Social media (SM) are interactive websites and applications that enable users to participate in social networking through creation and sharing of content (Weller, 2015). The computer based technology help people build virtual networks and communities. There are many social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Flickr, Google Plus, YouTube, Twitter and WhatsApp (Weller, 2015). Despite the fact that this form of technology has made the world a better place to live, its use has impacted individuals in distinct ways. SM can cause brain disorders in the users. Besides, its enthusiasts might find it difficult engaging in face to face interaction. SM users are more susceptible to social injustices like cyber bullying, sexting, online harassment and online depression which harm people psychologically (Weller, 2015). This paper uses psychological theories to explain the impact of social media on users.
Cognitive Theory (CT)
Cognitive Learning Theory focusses on the brain as the most crucial organ in information processing and interpretation (Denler, Wolters and Benzon, 2014). According to the theory, ‘to learn’ basically means ‘to think using the brain’. Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence the mental processes. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the mental processes in a bid to understand various instances of learning. Acquisition of knowledge is simpler with effective cognitive processes (Denler, Wolters and Benzon, 2014). On the contrary, ineffective cognitive processes can result into learning difficulties observable during different stages of a person’s life. For learning to take place, there has be a positive reinforcement. SM is capable of creating behavior in users. On the same point, it can as well alter or reinforce pre-existing behavior. SM has great impact on people’s behavior because it encourages observational learning (Denler, Wolters and Benzon, 2014). SM platforms have great psychosocial impact on the users because they act as motivators, emotion arousers, inhibitors and models. Depending on the content on the SM, the users often transform the information conveyed into rules and conceptions. With more reinforcing motivational processes, most users put into practice the content they come across in the SM.
Psychodynamic Theory
Psychodynamic Theory (PT) explains human behavior by focusing on the conscious and the unconscious (Forslund and Granqvist, 2016). The theory investigates the various forces like the unconscious desires and beliefs that influence people’s behavior. Childhood experiences greatly influence people’s personality. With influx of the SM channels, folks around the globe have continuously questioned whether it is morally acceptable to allow children access SM. Not all SM platforms provide healthy environments for children and adolescents (Weller, 2015). Without guidance from parents, children are likely to encounter cyberbullying, sexting and online harassment. Precisely, SM is not designed for these young people. No child is capable of managing the distraction and resisting the distraction from temptations which accompany the SM (Weller, 2015). Even though children are taught responsible use of SM, it is almost impossible to inculcate the kind of maturity required in its usage. Therefore, the content that the children come across in the SM, definitely influences their personality (Forslund and Granqvist, 2016). Therefore, SM deprives children of their actual potential to prepare for real life and healthy social development.
Behavioral Theory (BT)
BT states that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning whenever people interact with particular environments (Perlman, 2015). In BT, people’s actions depend on their responses to environmental stimuli. In BT, only observable behaviors are put into consideration (Perlman, 2015). Despite the internal mental status, people exposed to a particular environment can still study and acquire a form of behavior systematically. SM influences the character of people indiscriminately whenever the content in it is more reinforcing. Regardless of one’s background, the continuous use of SM and access to specific sites can lead to behavioral change (Perlman, 2015). SM is capable of distorting reality thus creating a false belief in the users. Besides, its continued usage can possibly cause the bandwagon effect. A person’s change in behavior may come not by choice but because of influence from others (Perlman, 2015). In addition, most SM users spend much of their time glued to their phones and computers. The concept of being antisocial comes unconsciously even amongst extroverts.
Cultural Theory (CT)
Cultural Theory investigates people from a particular culture in a bid to understand the reason they behave the way they do (Thompson, 2018). The theory states that the different responses humans give to situations is the reason for varied societal structures. Users of SM come from all corners of the globe (Weller, 2015). Precisely, the SM is culturally diverse. However, CT states that change in behavior of SM users result from influence from particular social and political contexts. Each user understands their social and political affiliation (Thompson, 2018). Therefore, people act the way members of their group do.
Humanistic Theory (HT)
HT emphasizes on the uniqueness of every individual (Pilisuk and Joy, 2014). The theory is an improvement of psychodynamic and behaviorist theories. HT includes the human characteristics which make them supreme to animals. Humans are able to strive for self-realization. SM influences human life both positively and negatively. Every user is aware of the impact. Since humans are naturally optimistic about their nature, they are able to think rationally and consciously, thus controlling their biological urges (Pilisuk and Joy, 2014). According to HT, every SM user has the ability to take charge of their actions regardless of their age and behavioral influence from the SM. SM users have an aspiration which is to reach their fullest potential (Pilisuk and Joy, 2014). Therefore, they have no reason to mimic behavior that may impact their lives negatively.
Challenges of Social Media
SM has revolutionized the way members of the society perceive themselves, others and their interaction with the world surrounding them (Weller, 2015). SM has significantly impacted members of all generations. Unfortunately, whenever folks visit the SM platforms to spend their leisure time, there is negative impact on their mental and emotional well-being. Heavy use of SM is also addictive (Weller, 2015). The most affected groups are youths and young adults. Many a time, they isolate themselves and stay glued to their gadgets. Since SM is their major mode of communication, they remain depressed and anxious. With influx of SM platforms, there is a growing number of people suffering from depression and obsessive compulsive disorder (Weller, 2015). Despite the strain by psychotherapists to curb anxiety and depression related disorders, more patients continue emerging. The reason is that SM channels are the most trending platforms of communication.
Conclusion
Social media resulted from the introduction of web. The technology empowers its users to develop, customize, contribute and share web content. Members of the public distribute user generated content such as photographs, news and videos. The rise of various social media platforms has not only made the web environment collaborative but also interactive. Because of social, folks can engage in two way communication, upload reviews of goods and services, access virtual lives and distribute self-created content. Even so, SM presents unhealthy challenges to the human race. One way in which people can clearly understand the impact of SM is by analyzing its impact using psychological theories. Anxiety, tragic suicide and severe isolation are some of the profound psychosocial outcomes of SM over usage. It is time people started using these media channels cautiously.
References
Denler, H., Wolters, C., " Benzon, M. (2014). Social cognitive theory. Retrieved from.
Forslund, T., " Granqvist, P. (2016). Psychodynamic Foundations.
Perlman, A. M. (2015). Behavioral Theory of Legal Ethics, A. Ind. LJ.
Plisuk, M., " Joy, M. (2014). Humanistic Psychology and ecology. The Handbook of Humanistic Psychology: Theory, Research, and Practice.
Thompson, M. (2018). Cultural theory. Routledge.
Weller, K. (2015). Accepting the challenges of social media research. Online Information Review.
