Problem Solution Essay Draft 2

For this essay, discuss a problem arising from the use of social media and its impact on individuals and/or society in a particular country. Identify existing solutions and propose possible new measures that could be implemented to address that problem. Be sure to integrate information from appropriate sources into your essay.

Nowadays, teenagers are in constant contact with one another through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc. The global epidemic of social comparison on social media among teenage users has detrimental effects on the self-esteem of the user. Although temporary solutions to the problem do exist, a change in the way we use and perceive social media is the only way to solve this issue.  

Before delving into an explanation of the problem, I would like to explain the concept of Social Comparison, a theory essential in understanding how social media influences our self-esteem. According to the Social Comparison Theory, people determine their social and personal worth by comparing themselves to others (What is Social Comparison Theory, n.d). By looking at a friend’s latest holiday pictures or party videos, teens are bound to compare themselves with the poster, and thus, to his or her experiences. A study by German universities in 2013 found that viewing peoples’ profiles on Facebook triggers feelings of envy and resentment (Woda, 2014). In turn, these feelings cause self-reflection and self-valuation of the follower. As teens are constantly viewing their friends’ profiles on social media platforms, this is a daily struggle for them.

An ideal solution for the long run would be alternating perspectives of the teens themselves. If teens were to determine their usage of social media for positive purposes to learn more about people, foster their hobbies and connect with friends, the problem would be solved. However, this is easier said than done. Our society is one that allows and, at times, even encourages social comparison. Judgment is a part of everyday life, something that “everyone” indulges in. So a teen could ask, “Why should I stop comparing myself with someone else, when they’re still comparing themselves to me?”. Raising awareness is essential in the curbing the negative use of social media. Youngsters start using social media on entering middle school with no supervision or knowledge of what they’re getting themselves into. Social Media Education could inform potential users of harm these platforms can cause if not used properly.

While the aforementioned seems foolproof, it could only work in a permanent setting. Thus, the initial steps to solve the problem are not to attack its root, but to chop off the weeds infecting it first. New social media platforms could be created which encourage more self-expression and less self-valuation and judgment. Platforms independent of the social pressure of likes and followers would allow individuals to express themselves freely and view social media in a positive way. However, such platforms may not be popular amongst those who are determined to use social media for social comparison purposes. This is where new age marketing plays an important role. At present, a good marketing team is all it takes to elevate a brand.

Additionally, alternative methods of self-expression should be encouraged amongst young kids and adolescents. Blogs and support groups should be promoted to allow catharsis. A downside of this could be that the settings may be too convoluted. Painting, music and dance forms could have a doubled effect of cathartic experiences and in boosting of the teen’s self-esteem.  

Parents are important figures of guidance and counseling, especially during adolescent years. According to Woda (2014), parents should not only monitor the amount of their teen spends online, but what they do during that time. The quality of social media has a direct relationship with self-esteem, thus, it can work as a booster of it instead (Woda, 2014). Parents should also be friendly figures in encouraging their children to develop their own personalities and make it clear to them to take social media activities lightly (Woda, 2014).

Although tangible efforts to reduce social comparison on social media may temporarily reduce harsh effects on self-esteem and self-perception of the user, only a change of how one is determined to use social media can permanently eradicate the problem. 

References

Dr. Patti M. Valkenburg, Jochen Peter, and Alexander P. Schouten. CyberPsychology & Behavior. October 2006, 9(5): 584-590. doi:10.1089/cpb.2006.9.584.

Lavine, L. (2014, March 10). Want to be happier? Stop comparing yourself to what you see on Social Media . Retrieved from http://www.fastcompany.com/3027380/want-to-be-happier-stop-comparing-yourself-to-what-you-see-on-social-media

What is Social Comparison Theory. (n.d). Retrieved from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/social-comparison-theory

Woda, S. (2014, May 21). Does Social Media Use Impact My Kid's Self-Esteem. Retrieved from uknowkids: http://resources.uknowkids.com/blog/does-social-media-use-impact-my-kids-self-esteem

Problem Solution Essay Draft 1

Nowadays, teenagers are in constant contact with one another through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc. The global epidemic of social comparison on social media among teenage users has detrimental effects on the self-esteem of the user.

Before delving into an explanation of what the above sentence means, I would like to explain the concept of Social Comparison. It is the theory that we determine our social and personal worth by comparing ourselves to others (). By looking at a friend’s latest holiday pictures or party videos, teens are bound to compare themselves with the poster. A study by German universities in 2013 found that viewing peoples’ profiles on Facebook triggered feelings of envy and resentment (). In turn, these feelings cause self-reflection and self-valuation of the follower. As teens are constantly viewing their friends’ profiles on social media platforms, this is a daily struggle.

An ideal solution for the long run would be alternating perspectives of the teens themselves. If teens were to determine their usage of social media for positive purposes to learn more about people, foster their hobbies and connect with friends, the problem would be solved. However, this is easier said than done. Our society is one that allows and at times even encourages social comparison. Judgment is a part of everyday life, something that “everyone” indulges in. So a teen could ask, “Why should I stop comparing myself with someone else, when they’re still comparing themselves to me?”. Raising awareness is essential in the curbing the negative use of social media. Youngsters start using social media on entering middle school with no supervision or knowledge of what they’re getting themselves into. Social Media Education could inform potential users of harm these platforms can cause if not used properly.

While the aforementioned seems foolproof, it could only work in a permanent setting. Thus, the initial steps to solve the problem are not to attack its root, but to chop off the weeds infecting it first. New social media platforms could be created which encourage more of self-expression and less self-valuation and judgment. Platforms independent of the social pressure of likes and followers would allow individuals to express themselves freely and view social media in a positive way. However, such platforms may not be popular among those who are determined to use social media for social comparison purposes.

Additionally, alternative methods of self-expression should be encouraged amongst young kids and adolescents. Blogs and support groups should be encouraged as means for such purposes to allow catharsis. A downside of this could be that the settings may be too convoluted. Painting, music and dance forms are creative methods of self-expression that could be cathartic as well as boost self-esteem of teens.

Studies do show that there are positive effects of social media…focus on those.

Conclusion:

Thesis: Although tangible efforts to reduce social comparison on social media may temporarily reduce harsh effects on self-esteem and self-perception of the user, only a change of how one is determined to use social media can permanently eradicate the problem.  

*Still need to structure, complete and add references!

An Influential Event

My parents’ decision to move back to India in 2003 was indeed a life changer for me. At the tender age of 8, this seemed like the work of the devil. To be separated from all my friends and replace my comfortable surroundings with the chaotic Indian lifestyle was definitely not what I wanted.

Living in India did have its perks, which were not so apparent to me at that age. Firstly, it gave me the opportunity to grow up with my grandparents and relatives as important figures in my life. The past ten years would not have been the same without their guidance and regular family gatherings. Secondly, I feel like moving to India is the reason I know my country the way I do today. The connection with one's roots, in terms of culture, language, heritage, as well as a strong emotional bond, is key in shaping one's own experiences. I am proud to say that, even though my Hindi is not perfect and I do not know all that there is to know about India’s culture, India is my home.

In terms of life goals, living in India is sparked my interest in developmental economics. Seeing such diverse socio-economic situations and the stark reality of unequal distribution of income fired a passion in me to study economics. 

Ultimately, I am grateful of my parents' decision to raise me in India. It has changed the person I am and the person I will be.