SOCIAL MEDIA

By Grace Chisale
WHAT IS SOCIAL MEDIA ?
• Social media is a computer-based technology that facilitates the sharing of ideas,
thoughts, and information through the building of virtual networks and
communities.
• There are more than 4.5 billion social media users around the world.
• The largest social media networks include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube,
and TikTok, Snapchat
• For many social media is an escape from reality, creative outlet or a way to stalk
our favorite celebrities

• Who are some of you favorite influencers or celebrities on social media platforms ?
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SOCIAL
MEDIA?
It strengthens friendships & relationships. Networking sites can offer a sense of
belonging and genuine support as teens connect with others around shared
interests, challenges, passions, causes, and/or communities. Eg; whatsapp
groups,finstas etc.
Social media can help teens express themselves creatively. We are living in one
of the most innovative and creative times in human history. Social media provides
amazing platforms for collaborating on and sharing creativity.
Collaborative learning – classroom discussion groups, YouTube tutorials, and
online learning libraries provide teens with greater access to knowledge than ever
before. From music to photography, from math to engineering, teens can learn
almost anything they want. Eg; Google classroom during covid time
FACTS ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA!!!
• Did you know that over 210 million people worldwide suffer from social media
& internet addiction?
• 1 in 5 young people having skipped school because they were victims of
cyberbullying. Cyberbullying has been linked to teen depression, and can even
result in increased vulnerability and depression into adulthood.
• There are sexual predators, scammers, identity thieves, and hackers who exploit
social media to trick unsuspecting users. Your 13-year-old daughter may be
speaking with someone who claims to be a 13-year-old girl, but who is, in reality,
an adult male.
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF SOCIAL
MEDIA ?
• Erosion of personal privacy-when you posts a picture or a comment, you must remember
that you are transferring control of that thought, feeling, special moment or image to all
of the people that you are sharing it with, and there’s nothing to stop followers and friends
from sharing it with others. (Go viral) Eg; AKAs death, job interviews
• Distorted Perception of “What is Reality”. People tend to share only the highs of their
life on social media and rarely let people see the sad, hard, or heartbreaking moments.
• Constantly Comparing-Not many people in real life can spend 30 weeks a year traveling
the world taking beautiful photos along the way. Don’t believe what you see on social
media
• Validation & enmeshment -Social media trains teenagers to put their worth in a
continuous stream of external validation. ‘how many followers or likes you have
determines your beauty or swag’
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF SOCIAL
MEDIA ?
• Lack of Sleep -1 in 10 teenagers report always using social media overnight
between midnight and 6 AM. Sleep deprivation and sleep disturbances are directly
linked to loneliness and depression during adolescence.
• Wasting Time -When used in moderation, social media can be beneficial.
Unfortunately, 44% of teenagers spend more than 3 hours a day on social media,
instead of doing something more productive.
• Lack of people skills- Some teens may struggle to hold meaningful conversations
in real life due to social media
Mental health issues that can arise in
teens from social media usage
• increased risk for ;
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Loneliness
• Self-harm
• and even suicidal thoughts
• Body dysmorphic disorder
• FOMO (Fear of missing out)
• Obsession with self
PSALMS 139
‘V13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my
mother's womb.

V14I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your

works are wonderful, I know that full well.

V15My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the
secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the
earth,

V16your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for
me were written in your book before one of them came to be.’