We use social media for just about every aspect of our lives these days, and it’s become near impossible to completely remove ourselves from the world wide web.
The internet has benefitted our lives in big ways, but that doesn’t take away from the serious dangers associated with hanging out online. Social media users all need to be aware (and vigilant) when it comes to using their social media platforms. There are some serious potential risks that we’ll take a closer look at here in this blog post.
Privacy Risks
Naturally, privacy is one of the main issues with social media, and we’ve all heard people talking and fretting about who has their data.
The dangers and potential repercussions of leaving any sensitive data online and accessible to others cannot be overstated. Just about anyone with an internet connection can take this information and use it for identity theft, fraud, or even worse crimes. If you’re concerned about what information about you is on the internet, check out some reviews of DeleteMe and consider using their service to have it removed.
Cyberbullying
Another common issue we often see with all social media platforms (including the seemingly harmless instant messaging apps) is the potential for cyberbullying. The anonymity of the online space makes it easier than ever for people to hide behind profiles that give them the confidence to treat others unkindly – by threatening, harassing, spreading rumours, and making harmful comments.
Victims of cyberbullying often have to deal with serious psychological effects, especially when they’re younger and more vulnerable to negative comments. Anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts have all been reported as a result of intense cyberbullying, so it’s incredibly important to be mindful about the communities you choose to engage in online and who you allow to send you messages.
Mental Health Impact
Social media can impact our mental health beyond just cyberbullying. In fact, “doom scrolling” is commonly known to cause feelings of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Constantly comparing yourself and your life to those you see online can impact how you see yourself and the world around you in an incredibly negative way. On top of this, spending too much time online and isolating yourself from real, in-person interactions can have a terrible impact on your mental state and productivity. It’s important to use social media responsibly, think carefully about who you choose to follow, and keep a healthy balance between online and offline activities.
Fake News and Misinformation
One final thing to be cautious of is the concept of “don’t believe everything you read,” especially online. Social media is infamous for how quickly it allows people to spread misinformation and fake news.
Online debates, fear-mongering, and misquoting usually reliable sources are all commonly seem on the internet, causing confusion and frustration. False information can spread like wildfire, causing more harm than good, so it’s important for us as users to be vigilant in reading critically.
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