Question
According to recent studies, an estimated seventy percent of Americans participate on social media platforms, and of them, people ages 18 to 29 are the most prolific users, with nearly 97 percent of young adults visiting social media on a daily basis. Those statistics mean that millions of young people use social media—but to what end? The purpose of social media is to bring people together to share ideas and experiences, but is that what has actually happened?
Researchers have discovered that many young users of social media suffer from depression, sleep deprivation, and bullying as a direct result of the pressures of participating in social media. How well does social media actually bring people together socially? Do you think it is having a positive or a negative impact overall on people you know?
Write two paragraphs in your own words
I came to the discussion well prepared, and I drew on my preparation by referring to evidence and other research.
My responses contributed to a thoughtful, well-reasoned response.
I set clear goals and deadlines.
I assigned individual roles as needed.
Researchers have discovered that many young users of social media suffer from depression, sleep deprivation, and bullying as a direct result of the pressures of participating in social media. How well does social media actually bring people together socially? Do you think it is having a positive or a negative impact overall on people you know?
Write two paragraphs in your own words
I came to the discussion well prepared, and I drew on my preparation by referring to evidence and other research.
My responses contributed to a thoughtful, well-reasoned response.
I set clear goals and deadlines.
I assigned individual roles as needed.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Social media has become an integral part of daily life for millions of young Americans, particularly those aged 18 to 29, where nearly all engage with these platforms regularly. While social media was initially intended to connect people and facilitate the sharing of ideas and experiences, it has also led to a complex array of negative consequences for its users. Numerous studies suggest that the constant exposure to curated lives and social comparisons can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, the prevalence of cyberbullying on these platforms presents a significant challenge, further exacerbating mental health issues and diminishing users' overall well-being.
Despite the potential for social media to foster connections and community, it often seems to contribute to a sense of isolation and distress among its users. Personally, I have observed both positive and negative impacts on the people around me. On one hand, social media can facilitate friendships and provide support networks, particularly for those experiencing hardships. On the other hand, many individuals I know have struggled with self-image issues and sleep disturbances linked to their social media usage. Ultimately, the influence of social media appears to be multifaceted, with its capacity to unite people balanced by the very real pressures and pitfalls that accompany its use.
Despite the potential for social media to foster connections and community, it often seems to contribute to a sense of isolation and distress among its users. Personally, I have observed both positive and negative impacts on the people around me. On one hand, social media can facilitate friendships and provide support networks, particularly for those experiencing hardships. On the other hand, many individuals I know have struggled with self-image issues and sleep disturbances linked to their social media usage. Ultimately, the influence of social media appears to be multifaceted, with its capacity to unite people balanced by the very real pressures and pitfalls that accompany its use.