Today’s modern society has engrossed itself in using several social media platforms that appeal to all ages. From using social media to simply contact people, to sharing information about oneself on a public domain, these social applications have evidently affected our lives. However, for the better, or worse?
In a survey taken in the regions of Ilford and South Woodford in the London Borough of Redbridge, which includes surveyors from both sexes with an age range of 15-70, 23.1% use Skype. This program allows video chats, calls and texts on a global scale, attributing to its evident popularity. Although, this is the most popular social media platform among the surveyors, its popularity was concentrated in the older age bracket, as it was commonly stated to be used for work purposes, such as meeting calls. ‘Snapchat’ is highly popular among 16-17 year olds, with 17.3% surveyors using this app, among stating that it is “easy to use and private”, “targeted more towards the younger generations”, and has “great filters”. ‘Whatsapp’ is a commonly used app among all ages, with 19.2% people using the app that allows videos, calls and texts, as well as automated updates to aid its users. Despite Vine being shut down recently, 38.5% of surveyors had a vine account because not only did it provide them with entertainment, but with relevant news opinions on a global perspective.
While social media platforms can provide us with information, entertainment and methods of communication, its regular use can also slowly push its users to a sense of addiction. According to the ‘Social Times’, ‘18 percent of social media users can’t go a few hours without checking Facebook, and 28 percent of iPhone users check their Twitter feed before getting up in the morning’, with 15-19 year olds spending ‘at least 3 hours a day’ on social media, a 2 hour equivalent for 20-29 year olds. This clarifies that, even though ‘there are more than two billion active social media users worldwide’, the user bracket is concentrated among the younger age groups.
Many people use social media to keep updated on current affairs, with one of the surveyors stating that they use ‘Twitter’ regularly for this purpose, but it is clear that an overuse of media can affect our social behavior, making us accustomed to life online. In addition to this major problem, eyesight issues can arise, including Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) from spending too much time online. This begs the question; is the use of social media really worth it?
By Nafisa Ehsan, Woodford County High School
