Blog Post #3- Sydney Fried

The anxiety about the interactivity of new digital media is evident through the StatsCan report following the theoretical perspective of technological determination. Social media is used by almost everyone worldwide—the usage of social media ranges based on individuals' ages affecting everyone differently. Technological determinism expresses that technology has an important effect on our lives, while many may disagree, including StatsCan. The StatsCan report focuses on the negative impact of social media on individuals aged 15-64. Many individuals express that social media has affected their sleeping habits and activeness causing them to feel depressed or anxious, as well as constant comparison and envious feelings towards others (Statscan, 2021). Younger age groups tend to experience many symptoms due to excessive use of social media, proving the negative effects social media has on younger generations. Often, many people cannot be away from their devices for long periods without feeling anxious about keeping up with their lives on social media. This is evident when individuals and young children are watching a movie. Many individuals are constantly checking and sitting on their social media platforms due to their short attention span, making them unable to focus throughout a two-hour film. Social media and our devices negatively impact many as it also causes a lack of sleep. The bright lights from our devices suppress melatonin levels causing individuals to have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep (HealthEssentials, 2022). For many, browsing on social media is the last act they take part in before going to sleep affecting their sleep cycles. Social media has evolved over the years to a point where it keeps growing and will continue to affect our lives. 


Although StatsCan believes technology and social media negatively affect the lives of many, others may express the importance of social media and its positive effects on society. Social media allows individuals to stay connected and communicate with anyone worldwide. Individuals can build relationships that last a lifetime due to the convenience of contacting others online. As well, young children and adults can learn new things online and uniquely express themselves through their interests. Do you believe social media affects individuals positively or negatively? 

Cleveland Clinic. (2022, May 20). 3 reasons to ditch your phone before bed. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/put-the-phone-away-3-reasons-why-looking-at-it-before-bed-is-a-bad-habit/ 

Fonberg, J., Schimmele, C., & Schellenberg, G. (2021, March 24). Canadians’ Assessments of Social Media in Their Lives. StatsCan. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/36-28-0001/2021003/article/00004-eng.htm

Comments

  1. Lauren PetrucciOctober 27, 2022 at 1:29 PM

    Hi Sydney,
    Great post! To answer your question, I believe that social media has both positive and negative implications on individuals, however, I believe that the negative aspects override the positive ones. Although social media has the ability to expand communication methods and bring together a more connected community, the downside of it is that it effects people's mental health due to the constant comparison and influence it has on one. We only try to display our best moments, and by doing this we create a reality that is just not accurate, therefore making people compare their lives through a social media app.

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