The impact social media has on Chicago high school students is seen through networks such as Facebook and Instagram that are very image-driven. Facebook and Instagram are one of the most popular image-sharing networks in social media, and one of the largest social media outlets in the city. One of the most damaging impacts of social media on our generation can be seen by the way it emotionally changes and affects them. It has caused adolescents to become more aggressive when they encounter negative material, more susceptible to lower self-esteem, and, in those who suffer mental illnesses, it causes distress to them and their families.
“Facebook fights” are very common within the network, whether it be about pop culture or politics, or police brutality. A study done by Gina Masullo Chen explored how people reacted to attacking messages shared via social media. The study showed that “people retaliate only after reporting a shift toward feeling negative emotion” (Chen, 832). Thus means that they were hurt and retorted to attacking messages after experiencing a negative emotion while using social networking. The study also showed support “for the notion that intensity of emotion fuels retaliatory aggression” (Chen 833). There was little changed in positive emotions found in the study when they were hypothesized to decrease while negative emotions increased. The subjects also felt obliged to defend themselves when attacked online.
Negative encounters are more often found on social media than any Internet sites, and it is therefore more direct because it is usually with other people that the user knows. Social media therefore has a critical effect on how people interpret and react to negative messages, and aggression or retaliation is a common result.
“Facebook fights” are very common within the network, whether it be about pop culture or politics, or police brutality. A study done by Gina Masullo Chen explored how people reacted to attacking messages shared via social media. The study showed that “people retaliate only after reporting a shift toward feeling negative emotion” (Chen, 832). Thus means that they were hurt and retorted to attacking messages after experiencing a negative emotion while using social networking. The study also showed support “for the notion that intensity of emotion fuels retaliatory aggression” (Chen 833). There was little changed in positive emotions found in the study when they were hypothesized to decrease while negative emotions increased. The subjects also felt obliged to defend themselves when attacked online.
Negative encounters are more often found on social media than any Internet sites, and it is therefore more direct because it is usually with other people that the user knows. Social media therefore has a critical effect on how people interpret and react to negative messages, and aggression or retaliation is a common result.