Blog # 2

How Social Media Shapes Our Lives: The Good, The Bad, and The Unexpected 

Love it or hate it, social media is here to stay. Whether we’re scrolling through TikTok at 2 AM, debating hot topics on Twitter (X), or supporting small businesses on Instagram, social media has become a huge part of our daily lives. But is it actually helping us, or is it slowly making things worse? The truth is…it’s a bit of both. Social media has changed the way we learn, how we feel about ourselves, and even how businesses operate. 

A Blessing for Students  

Remember when learning meant sitting in a classroom for hours, listening to a teacher talk while you struggled to stay awake? Social media has completely changed that. Research shows that social media plays a growing role in education, with students increasingly using platforms like YouTube and TikTok for academic help (Pew Research Center, 2022). With just a few taps, students can watch educational videos, join study groups, and even connect with industry experts.

Take YouTube, for example. Channels like CrashCourse, created by educators John and Hank Green, provide engaging, high-quality lessons on subjects ranging from history to science, attracting millions of students worldwide (CrashCourse, 2024). These platforms make it easy to share quick study tips and engage with students worldwide. Instead of being limited to a classroom, learners now have a global network at their fingertips. It’s not just about formal education either, whether it’s picking up a new language through Duolingo’s Twitter memes or learning how to file taxes through TikTok tutorials, social media has turned the world into one big digital classroom.

A Double-Edged Sword on Mental Health 

Ever found yourself feeling down after scrolling through Instagram? You’re not alone. Social media can be a fun escape, but it can also take a serious toll on mental health. Studies have linked excessive social media use to stress, mood swings, and even depression among students (Bharwani, 2023).

Why? The pressure to look perfect online is overwhelming. We see influencers living “perfect” lives, traveling the world, and looking flawless 24/7. It’s easy to compare ourselves and feel like we’re falling behind. Plus, the endless cycle of likes and comments can be addictive, if a post doesn’t get enough engagement, some people feel like they’ve failed. 

Countless studies have shown that teenagers who spend too much time on social media often struggle with self-esteem issues. The fear of missing out (FOMO) is real, and constantly seeing people having fun without you can make anyone feel isolated. While social media can connect us, it can also make us feel lonelier than ever.  So, what’s the solution? Being mindful of screen time, curating a feed that inspires rather than drains, and remembering that social media is just a highlight reel and not real life. 

Take this case for an example: In 2017, the tragic case of British teenager Molly Russell made headlines after her family revealed that harmful content on Instagram contributed to her suicide. Molly had been exposed to graphic images related to self-harm and depression on the platform, which worsened her mental health (BBC News, 2019). This case sparked worldwide calls for social media companies to take responsibility for the content they allow and improve safety measures for vulnerable users.

The Make-or-Break Power of Social Media in Business  

Businesses used to rely on expensive TV ads or billboard placements, but today? A single viral TikTok can turn a small business into an overnight success. Brands like Gymshark have built entire empires by using social media influencers and community-driven marketing strategies.  

But while social media can elevate brands, it can also destroy them just as quickly. Take Lululemon, for example. The activewear giant faced a PR nightmare when customers started complaining that their yoga pants were too sheer. Instead of addressing the issue properly, the company’s response came off as dismissive, blaming customers rather than acknowledging a possible product flaw (ABC News,2013). The backlash was swift, and their reputation took a hit. In fact, research suggests that 63% of a company’s market value is tied to its reputation, meaning that public perception can directly impact business success (Korschun, 2020). This just proves that social media is a double-edged sword for businesses. If handled well, it can build trust and loyalty. If mismanaged, it can lead to viral outrage and lost customers. Brands need to be careful, authentic, and ready to listen because the internet never forgets.  

 So… Is Social Media a Blessing or a Curse?  

After looking at these examples, it’s clear that social media is neither all good nor all bad…it’s how we use it that matters. It has given us free education, new career opportunities, and ways to stay connected. But it has also fueled unrealistic expectations, mental health struggles, and public scandals.  

Social media is powerful. It can open doors and change lives, but only if we use it wisely. The best approach is to stay informed, set boundaries, and remember that social media is just one part of life—not all of it. So next time you’re scrolling, ask yourself: is this helping me, or is it time to take a break?

 

Works Cited:

ABC News. (2013, November 7). Lululemon Founder Chip Wilson Blames Women's Bodies for Yoga Pants Problem. https://abcnews.go.com/US/lululemon-founder-chip-wilson-blames-womens-bodies-yoga/story?id=20815278

BBC News. “Instagram ‘Worsened’ Mental Health of Girl Who Took Her Own Life.” BBC News, 8 Feb. 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-47155952.

Bharwani, V. (2023). The Impact of Social Media on Students. Your Commonwealth. https://yourcommonwealth.org/social-development/the-impact-of-social-media-on-students/

CrashCourse. About. YouTube, 2024, https://www.youtube.com/user/crashcourse/about.

Korschun,  D.     (2020, November 24).  How Companies Can Protect Their Reputations Against the Worst Threat. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/how-companies-can-protect-their-reputations-against-worst-threats

Pew Research Center. (2022). Social Media and Its Impact on Society. https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2022/12/06/views-of-social-media-and-its-impacts-on-society-in-advanced-economies-2022/