Social media is said to have drained us of our time as we spend more and more time online. In this 21st century, youths have made using the social media a vital part of their lives. They spend hours using the social media on a daily basis. On a usage scale of low, average and high in terms of the number of hours spent on social media, how much time have we allowed social media to rob our time from real world experiences?

Based on a set of results my group and I have collected through a survey, we observed that youths who spends too much time on the Internet has generally been involved with more illegal activities such as cyber-bullying, posting of negative comments, viewing explicit content and even the downloading of media elements.


The survey has shown that those of aged 12 to 17 years old, who are categorised as youths, spends the most number of hours on social media platforms, thus, they end up being those who are more likely to engage on negative activities on social media platforms.

Different number of hours spent on social media causes different sets of effects in behaviour, basic needs, leisure activities and academic status. As you continue to read, you will see a gradual change in the all of the effects that is contrasting of one another.

HIGH USAGE:
Those who falls under this category spends so much time on social media that...

1. they lose track of time causing them to be distracted from other important thing such as school. [academic status]
2. they neglect their own basic needs. [basic needs]
3. they enter a withdrawal state that leads to social isolation that keeps them away from being in the outdoors [leisure activities] which would then develop depression, anger(low tolerance with surrounding) and tension. [behaviour]

LOW USAGE:
Those who falls under this category spends lesser time on social media thus...

1. they are not effected with their studies nor do they have much distraction so they are able to do well and excel in school. [academic status]
2. they don't engage in negative social media activities which might include illegal activities thus keeping them out of trouble. [leisure activities]
3. they don't have to deal with social isolation which means that they are more capable of being free and happy. This means that there is a high possibility that they are involved in more outdoor activities than locking themselves at home because of the use of social media. [leisure activities]
4. they don't have to go through any state of troubled emotions making them happier. [behaviour]

I would be in pain to know if any of my friends were to fall under the category of using social media on a high usage due to its effects. Wouldn't it pain YOU?

Join me in helping YOURSELF or A FRIEND by...

1. Ensuring that the change is based on your/their own will. 
2. Setting aside time limits to the number of hours spent on social media. Make sure you/they have enough time for yourself/themselves in terms of academics, basic needs and leisure time. 
3. Strengthening your support network OR be the supporting network for your friend (try spending more time outdoors with your loved ones)