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SOCIAL MEDIA
Student Wellbeing Information for young people
Positives Connection and Communication
Social media has become an integral part of the lives of young adults, offering opportunities for connection, self-expression, and learning. However, it’s crucial to navigate these platforms safely. This guide aims to provide insights into using social media responsibly, highlighting the positives and negatives.
Social media allows you to stay connected with friends, family, and peers, regardless of distance. It provides a platform for meaningful conversations, sharing experiences, and supporting one another. Information and Learning Social media offers access to a wide range of information, news, and educational resources, enhancing learning opportunities. You can explore diverse perspectives, gain knowledge about various topics, and engage in discussions with experts. Creativity and Self-expression Social media platforms provide a creative outlet for sharing your thoughts, ideas, and talents through posts, photos, videos, and artwork. You can express your identity, promote causes you care about, and connect with communities that share your interests. Networking and Career Opportunities: Social media allows you to connect with professionals, organisations, and influencers, providing networking opportunities for future educational and career endeavours. Platforms like LinkedIn can help showcase your skills, achievements, and interests to potential employers or mentors.
Negatives Privacy and Security Risks Sharing personal information publicly can compromise your privacy and make you vulnerable to identity theft, online harassment, or stalking. Social engineering attacks and phishing attempts may target users to gain unauthorised access to their accounts or personal data. Avoid sharing your location in real-time or with people you don’t trust. It can compromise your safety and lead to potential stalking or unwanted attention Tip: Disable location services Be very careful of what you share about yourself such as personal information from someone you don’t know, such as bank details or your home address. Careful what you post. Employers can make background checks over 50% of rejected candidates are due to employers seeing something that puts them off online. Cyberbullying and Online Harassment Some individuals misuse social media platforms for cyberbullying, spreading hate, or engaging in harassment, which can lead to emotional distress and mental health issues. Online conflicts can escalate quickly, affecting your well-being and relationships with others.
Addiction and Time Management Excessive use of social media can lead to addiction, affecting your productivity, sleep patterns, and real-life interactions. It may be challenging to strike a healthy balance between social media usage and other essential activities such as studying, hobbies, or physical exercise. Unrealistic Comparisons and Self-esteem Constant exposure to carefully curated content can lead to comparing oneself to others, fostering feelings of inadequacy, low self- esteem, or body image issues. The pressure to conform to societal standards or gain validation through social media can have negative impacts on mental well-being. Misinformation and Online Safety Social media platforms can be a breeding ground for misinformation, rumours, and fake news, potentially leading to misinformed decisions or spreading inaccurate information. Interacting with strangers or accepting friend requests without caution can expose you to potential online predators or scams. Weak or reused passwords can make your accounts vulnerable to hacking and compromise your personal data. Sharing passwords with friends or acquaintances can lead to unauthorised access or misuse of your social media profiles.
Social media offers numerous benefits, including connection, learning, self-expression, and networking. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential negatives such as privacy risks, cyberbullying, addiction, and the influence of unrealistic comparisons. By understanding these positives and negatives, you can navigate social media safely, prioritise your well-being, and make the most out of these platforms. Remember to use social media responsibly, protect your privacy, engage positively, and seek support if needed.
Further information www.childnet.com/help-and-advice/11-18-year-olds
Student Wellbeing is based in the SAFEGUARDING & WELLBEING HUB which is on the Ground Floor of the North Wing in Room N17 If you are struggling with your wellbeing please drop by and arrange to chat with one of the student wellbeing coaches. Alternatively, you can speak to your tutor who can refer you.
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