Social Media – Benefits and Dangers

A study in the UK of social media options showed some unfortunate dangers. The use of social media is linked with a sense of isolation in young adults ages 14-24. YouTube presentations were found to have the most beneficial and positive impact. Unfortunately, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram were all found to have negative affects overall on the mental health of young people. Of these, Instragram topped the list of negative impacts, among young women especially. Contributors according to Matt Keracher, author of the report, include:

Encourages young women to:  "compare themselves against unrealistic, largely curated, filtered and Photoshopped versions of reality."

"feel as if their bodies aren't good enough as people add filters and edit their pictures in order for them to look 'perfect.'