The Loneliness of Social MediaThe Loneliness of Social Media

Matt LégerMatt Léger Photo: Alix.KreilVia: Flickr.com

Photo: Alix.KreilVia: Flickr.com

Social media should a be tool, rather than the main platform for connecting with friends.Social media should a be tool, rather than the main platform for connecting with friends.

Photo: Gabrielle BucataruVia: Flickr.com

Photo: Gabrielle BucataruVia: Flickr.com

This is made evident when examining the extreme effects of social media on our lives.

This is made evident when examining the extreme effects of social media on our lives.

Photo: Christian SchierigVia: Flickr.com

Photo: Christian SchierigVia: Flickr.com

Social Media:

1.A cause for loneliness

2.A cure for loneliness

3. Finding the balance

Social Media:

1.A cause for loneliness

2.A cure for loneliness

3. Finding the balance

Photo: Kaboompics.comPhoto: Kaboompics.com

1. The Cause1. The Cause

Photo: JamieVia: Flickr.comPhoto: Jamie

Via: Flickr.com

Social media presents users with “opportunit[ies] to connect with others [whereby there is a] […] lack of social contact.” 2

Social media presents users with “opportunit[ies] to connect with others [whereby there is a] […] lack of social contact.” 2

Photo: RanVia: Flickr.comPhoto: Ran

Via: Flickr.com

This is because social media interaction puts convenience in the forefront at the cost of genuine interactions. 10

This is because social media interaction puts convenience in the forefront at the cost of genuine interactions. 10

Photo: Marrio VecchiVia: Flickr.com

Photo: Marrio VecchiVia: Flickr.com

As a result, the connections made through these platforms are shallow because users can disengage at will. 11

As a result, the connections made through these platforms are shallow because users can disengage at will. 11

Photo: Jenna SouersVia: Flickr.com

Photo: Jenna SouersVia: Flickr.com

Furthermore, social media users admit to using platforms such as Facebook to “creep on people”. 1 This toxic behaviour makes consumers “feel the inadequacy of [their] social li[ves]” 2

Furthermore, social media users admit to using platforms such as Facebook to “creep on people”. 1 This toxic behaviour makes consumers “feel the inadequacy of [their] social li[ves]” 2

Photo: MehzingVia: Flickr.com

Photo: MehzingVia: Flickr.com

Such activities are a hindrance to mental health and can cause depression, which is considered “a disease of loneliness”.9

Such activities are a hindrance to mental health and can cause depression, which is considered “a disease of loneliness”.9

Photo: LibrarymookVia: Flickr.com

Photo: LibrarymookVia: Flickr.com

2. The Cure2. The Cure

Photo: PennyVia:

Flickr.com

Photo: PennyVia:

Flickr.com

Easily inferred from its title,Easily inferred from its title,

social media is a catalyst for social interaction.social media is a catalyst for social interaction.

Photo: Himanshu Joshi Via: Flickr.com

Photo: Himanshu Joshi Via: Flickr.com

The six degrees of separation principle infers that “everyone on the planet is separated by six people.” 3 However, according to Facebook, their users are actually

connected through “an average of less than three and a half [friends].” 3

The six degrees of separation principle infers that “everyone on the planet is separated by six people.” 3 However, according to Facebook, their users are actually

connected through “an average of less than three and a half [friends].” 3

Photo: imzero2011Via: Flickr.com

Photo: imzero2011Via: Flickr.com

The digital world has taken its place alongside school and friends’ houses and extracurriculars as a place where teens go to make and strengthen friendships.” 7

The digital world has taken its place alongside school and friends’ houses and extracurriculars as a place where teens go to make and strengthen friendships.” 7

Photo: Hudson AlvinVia: Flickr.com

Photo: Hudson AlvinVia: Flickr.com

As a matter of fact, “57% of teens have met a new friend online.” 6

As a matter of fact, “57% of teens have met a new friend online.” 6

Photo: Kena SenVia: Flickr.com

Photo: Kena SenVia: Flickr.com

By the same token, a “third of couples [are] marrying someone they met online.” 5

By the same token, a “third of couples [are] marrying someone they met online.” 5

Photo: MomotionsVia: Flickr.com

Photo: MomotionsVia: Flickr.com

3. Finding the balance3. Finding the balance

Photo: Emily MaryVia: Flickr.com

Photo: Emily MaryVia: Flickr.com

Studies have found poor psychological functioning among teens who are heavy user of social media. This is because no one is telling them to “toss their phones in the garbage.” 8

Studies have found poor psychological functioning among teens who are heavy user of social media. This is because no one is telling them to “toss their phones in the garbage.” 8

Photo: Justin EganVia: Flickr.com

Photo: Justin EganVia: Flickr.com

This is not implying that social media consumption should be eliminated. Instead, it infers that usage should be “limit[ed]”.8

This is not implying that social media consumption should be eliminated. Instead, it infers that usage should be “limit[ed]”.8

Photo: PhilippeVia: Flickr.com

Photo: PhilippeVia: Flickr.com

?So how do we achieve this balanceSo how do we achieve this balance

Photo: Kaboompics.comPhoto: Kaboompics.com

By defining the purpose of social media use, consumers will be more equipped to practice self-restraint. 4

By defining the purpose of social media use, consumers will be more equipped to practice self-restraint. 4

Photo: .dzika.Via: Flickr.comPhoto: .dzika.Via: Flickr.com

TakeawayTakeaway

Photo: BonitaVia: Flickr.com

Photo: BonitaVia: Flickr.com

Social media is an extremely power tool, and this is how it should remain. Social media should not be the platform for social interaction because it can lead to loneliness. That being said, users who are able to restrict their consumption of social media by defining their usage goals will realized the benefits that social media has to offer.

Social media is an extremely power tool, and this is how it should remain. Social media should not be the platform for social interaction because it can lead to loneliness. That being said, users who are able to restrict their consumption of social media by defining their usage goals will realized the benefits that social media has to offer.

Photo: Robert BraddockVia: Flickr.com

Photo: Robert BraddockVia: Flickr.com

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