Do Social Media Platforms Have a Duty to Promote User Mental Health?

 

I think in today's digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives, shaping how we interact, share, and perceive the world we live in.  do these platforms have a duty to promote the mental health of their users, do different social networking sites offer other benefits, and does it have any drawbacks? 

I personally think these platforms do have a duty to help their users with mental health. Also, the mental health impact of social media use is multifaceted. On the positive side, these platforms could help foster community, provide support networks, and offer educational resources, all of which contribute to improved mental well-being. Conversely, excessive use can lead to anxiety, depression, and social comparison. Also, with Cyberbullying from peers from either misinformation, or the pressure to maintain a certain online persona can exacerbate these issues. it creates for instance as a Teen you may be really concern on what your friends/ peers from school post online. That maybe makes you feel left out or not included, which then creates the situation where cyberbullying can harm your mental health.

Here is a link for a Ted talk that's talks about how you may be using social media wrong, and how you can use it. Social media isn't bad: you're just using it wrong | Eva Amin | TEDxCherryCreekWomen

Here is a link for a 5-minute video that talks about both the benefits and disadvantages of social media usage on your mental health https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QDjx_spkwI    

I think it's really nice to see these platforms have started to recognize their impact on mental health of their users and they have initiated various measures to support users. For instance, Instagram introduced features to hide likes, aiming to reduce pressure and comparison among users. Facebook offers mental health resources and crisis support options, providing immediate help to those in need. These steps indicate a growing awareness among platforms of their role in users' mental health. However, the effectiveness and reach of these measures remain areas for ongoing improvement and scrutiny.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Different Social Networking Sites/Apps

I think each social media platform offers unique benefits and drawbacks, impacting users' mental health and overall, the experience differently. also, I think the age of the user matters as well. for instance, I chose Facebook and insta because that's the only social media that I have. 

Facebook

Facebook is a versatile platform known for its ability to build communities and keep people connected through various content types, such as text, photos, videos, and links. It serves as an information hub, providing updates from friends, family, and community events. However, it is not without drawbacks; privacy issues and the prevalence of misinformation are significant concerns. Additionally, some studies suggest that Facebook can contribute to anxiety and stress due to social comparison and information overload. 

 Instagram

 Instagram's visual focus fosters creativity and engagement, making it an ideal platform for discovering trends, artists, and businesses. Yet, it also promotes a comparison culture with unrealistic beauty and lifestyle standards, potentially affecting mental health. Instagram's design encourages excessive screen time, and its algorithm can limit organic content visibility. 

In conclusion, I think both Facebook and Instagram offer distinct advantages and challenges that users must navigate carefully. While Facebook excels in community building and providing a versatile information hub, it grapples with privacy concerns and misinformation, which can negatively affect mental health. Instagram, with its focus on visual content and creative engagement, has the potential to inspire and connect people. However, its tendency to promote unrealistic standards and excessive screen time can lead to detrimental effects on users' well-being. Understanding these benefits and drawbacks can empower users to make more mindful choices, ensuring a balanced and healthy interaction with these powerful social media platforms.

My sources 

Wiltshire, Emma. “Facebook Announces New Emotional Health Resource Center.” Social Media Today, 6 Oct. 2020, www.socialmediatoday.com/news/facebook-announces-new-emotional-health-resource-center/586444/?form=MG0AV3 . Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

‌Thomas, Monique. “8 Instagram Features to Help Manage Your Mental Health at Work.” Later.com, Later Blog, 18 May 2021, later.com/blog/mental-health-at-work/?form=MG0AV3. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

“Social Media Use and Impact on Mental Health.” NAMI, 3 Oct. 2024, www.nami.org/advocacy/policy-priorities/stopping-harmful-practices/social-media-use-and-impact-on-mental-health/?form=MG0AV3. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

‌Office. “Social Media and Youth Mental Health.” HHS.gov, 28 May 2024, www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/youth-mental-health/social-media/index.html?form=MG0AV3. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

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