There seems to be a societal tendency to focus on the way social media negatively affects its users …
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But studies have shown that social media has some
positive psychological
benefits as well.
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We use media to meet our individual needs:
Facebook shows us a positive version of
ourselves that boosts our self-esteem.[3]
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A survey of college students indicated that the heaviest Facebook users
were most satisfied with their lives and exhibited greater
social and political engagement.[8]
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Certain types of Facebook use allow for students to be better integrated into the college community because Facebook: • Provides a venue for
acquiring information about social events. • Strengthens social ties
with newly introduced classmates.[1]
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Introverted adolescents can
gain social skills by using social media
because shy individuals may feel
safer behind a computer/phone
screen.[5]
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Facebook and related social networking sites allow users to selectively browse through and
reflect on their best moments …[7]
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64% of teens who have made a friend online met him or her via social
media (Facebook or Instagram).[2]
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These social media-focused friendships can
have positive benefits for the individual …
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83% of teen social media users say social media makes them feel more connected
to information about their friends’ lives.[2]
Photo by Stokpic
68% of teen social media users have had people on the platforms support them
through tough or challenging times.[2]
Photo by Stokpic
Social media can be relied on
as a coping strategy by adolescents
who feel isolated and
alone.[4]
Photo by Jeshoots
In order for social media to benefit us, we need to learn how to use it safely.[4]
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Some tips for using social media safely and healthily:• Remember that you are the boss of your technology, not the other way around.• Give yourself permission to take a technology break, if needed.• How you use your social media is unique to you and your goals – don’t use others’ behaviour
to determine your own.• Keep a social media diary to track how it makes you feel.[6]
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References1. Ellison, N. B., Steinfield, C., & Lampe, C. (2007). The benefits of Facebook “friends:” Social capital and college
students’ use of online social network sites. Journal of Computer‐Mediated Communication, 12(4), 1143-1168.
2. Lenhart, A. (2015). Teens, technology, and friendships. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/08/06/teens-technology-and-friendships/#
3. Matrix, S. (2017). Media use research part 2 of 2 [Vimeo video]. Retrieved from OnQ course website: https://onq.queensu.ca/d2l/le/content/71613/viewContent/860602/View
4. Payne, E. (2015, Aug 08). Teens' poor mental health linked to social media use. The Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.proxy.queensu.ca/docview/1702249271?accountid=6180
5. Probst, C. (2015). 10 ways social media affects our mental health. Degreed. Retrieved from http://blog.degreed.com/10-ways-social-media-affects-our-mental-health/
6. Rutledge, P.B. (2013). The healthy use of social media. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/positively-media/201310/the-healthy-use-social-media
7. Schacter, H. (2015). Me, myselfie, and I: The psychological impact of social media activity. Psychology in Action. Retrieved from http://www.psychologyinaction.org/2015/09/07/me-myselfie-and-i-the-psychological-impact-of-social-media-activity/
8. Valenzuela, S., Park, N., & Kee, K. F. (2009). Is there social capital in a social network site?: Facebook use and college students’ life satisfaction, trust, and participation. Journal of Computer‐Mediated Communication, 14(4), 875-901.
All images have Creative Commons licenses, sourced from Flickr and Pexels.