How Does Social Media Affect the Mind, Body, and Spirit?

Thesis statement: Even though many would argue that social media is a positive outlet that allows individuals to express themselves to their peers, some would dispute that instead social media decreases literacy and education, brings about negative self-esteem and body image, and also encourages narcissistic behavior which can lead to harassment and bullying.

I. Decreases literacy and education

A. The use of cyber-slang is not only being used online when talking with friends and peers but also in classrooms, on resumes, and in boardroom meetings.

B. It affects individuals being hired because of their ability to distinguish between using professional language and slang.

C. An increased amount of time spent on social networks is causing students to be distracted and have lower test and homework scores.

II. Negative self-esteem and body image

A. The number of likes a person receives or doesn’t receive on their picture posted on a social network can negatively impact one’s self esteem.

B. There is an ideal body image standard that individuals especially women try and replicate and some become anorexic or bulimic in order to achieve this ideal body weight.

C. Some individuals become narcissists based upon the amount of attention received on social media but many women are victimized on social media by men or even jealous women that create fictitious pages with crude and vulgar language and pictures that degrades that individual.

III. Conclusion

A. In conclusion, it has been argued and proven that social media decreases literacy and education, brings about negative self-esteem and body image, and also encourages narcissistic behavior with possible consequences of harassment and bullying.

B. Although not all students are suffering from the use of social media and understand the appropriate times to use cyber-slang, it is overall affecting our youth’s ability to be admitted into college and have fruitful careers.

C. On...