2. There seems to be a societal tendency to focus on the
way social media negatively affects its users …
Photo by Plymouth District Library
3. But studies have
shown that social
media has some
positive
psychological
benefits as well.
Photo by Tookapic
4. We use media to meet
our individual needs:
Facebook shows us a
positive version of
ourselves that boosts our
self-esteem.[3]
Photo by Jeshoots
5. A survey of college
students indicated
that the heaviest
Facebook users
were most satisfied
with their lives and
exhibited greater
social and political
engagement.[8]
Photo by Kaboompics
6. Certain types of Facebook
use allow for students to
be better integrated into the
college community because
Facebook:
• Provides a venue for
acquiring information
about social events.
• Strengthens social ties
with newly introduced
classmates.[1]
Photo by Pixabay
7. Introverted
adolescents can
gain social skills by
using social media
because shy
individuals may feel
safer behind a
computer/phone
screen.[5]
Photo by Unsplash
8. Facebook and related social networking sites
allow users to selectively browse through and
reflect on their best moments …[7]
Photo by Picjumbo.com
15. 83% of teen social media users say
social media makes them feel more connected
to information about their friends’ lives.[2]
Photo by Stokpic
16. 68% of teen social media users have
had people on the platforms support them
through tough or challenging times.[2]
Photo by Stokpic
17. Social media
can be relied on
as a coping
strategy by
adolescents
who feel
isolated and
alone.[4]
Photo by Jeshoots
18. In order for
social media
to benefit us,
we need to
learn how to
use it safely.[4]
Photo by Magicatwork
19. Some tips for using social media safely and healthily:
• Remember that you are the boss of your technology, not the other way around.
• Give yourself permission to take a technology break, if needed.
• How you use your social media is unique to you and your goals – don’t use others’ behaviour
to determine your own.
• Keep a social media diary to track how it makes you feel.[6]
Photo by Pixabay
20. References
1. Ellison, N. B., Steinfield, C., & Lampe, C. (2007). The benefits of Facebook “friends:” Social capital and college
students’ use of online social network sites. Journal of Computer‐Mediated Communication, 12(4), 1143-1168.
2. Lenhart, A. (2015). Teens, technology, and friendships. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from
http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/08/06/teens-technology-and-friendships/#
3. Matrix, S. (2017). Media use research part 2 of 2 [Vimeo video]. Retrieved from OnQ course website:
https://onq.queensu.ca/d2l/le/content/71613/viewContent/860602/View
4. Payne, E. (2015, Aug 08). Teens' poor mental health linked to social media use. The Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved
from https://search-proquest-com.proxy.queensu.ca/docview/1702249271?accountid=6180
5. Probst, C. (2015). 10 ways social media affects our mental health. Degreed. Retrieved from
http://blog.degreed.com/10-ways-social-media-affects-our-mental-health/
6. Rutledge, P.B. (2013). The healthy use of social media. Psychology Today. Retrieved from
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/positively-media/201310/the-healthy-use-social-media
7. Schacter, H. (2015). Me, myselfie, and I: The psychological impact of social media activity. Psychology in Action.
Retrieved from http://www.psychologyinaction.org/2015/09/07/me-myselfie-and-i-the-psychological-impact-of-
social-media-activity/
8. Valenzuela, S., Park, N., & Kee, K. F. (2009). Is there social capital in a social network site?: Facebook use and
college students’ life satisfaction, trust, and participation. Journal of Computer‐Mediated Communication, 14(4),
875-901.
All images have Creative Commons licenses, sourced from Flickr and Pexels.