Let’s talk about the dangers of social media.

My early teenage years, I was out on the streets playing on my BMX, trying to keep up with my brother and his gang.  Or I was at the beach, swimming in the sea with friends. Or playing on skateboards, building tree houses, and saving all the cats in the neighbourhood. Grazed knees, barefoot and dirty!

We lived such an adventure. We used to know it was time to come home when the streetlights came on. Our telephone was plugged into the wall. A big black one that you used to dial with your finger. If you needed to call a friend.  Or your plans made the night before, you would stick to them.

Sadly, life has changed. In the age of connectivity, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, from staying in touch with friends and family. Smartphones have caused us to become lazy, rude, and unsociable. Without a doubt, social media offers a myriad of benefits. To check the weather, to see what is happening on the news and to know what is going on in the world.  To follow your favourite star, your best band and even your role model.

However, potential dangers lie beneath the surface of likes, shares, and tweets. Without question, it impacts our mental health, personal relationships, and even society. In this blog post, I want to explore the dark side of social media.

The famous one, Keeping up with the Kardashians Culture:

For this reason, here lies a massive problem, social media often presents a distorted reality, where people showcase their best moments. This curated version of life can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem as youngsters compare their everyday existence to the highlight reels of others. To start with, you get filters that make you look like a Kardashian.

Hence, pumped-up lips, fake eyebrows giraffe lashes, and smooth skin. When in real life you are normal, you have freckles or pimples. Or wrinkles.  In short, it’s completely jaded, and we need to teach our youth that it’s not acceptable to change our looks but rather embrace our individuality.

Keyboard warriors – Cyberbullying:

Indeed, hiding behind their keyboards, people have the power of anonymity provided by social media platforms. Where they engage in cyberbullying. Consequently, I have seen some of the comments and have even attributed to this in the past. There is no discussion. In addition, it’s a barrage of unfiltered hurtful things. Whereby, no one is moderating or policing. In all honestly, causing, youngsters to suffer severe anxiety, depression, and, in extreme cases, even suicidal thoughts.

Growing up: Superficial Connections:

It’s important to note, that social media does provide exceptional ways to keep up to date with your family overseas or your friends.  It also affiliates friendships that you have outgrown or moved away from.  Like I don’t know about you, but I don’t need to be friends with every single person I went to school with. A lot of those people are not my cuppa tea and that’s okay! I would rather have 10 real-life friends in my life than 1100 on Facebook that mean nothing to me. Also, what you were 15 years ago is not what you are today. Social media is on the World Wide Web, all those things that you willingly put out there will always come back in your future.

Spread of Misinformation: Fake News and Online Scammers

I simply cannot comprehend the fake news and scamming that is happening on social media, these days. You must be so careful.  Videos go viral, fear spreads and for the youngsters and the elderly, this is dangerous.

Lastly, the Addiction and distraction:

I was completely addicted to Facebook better known as (fakebook) If I look back at my status and posts 15 years ago, I want to die inside.  They are so truly fruitless.  It’s a constant stream of silly notifications.  Designed to make it addictive. Excessive usage can interfere with daily life, affecting productivity, sleep, and overall well-being.

I use Instagram, Facebook and TikTok to get my blogs out and show off my greatest passion photography.  I have chosen to remove myself completely from these platforms on a personal level.  I don’t post pictures of myself and try my best to stay clear of getting into social wars about my neighbourhood, cruelty to animals and politics. It just brings you down.

Rather go out, swim in the sea, take a walk on the beach.

healthier for your body and mind.