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!