ENG106 Causal Paper

.docx

School

Grand Canyon University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

106

Subject

English

Date

Jan 9, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

6

Uploaded by MajorRat251

Social media’s link to depression Luis A. Galindo College Name, Grand Canyon University English Composition II: 106 Patrick McHugh 12 November, 2023
2 Social medias link to depression Psychological autopsy studies reveal that approximately 60% of adolescent suicide victims met criteria for some form of depressive illness at time of death thus linking clinical depression and suicide from social media. (Twenge & Campbell, 2018). In this digital age, technology intertwines with our daily lives in a complex way of accessibility and convenience. The products of this technological revolution is social media, a platform that has transformed the way we communicate, share information, and perceive the world. However, beneath the surface of viral videos and trending hashtags lurks a darker side to these platforms. The seemingly harmless act of logging onto a social media account can initiate a chain of events leading to detrimental mental health consequences. Social media leads to depression because of cyberbullying and self-esteem. Social media's far-reaching influence has inadvertently provided a platform for a new form of harassment: cyberbullying. With the advent of social media, the traditional playground bullying has morphed into a universal threat, with the potential to infiltrate the sanctuary of homes through screens. The anonymity and vast reach offered by these platforms have made them potential grounds for bullies to agonize their victims relentlessly. According to a study by Patchin and Hinduja (2010), almost 23% of teenagers reported being targeted online, a figure that has undoubtedly risen with the increasing ubiquity of social media. This research shows the magnitude of the problem and the direct role of social media in facilitating cyberbullying. The correlation is evident that the widespread use of social media has led to an increase in cyberbullying incidents. The prevalence of cyberbullying, facilitated by social media, has a great impact on the self-esteem of victims. Cyberbullying often involves public humiliation, ridicule, or personal
3 attacks, all of which contribute to a deteriorating sense of self-worth in the victims. A study by (Hinduja and Patchin 2010) suggests a significant correlation between cyberbullying and low self-esteem among teens. Victims of cyberbullying, constantly subjected to online derision, often internalize the negativity, leading to a critical perception of themselves. The research shows how constant cyberbullying can diminish a person's self-esteem. The onset of cyberbullying significantly contributes to the decline in the self-esteem of victims. A decline in self-esteem, induced by cyberbullying, plays a significant role in causing depression. A person's perception of self-worth is intrinsically linked to mental well-being, and a consistently negative self-view can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression. According to a study conducted by Orth, Robins, and Roberts (2008), low self-esteem is a significant predictor of depression. The study explains that when people perceive themselves negatively, they are more likely to develop depressive symptoms, creating a cycle of negativity and low mood. Diminished self-esteem significantly contributes to the onset of depression. Therefore, it is evident that social media, by facilitating cyberbullying and negatively impacting self-esteem, can ultimately lead to depression. While linking the chain of social media to depression through cyberbullying and self- esteem decline is compelling, some arguments suggest that responsible social media use can have positive effects. For instance, Valkenburg and Peter (2009) argue that social media can enhance social connectivity, provide emotional support, and improve self-esteem, especially when utilized positively. They note the potential for diverse connections, shared experiences, and positive feedback as opportunities for boosting self-esteem and mental well-being. However, this perspective can be countered by emphasizing the role of context and individual differences. As pointed out by (Twenge and Campbell 2018), the positive or negative impacts of
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help