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Kayla Salcido
Professor Donald Weyl
ENC 1101
31 August 2014
Do Facebook and Other Social Media Do More Harm Than Good?
Throughout the year 1993, which was when the first major computer service named
CompuServe was created, until today, there have been many advancements in technology. Social
media networking sites have caused great harm to our generation. Myspace, Facebook, Pinterest,
Tumblr, Instagram and many more social media sites all have one thing in common: the ability to
create a profile and connect with other people. Social media is defined as websites and other
online means of communication that are used by large groups of people to share information and
to develop social and professional contacts (Random House Dictionary). Although there are
advantages to social media, there are an equal number of disadvantages. Social media does more
harm than good as it can lead children and teens to being less social, creating false accounts, and
cyberbullying.
In todays society, food can be ordered online, help can be received over the phone, and
even jobs are beginning to take advantage of the strong connections of the Internet. With access
to such Internet, people can do practically anything. According to a study published in the
Journal of Computers in Human Behavior, there are several reports stating that teenagers would
rather use digital communication than talking to someone directly (Negative Effect of Social
Media). Teens now lack confidence when it comes to face-to-face interactions and they no
longer want to participate in interviews, speak in front of small and large crowds, or interact with

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people who they have never met before. In fact, in many cases, these effects can lead to
loneliness and depression.
As of August 1st, 2014, Facebook estimated that 83.09 million accounts are false accounts
(Protanlinski). Almost nine percent of the accounts on Facebook are not actually the people they
claim to be. On August 4, 2014, a man named Peter Chapman was sentenced to 35 years in jail
after committing murder on Ashleigh Hal, a mere 17 year old. Chapman convinced Ashleigh to
meet him prior to making her believe he was also a teenager through the use of a fake Facebook
profile (Facebook Killer). However, this is not a rare situation as there have been many
incidents involving teens being convinced into believing that the person they are speaking to is
just another teenager like them. Although, in reality, this other person is not who the teen thinks
they are speaking to as it is often an older adult. Many times a teenager will begin speaking to
this other teen on a daily basis over social media, and eventually trust them enough to share
personal information. Sometimes this victim will share their home address, phone number, and
other information that they would not want anyone else to know. Nonetheless, because this is not
who the teenager believes they are speaking to, many times the other person will share such
information with others or even use it to their personal advantage.
It only takes a few short words to lower a persons self-esteem and bring them to tears.
Before social media was introduced to society, bullying was a face-to-face confrontation. In
some more rare cases, it even led to physical abuse. However, within the last few years,
teenagers have found ways to bully their peers in 140 characters or less, which is now known as
cyberbullying. Cyberbullying has recently become a large issue, with an astounding 42%
reporting that they have been a victim of some form of this abuse (Suicide Prevention). Bullies
often belittle, tease, and go as far as harassing their innocent victim. In many cases, the bully will

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continually harasses their victim thus pushing them to what they believe to be the only way out
of their nightmare: suicide. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is
the third leading cause of death among teenagers resulting in approximately 4,400 deaths each
year. These statistics prove that cyberbullying is more harmful than it is helpful, especially to
teens who strive to fit in with those around them.
In conclusion, although social media has few benefits, they fail to balance out with the
harmful effects it has been proven to cause. Social media is more harmful than it is helpful as it
often leads to disorders in children and teenagers being less social. This is because they have
become so accustomed to controlling their lives over the internet that real-life confrontations
seem to hold no purpose. Social media has also led to false profiles, thus placing teens in
potentially harmful situations. Lastly, it can lead to cyberbullying which may further result in
suicide. Many do not discern or even recognize all the harm that social networking sites cause.
Impacting this generation tremendously, they have done more harm to todays younger age
groups and we should not allow these alarming statistics to continue rising with time.

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Works Cited
Facebook Killer Peter Chapman 'Slipped Away From Police. BBC News England. BBC, 2011.
Web. 27 Oct. 2014.
Haris, Nadia. Face-to-Face Communication in Teens. Global Post: Americas World News
Site.

Demand Media, 2013. Web. 27 Oct. 2014. (SCF).

Protanlinski, Emil. Facebook: 8.7 percent are fake users. CNET Interactive, 2014. Web. 27
Oct.

2014.

Social Media. Random House Dictionary. Web. 27 Oct. 2014.

Suicide Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Health Center,
2014. Web. 27 Oct. 2014.
The Negative Effect of Social Media on Society and Individuals. Chron. Houston Chronicle,
2014. Web. 27 Oct. 2014.