iSpeech

Social media has transformed the way we gather, process, disseminate information, and interact with the world. It has affected our inter and intra-relationship processes. It has become an integral part of our daily lives, connecting us to a vast virtual world where we can share our thoughts, and experiences and connect with others on a global scale.

Social media has turned the global world into a global village. It offers numerous benefits such as staying connected with family and friends, finding like-minded communities, and accessing a wealth of information and entertainment. However, the pervasive nature of social media and its addictive qualities has led to a phenomenon known as social media pressure or addiction for many youths and young adults.

In this electronic era, social media has added another level of pressure on the youth and young adults. The combination of social media and physical pressure such as in economy, education, social life, health, etc has powerful effects in this era of instant communication. Social media now plays a role in youth and young adults’ decisions to use drugs and alcohol; it plays a role in the quest for sudden wealth which gave birth to the rise of internet fraud and money rituals in some parts of the world. The characters on social media most times aid these ill attitudes.

Social media is full of comparison and such comparisons have led to anxiety and acute stress for youths and young adults of this generation. Oftentimes, these comparisons have led to a lack of focus, irritability, and anxiety.

Social media addiction and pressure now have far-reaching consequences on mental health, relationships (both inter and intra), and the overall well-being of our youths and young adults. Excessive use of social media now disrupts the balance between the online and offline lives of many youths, causing a shift in their priorities and it is negatively impacting their day-to-day activities and functioning.

The constant exposure to social media and the comparison culture prevalent on these platforms have led many of the youths and young adults of this age to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and increased levels of anxiety and depression. The pressure to present a perfect image and gain validation through likes and comments has created an unhealthy cycle of seeking external validation and self-worth.

Social media addiction and pressure have caused constant thinking about social media platforms, feeling the urge to check notifications, and experiencing anxiety when unable to access them. It has led to excessive preoccupation. This pressure and addiction have led to prioritizing social media over important tasks, such as work, studies, or personal well-being among the youths.

Have you tried to look at yourself if the pressure of social media has caused you to escape real-life interactions or emotions, or if it has led you to withdraw from face-to-face interactions? You now enjoy being alone with your phone or gadget rather than being with people. Because of your addiction to social media, you often neglect other activities or commitments that have to do with your life and career; which has led you to feeling anxious, depressed, and experiencing low self-esteem.

 ...to be continued