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After reviewing various articles on the topic of social media, it became clear that although substantial information has been gathered about the impact social media has on users, the research has its limitations in terms of methodology. One thing that is clear, is how social media can have negative effects, specifically among adolescents. Social media has been generally studied with a focus on self-objectification, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms in adolescents.
The article, “Toward Improved Methods in Social Media Research”, by Griffioen, et al. (2020), features objective data, ecological validity, and the ability to test causality as an important step to draw conclusions about the effect of social media on well-being. This work also underlines the role of social media and how it contains a large range of functionalities. Accordingly, the experiences people have when interacting with social media can vary greatly. The authors also discuss “screen time” and how it needs to be replaced with designs, methods, and analytical techniques that can differentiate between different kinds of social media activities. For example, users can interact with others by sharing pictures, music, feelings, activities, etc. However, the excessive time spent on social media, can interfere with an adolescent getting adequate rest and thus their sleep is disrupted. Studies show that lack of sleep cause depressive symptoms as well as other life disruptions.
The article, “A meta-analysis of the association between adolescent social media use and depressive symptoms”, by Ivie et al., (2020) highlights studies previously conducted that reveal how social media has been linked to depressive symptoms in adolescents. The research included a metanalysis, which found a small correlation between social media and depressive symptoms. The authors underscore that the prevalence of adolescent major depressive episodes (MDEs) has increased from 8.7% in 2005 to 11.3% in 2014, which caused a public health concern. This study also emphasizes the need for parent involvement in mitigating some of these negative effects. One suggestion debated is for parents to regulate time spent on social media.
One limitation noted after reviewing this week’s readings is that much of the research gathered is based on self-reporting and this makes it harder to come to conclusions about social media’s impact on an individual’s wellbeing. Griffioen, et al. (2020) stated that researchers can delve deeper into the various aspects of social media to be able to determine why and when social media may affect well-being. In addition, future research on social media use, should take into consideration selection biases pertaining to the platform(s) being studied.
Scripture provides truths, which can be applied to the subject of social media and how it can enhance our knowledge in social interactions. Adolescents are impressionable and some use social media to influence others. Scripture underlines the importance of looking to God for the truth of our inherit value. 1 Corinthians 26-27, states “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
