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ENG1511 2
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- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
ENG1511 2
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Social media has a negative impact on an individual’s identity. Write an essay in which you arguefor or against the statement.
Social media platforms have revolutionized the way people communicate and interact with each
other, especially in the digital age. However, there are concerns that these platforms may have a
negative impact on an individual's identity. In this essay, I will argue that social media has a negative
impact on an individual's identity. I will support this argument by examining how social media can
influence self-esteem, create unrealistic expectations, and contribute to cyberbullying.
The first reason why social media has a negative impact on an individual's identity is that it can
influence self-esteem. Social media platforms are designed to showcase the best version of oneself.
People often post pictures and content that highlights their achievements, success, and popularity.
As a result, individuals who consume this content can develop unrealistic expectations and compare
themselves to others, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
According to a study published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, the
more time people spent on social media, the more they compared themselves to others, leading to
lower self-esteem levels (Vogel, Rose, Roberts, & Eckles, 2014).
Moreover, social media can create unrealistic expectations, especially for impressionable young
adults. Social media users often see curated images and content that are designed to evoke a
particular response, such as admiration or envy. However, these images may not be a true
representation of reality, leading to distorted expectations.
For example, individuals may compare their own life to that of a celebrity or an influencer, who may
have a team of professionals working to present a certain image. According to a survey conducted by
the Royal Society for Public Health, social media was rated as the platform most likely to cause
anxiety and depression in young adults, with Instagram being the worst offender (Royal Society for
Public Health, 2017).
Finally, social media can contribute to cyberbullying, which can have a severe impact on an
individual's identity. Cyberbullying is a form of online harassment that can cause emotional distress,
humiliation, and isolation. According to a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health,
adolescents who reported being victims of cyberbullying were more likely to report lower self-
esteem and higher levels of depression (Kowalski, Giumetti, Schroeder, & Lattanner, 2014). Social
media platforms can provide a platform for individuals to harass, bully and intimidate others with
relative ease, and the effects can be long-lasting.
In conclusion, social media has a negative impact on an individual's identity. Social media can
influence self-esteem, create unrealistic expectations, and contribute to cyberbullying. To mitigate
the negative effects of social media, individuals should be mindful of their social media consumption
and seek help when necessary. Social media companies should also take responsibility for the
content that is shared on their platforms and take steps to ensure that users are protected from
online harassment and bullying.
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