.
Do you feel down if you don’t receive likes on your social media content? What emotions arise when you refrain from accessing your social media account for an entire day? What’s the genuine emotion when your followers decrease? Does it evoke a negative emotion when someone decides to unfollow you? Here are several checkpoints to assess your addiction level.
Content Related to Suicide and Self-harm
Social media is not only captivating but can also contribute to suicide and self-harm. Young people online will go to great lengths to gain recognition. When young people observe someone receiving attention for self-harm activities, they often imitate this behavior without hesitation. Online games are an easy way for kids to pass the time. They are getting attracted to internet games instead of traditional games. There is no doubt that the Internet is a useful tool for learning and acquiring knowledge for today’s children and they should not be prevented from using it. Internet is also an important medium of entertainment. So, children get attached to it easily. Latest news is always available on social media so everyone likes to stay connected with it. Despite all this, it is important to limit the use of social media and internet for children. In such a situation, the responsibility of parents increases. They should trust the children and spend maximum time with them and support them in their studies. It is a fact that nowadays the use of computer and internet is necessary for children, but all this should be under the supervision of parents.
(The writer is a veteran journalist and freelance writer based in Brampton)
