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Social Media Negative Essay

Decent Essays

“Distracted from distraction by distraction.” is a quote from T.S. Elliot that best describes what I see in a world obsessed with social media. Have you ever seen a family or a couple ignoring each other because they’re glued to their electronic devices while eating at a restaurant? How about a concert where a sea of fans direct their cell phones toward the performer rather than taking in the experience? This obsession with technology has wedged itself in between families and genuine interactions. If we do not open our eyes to the damaging effects of this phenomenon, our future generations may go so far down the rabbit hole they may never return. Many people support this view, like Sam Woolfe, who argues, “Depression, addiction, and social interaction are psychologically damaging aspects of Facebook.” Holly B. Shakya agrees by stating that her research results show that, “the use of Facebook was negatively associated with overall well-being.” On the flip side, Nicole B. Ellison believes that there are many benefits of Facebook and social media. I believe social technology is overwhelmingly destructive because it is addictive, causes isolation, and reduces overall well-being. Social media sites, like Facebook, are addictive and causes may people to become reclusive. “Citing evidence from a Harvard University fMRI scan study that shows that self-disclosure of information is essentially rewarding, Sam Woolfe suggests that social media is addictive and causes social isolation.” These fMRI scans are able to show the release of dopamine when individuals share information about themselves. This neurotransmitter, also labeled the “pleasure chemical”, has a primary role in addiction and is associated with sexual gratification, coffee, nicotine, and gambling. Like any addiction, it can lead to social isolation and depression because it can detract from face-to-face interactions. Authentic social interactions are necessary to develop and maintain social skills like conversation, recognizing tone of voice, and body language. Our species is social and cyber-interactions are not a substitute for authentic interactions. The concern becomes what about the children exposed to these faux interactions before fully developing

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