Over the last few years social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, YouTube and Face- book have had a powerful impact on society.

Many people use social media for different rea- sons like sharing valuable and entertaining contentto others; to define themselves; to grow and nourishrelationships and to get the word out about brands and causes they like to support. These factors haveinfluenced social media networks to develop from be- ing a way to keep in touch with friends and family to being used in ways that have a real impression on the public.

However, social media has caused more bad then good. Depression, anxiety, cyberbullying, FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), unrealistic expectations, nega- tive body image, unhealthy sleep patterns, and gen- eral addiction are some examples.

Social media can be a safe haven for people trying to make new friends. In fact, it made making friends easier. However, it also makes it easier for bullies tofind their victims. Cyberbullying is one of the main causes of depression and anxiety. It is affecting bothkids and adults.

FOMO is the most negative effect that social plat- forms cause. This can cause anxiety from the fear of missing out on a good event or emotion that someone else is getting.

This next cause is not a surprise. Social mediahelps influences unrealistic expectations of friend- ships and life. Youtubers make this easy along with Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. All social media platforms lack online accuracy. One way to help pre- vent this is to stop lying.

I’ll admit, before my junior year I was addicted to social media. I would always be on Instagram seeing what Tom Holland, “Spiderman: Homecoming” actor ,was doing, tweeting about what I ate for breakfast, or even watching YouTube during class. I was seriously addicted.

Then I started to realize how affecting social me- dia is physically and mentally. My sleep schedule was terrible; one night I would get the normal, eight hours of sleep, but then the next night I would get two hours of sleep. During school I could never focus because I was always anxious about what people were posting.

I realized this unhealthy addiction my junior year. I deleted Facebook, along with four Instagram ac- counts, and one Twitter account. Social media is not a good thing.

I have witnessed people getting bullied, having depression and setting unrealistic expectations. There are more important things to do then sit around and look at your phone.

Do me a favor, the next time you go on social me- dia, stop and think if you have any of these symp- toms.

Remember that everyone who has social media probably has one of these symptoms. If you do, then I recommend taking a break from all social media plat- forms.

When I took a break, I got closer with my family and friends. Now I try to limit the amount of time I spend of social media and spend more time with my friends and family. I’m even considering getting rid of all social media so I can live in the moment.