FILM 240 Assignment 2 - Flipbook Queen's University, Canada

1. The Psychological
Benefits of Social
Media
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2. There seems to be a societal tendency to focus on the
way social media negatively affects its users …
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3. But studies have
shown that social
media has some
positive
psychological
benefits as well.
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4. We use media to meet
our individual needs:
Facebook shows us a
positive version of
ourselves that boosts our
self-esteem.[3]
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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]
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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]
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7. Introverted
adolescents can
gain social skills by
using social media
because shy
individuals may feel
safer behind a
computer/phone
screen.[5]
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8. Facebook and related social networking sites
allow users to selectively browse through and
reflect on their best moments …[7]
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9. This reflection
can promote
self-affirmation
(awareness of
one’s own
value).[7]
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10. Social media has also influenced modern day
friendships …
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11. 57% of teens ages 13 to 17
have made a new friend online.[2]
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12. 64% of teens who have made a
friend online met him or her via social
media (Facebook or Instagram).[2]
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13. 72% of all teens spend time
with friends via social media.[2]
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14. These social
media-focused
friendships can
have positive
benefits for the
individual …
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15. 83% of teen social media users say
social media makes them feel more connected
to information about their friends’ lives.[2]
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16. 68% of teen social media users have
had people on the platforms support them
through tough or challenging times.[2]
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17. Social media
can be relied on
as a coping
strategy by
adolescents
who feel
isolated and
alone.[4]
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18. In order for
social media
to benefit us,
we need to
learn how to
use it safely.[4]
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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]
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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.