Social media is addictive. Social media is actually considered a drug. It slowly affects people in many different ways, starting at the mental stage, and later finishing at the physical stage. It affects the manner that people view themselves and others. Online profiles are self-obsessive and never satisfied (Social Media Addiction). Social media is the most widely consumed harmful drug of the 21st century, affecting the addict's mental, social, and emotional well-being.

Social media is a drug that negatively influences the user’s mental health. A recent study shows that 63% of Americans log onto Facebook at least once a day, while 40% log on more than once a day. Most people use social media naturally for the same intent: “distraction and boredom relief”. In addition, social media affects the same area of the brain as drugs and alcohol: the brain’s “reward” system. This reward system causes the addict to come back for more.

Social media negatively impacts social behaviors. Social media causes people to compare their lives with others. It makes people think less of their own lives when they observe others having a fun time. This can result in a lack of confidence in day to day interactions. Individuals use social media as a way to promote oneself and to speak to an audience, in attempt to find social acceptance with every “like” or “favorite.” People’s self-esteem boosts when others accept them. However, results become more amplified when people do not accept them.

Emotionally, social media leaves it’s users with a sense of unhappiness. A University of Michigan study showed that devoted Facebook users were overall more depressed, compared to less avid users. Social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, are used as an outlet of distraction. Many consumers feel that social media will fulfill them emotionally when they are having a rough day, but ultimately, it will leave them feeling more empty than before.

Social networking targets the individual’s self-esteem. One way social media affects one’s self-esteem is through advertisements. Ads are designed to cause the viewer to think or feel a particular way. For example, companies use celebrities to promote merchandise. This gives users the feeling of missing out. Most people post to boast to friends of how “perfect” their lives may be. This causes people to compare their lives to one another, struggling to prove that their lives are superior. The energy-draining contest leaves users in a constant state of anxiety.

In conclusion, self worth should not begin with how many “likes” or “favorites” one receives on a post. Social media is a helpful tool, but should be used cautiously and limitated. Too much of something can be harmful to an individual’s well-being. I believe that social media should evolve to influence people in a healthy way. Currently, it causes most users to be anxious and depressed. I predict that the social media industry will not be changing its motives anytime soon. Major corporations are generating millions of dollars of ad revenue while profile users remain addicted in the pursuit of acceptance.