HabboDefense
Player Safety: Social Media Hygiene
Writer: Player Safety Team
Graphics: saltpocalypse & buckyyyyy
Introduction: Responsible Use of Social Media (ChristianM.0498)
If you look around your home, there is a good chance you’ll find an electronic device that can access the world of social media. Even the device you’re reading this article on can give you access to social media on the internet. A recent study indicates that close to 63% of the world population currently has or has had a social media account of some type. Social media can be a fun and entertaining thing to interact with, but with any fun there is potential for inherent risks.
Being responsible with social media means that you are aware of the positives as well as the negatives of interacting with it. The goal of this article will be to highlight positive uses of social media while also diving deeper into the negative effects that are proven to come with use of social media. We’ll also go over how you can keep a balanced approach and be able to use social media as safely and healthily as possible. Take a quick selfie and get ready; the world of social media is only beginning.
Positives of Social Media (Ghello)
There is no doubt about the popularity of social media, but why do people use it? There can be many different reasons for social media usage and each of these reasons is tied in with a number of benefits of social media use. Knowing the positives of social media will allow you to use social media for your gain, and therefore helps towards using it responsibly.
The main use of social media is communication with friends & family. Social media is a great way to make & maintain connections with those you know, whether they are far away or nearby. This allows us to look after our relationships like never before. Another key reason for social media use is entertainment. Whether it is TikTok, Instagram, Reddit or any other form of social media, it often contains content suited to your likings through their algorithms and many of these platforms specialise in retaining your attention.
Furthermore, social media is used in order to stay up-to-date with the media & for information sharing. This also includes things like debates & sharing your opinion online. Social media is always up to date and allows you to stay connected with the ongoings of the world in close to real-time. It also allows for people to seek those who agree with their opinions- or to argue against those who disagree. Even though this is possible in real life as well, being able to do so from behind your screen makes it more accessible and therefore easier to do.
Of course there are many more reasons for social media usage, these being work-related, posting about yourself, comedic purposes, as well as its use for brands and charities. All of these tie in with the same few benefits of social media: being able to stay connected from behind your device. Even though the right use of social media will allow you to exploit these advantages, it is important to be aware of the negative effects social media has as well, as explained below.
Negative effects of Social Media (S189)
Whilst Social Media is a luxury to us in the modern era, and makes keeping in touch with family and friends instantaneous – it also boasts a lot of disadvantages.
Whilst Social Media is great for keeping in touch with people you know and want to keep in touch with, your social media accounts can open doors to people you don’t want to keep in touch with the very same way. Managing your online privacy is important. Your social media accounts contain as much information as you put on them. Phone numbers, email addresses, home locations, wherever you’ve been or where you’re going, pictures, family members – the list goes on. It’s very important that you contain all of this information, or unsightly parties can use all of this. Stay safe by generally limiting the amount of information you share online, and secure what you do share. We suggest taking the time to review your social media security settings.
Another pressing disadvantage of social media is actually the amount of misinformation you are exposed to during one sitting. Anyone can write up some ludicrous fact and put it in front of your face whilst you’re browsing. False election results are a popular one, and recently the threats of looming world war is another. On a less serious note, you’ll often see fake rumours that your favourite celebrity has passed away, or your favourite snack item is discontinued. What we are getting at here, is that you should always do your own research – and double check everything you read on social media. The massive platform allows misinformation to be spread like wildfire. Don’t get caught out.
Lastly and briefly, mental health is an epidemic closely linked with social media. Our job isn’t to advise on this, but in light of the article it is a massive disadvantage of using social media. You’re in charge, don’t let any of it get under your skin. Look after your privacy, log off, switch off – and practice good Online Hygiene.
Keeping a Balanced Approach (S189)
In the information age, it’s so important for your well-being to keep a balanced approach to using Social Media. Social Media rules the world, and can rule yours too if you don’t put your phone down and set yourself some clear boundaries. We sincerely recommend that you remember that all these applications are just words on a screen – and we have a few tips to keep your social media hygiene squeaky clean!
One of the most important tips is to really consider what you follow on social media. The things you see when you open up your feeds are the things that end up being the wallpaper in your mind-palace. To keep yourself right, follow the right accounts. If you follow users who are negative, post distasteful videos or opinions, or who generally just exercise pessimism – then you’re gonna subconsciously do the same. Follow things that make you happy, make you laugh & smile, things that interest you or relate to your hobbies and pleasures. That way, when you open up your social media – you are grinning, instead of groaning.
Another tip is to limit your screen time, if you can. Once again, our world is full of screens and blue light. The easiest way you can look after your social media space, and keep a balanced mindset towards the real and digital – is to just log out. Turn off your phone’s notifications and computer. We often forget how lovely a walk is, or going to the gym – my personal favourite is walking by the water. The fresh air is like a hard reset! Take frequent breaks from your online personas. Focus on the real and physical often instead of just from time to time, and you will see a difference.
Lastly, we strongly advise that you practice mindful consumption. Social Media and all of its troves actually do have a lasting impact on all of our mental health states. We see all the people, models, bodybuilders and what not – and think, why can’t I be like this? Or we read all the negative comments surrounding world standings, or about anything – and it’s really damaging. Look after yourself and remember that everything your mind consumes is what influences your state of mind and mood.
Conclusion (saltpocalypse)
Social media is a powerful tool that has completely reshaped the way we use the internet. It has become more important than ever to stay informed about its use.
When used responsibly, social media offers countless benefits – such as the ability to connect with your loved ones, staying entertained, and remaining informed on news in real time.
However, the same platforms that help us stay in touch with friends and enjoy our interests.. can expose our personal details, flood us with false information, and impact our self-image. Practicing online hygiene – such as setting boundaries, doing your own research, and taking screen-time breaks – is a great way to enjoy the positive aspects of social media while protecting yourself and your wellbeing.
In conclusion – have fun, but stay safe!