College students are continuing to be affected by social media

Question

Too much time on social media cuts time from studying and engaging in social activities, but social media is also students main source of communication.

Answer 1

This claim is true.

As young adults spend increasingly more time online, the effects of social media are undeniable. While social media can help individuals maintain a feeling of connectedness and aid in communication, it can also be extremely distracting. Not to mention, it can negatively affect mental health and body image. It also provides a platform for bullying and hate speech and may promote unrealistic expectations. These effects are particularly concerning among impressionable young people, including college students. While disconnecting from social media is difficult, it can prove to be helpful in improving mental health and avoiding distraction.  Therefore, many college students would likely benefit from a break from social media, despite the fact that communication may become more challenging.

https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/public-health-now/news/just-how-harmful-social-media-our-experts-weigh

Answer 2

Social media continues to significantly impact college students, with both negative and positive effects. Research has shown that excessive use can contribute to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. As one study from the University of North Carolina notes, “students who increased their social media usage by an hour 18 months into the pandemic were much more likely to experience anxiety and depression” (UNC College News). Social media can also disrupt sleep patterns, adding to stress, as highlighted by the Capital University article: “Students who spend more time on social media often experience poor sleep quality, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression” (Capital University). 

On the other hand, social media helps students stay connected, providing access to peers and educational resources. As one student puts it, “Social media offers a sense of connection, especially when we can meet face-to-face”. (University Star).

http://social-media-mental-health

http://arxiv.org

http://statenews.com

Answer 3

This claim is true. Individuals are continuing to be affected by the use of social media even when being college age. A study done by UNC college of arts and science  examples the increased use of social media is a cause of worsening mental health among college students. Such as anxiety and depression. Researchers led by Jane Cooley Fruitharith used survey data from first year college students at a large public university collected data before the pandemic. The data shows increased social media usage and mental health symptoms. The findings were that when the pandemic started they did not have a large effect on students' mental health. But about 10 months in when campus has reopened increases in social media show a negative effect on mental health

https://college.unc.edu/2024/07/social-media-mental-health/ 

Another study done by the National library of medicine suggests that the context matters: when students returned to in person campus life social media's negative associations became stronger. It might be the shift from isolation to in-person connection. Social isolation appears to be a key moderating factor when students already isolated are at risk. It might be useful for students to limit their social media interactions. 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11923176/ 

Social media is a viable way for college students to communicate and get involved but it can also be very harmful to young adults' health.