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The World Of Social Media
What is social media?
Social media refers to online platforms and applications that enable users to create, share, and exchange content in the form of text, images, videos, and other multimedia. These platforms have transformed communication, connecting people across the globe in real-time. Social media encompasses a diverse range of platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and TikTok. Users can interact with each other through comments, likes, shares, and direct messages, fostering a dynamic and interconnected virtual community. Beyond personal connections, social media has become a powerful tool for information dissemination, news sharing, and content creation. It serves as a space for self-expression, allowing individuals and businesses to showcase their interests, opinions, and products. While social media has revolutionized the way we communicate and share information, it also brings forth challenges such as concerns about privacy and the impact on mental health.
Social media is as popular as ever, with multiple new social media platforms coming out each month. In 2023, young people have access to hundreds of social media platforms, dating sites, anonymous chat sites, and various other websites and platforms to use.
What are the statistics?
Among young adults and teens, Youtube is the most used social networking site as 95% of young people state they have used it. Among other social media sites, the second most commonly used site was TikTok with over 70% of young people having an account. Instagram had 68%, Facebook and Snapchat both had 60-65%, and other apps like Pinterest, VSCO, and Reddit were all under 40%.
Social Media and Blocking
Filtering and blocking on social media is a must nowadays. There are too many bots, fake profiles, and creepy/strange things available to be seen online. Blocking someone is important when they make you feel uncomfortable or are acting in a way that is seen as creepy, stalking, or aggressive.
8 Tips For Social Media Safety In High School and College
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Create a strong password for each of your social media accounts, something no one can guess, and don't give it out.
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Only accept friend/follow requests from people that you know, even if you only know them around school or from the community.
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Click links with extreme caution. Social media accounts are regularly hacked. Look out for language or content that does not sound like something your friend would post/message.
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Don’t reveal sensitive personal information like your home address, financial information, or phone number through social media.
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Customize your privacy settings to control who sees what on your accounts. This can be done easily through setting on most popular social media sites.
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Don't believe everything you read online. People may post false or misleading information about various topics, including their own identities.
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Assume that everything you put on a social networking site is permanent. Colleges and employment offices often look at someones social media and what they post. Some more prestigious colleges are known for it.
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If you wouldn’t say it or do it in public in front of your parents, a college admissions team, or your boss at work, don’t post it online. It will be there forever, even on apps like Snapchat.
Dangers of Social Media
While social media platforms offer numerous benefits, they also come with inherent dangers that can impact individuals and society at large. Some of the notable dangers include:
1. Cyberbullying: Social media provides a platform for cyberbullying, where individuals can be subjected to harassment, threats, or humiliation. This can have severe consequences on mental health and well-being.
2. Negative Impact on Mental Health: Excessive use of social media has been linked to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy. Constant comparison with others and exposure to curated, idealized lives can contribute to low self-esteem.
3. Privacy Concerns: Social media platforms often collect and share personal information, raising concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of data. Users may be vulnerable to identity theft, scams, or unauthorized access to their personal information.
4. Spread of Misinformation: Social media facilitates the rapid spread of misinformation. This can lead to the dissemination of false information, influencing public opinion and even impacting important societal issues.
5. Addiction and Distraction: Social media platforms are designed to be engaging, leading to potential addiction and time-consuming habits. Excessive screen time can interfere with real-life relationships, work, and overall productivity.
6. Impact on Self-Esteem: The constant exposure to curated images and lifestyles on social media can contribute to unrealistic beauty standards and impact self-esteem. Users may feel pressured to conform to these ideals, leading to body image issues.
7. Online Predators: Social media platforms may attract online predators who exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly young users. This poses risks to personal safety and well-being.
8. Impact on Relationships: Over reliance on social media for communication can have negative effects on real-world relationships. Misinterpretations of online interactions and the lack of face-to-face communication may lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
9. Fear of Missing Out: Social media can intensify the fear of missing out on social events, experiences, or trends, leading to anxiety and dissatisfaction with one's own life.
To mitigate these dangers, teens should practice responsible and mindful use of social media, including setting boundaries, critically evaluating information, and being conscious of their online presence. Additionally, regulatory measures and platform policies can play a role in addressing some of these concerns and promoting a safer online environment.
Snapchat Safety
Snapchat is a popular multimedia messaging app that allows users to share photos, videos, and text messages, known as "Snaps," with a unique feature—the content disappears after a short duration, usually a few seconds, creating a sense of impermanence. Launched in 2011, Snapchat quickly gained popularity, particularly among younger users, for its interactive and ephemeral nature. The app also introduced innovative features such as Stories, where users can compile Snaps into a narrative that lasts for 24 hours, and Filters, which add creative overlays to photos and videos. Additionally, the Snap Map feature enables users to share their location with friends in real-time.
Snapchat Safety
To turn off your location, go to your Snapchat settings page. After you get there, click on See My Location and you will be brought to the next page where you will be able to turn Ghost Mode on.
After you click the See My Location tab, you will be brought to the My Location tab where you can configure your location settings. To turn Ghost Mode on, simply click the switch. After it's turned on, everyone on your Snapchat will not be able to see your location.
