You don't have to be surprised by today's blog title. I can assure you that there are challenges this generation are faced with that the previous generations didn't experience.
Just stay with me on this ride.
In case you don't know what Gen Z is, GEN Z (Generation Z) is a term refered to individuals born between 1997 and 2012. It isn't really a professional term used to identify those born in those years but it was coined by few individuals. However, it's use gained wide spread around 2010 to 2015 particularly amongst marketers/advertizers, media outlets, researchers and youngsters especially in social media world.
I said something about the previous generation known as the millennials (those born between 1981 to 1996) who didn't really face the problems of the 'Gen Z's.
"What could it be?"
Simple, SOCIAL MEDIA PRESSURE.
Prior to the 21st century (2000's), it is recorded that the world was already digitalized but the social media emerged and gained prominence in the world from the 2000's.
One of the first social networking platform was called Friendster (2002), the second was called MySpace (2003) and then 'almighty' Facebook was birthed in 2004. Obviously, all other social networks like YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, tiktok followed subsequently.
Why am I taking my time to explain this?
To enable you understand that the social media which aids connectivity, networking, self expression, knowledge sharing and research amongst other advantages has its downside which has devastated thousands, if not millions of young people.
Mind you, this problem affects other generation but it's more prevalent amongst 'Gen Z'.
What problems does social media pressure cause to young people?
• Unhealthy comparison.
I'm sure you've used the social media long enough to realize that comparison is the order of the day if not well managed. Platforms like tiktok, Instagram, Facebook literally dominates our daily life now. Every scroll unveil idealized lifestyles of friends, both known and unknown making users feel their own lives are inadequate. However, that crave to meet up standard or replicate one's glamorous lifestyle displayed by the media skyrockets more at every glance.
To many young folks, it results to
~ Low self esteem
~ Body shaming
~ Greed, envy and jealousy
~ Making bad life decisions (Fraudulent, illegal and irresponsible activities) to meet up standard. Many more negative effects follows.
When your news feed fills your head with lifestyles of other people (beauty, relationship status, luxurious lifestyle), you may find yourself looking down on yourself, your body, ability and status. If it's friends you know, jealousy and envy may set in.
Dear young one...comparison will be a problem as far as the social networks are concerned. Therefore, shut that door tightly and never let it open against you.
• Craving for online validation and acceptance.
I've seen this as a trend in social platforms that almost everyone is anxious for 'likes', 'comments', 'shares' and 'followers' because they want online validation and acceptance from netizens. As a result, young people do very foolish things to satisfy that craving. They create contents that are vulgar, semi porn and other shameful/irrelevant activities just to get those likes and followers.
Dear young one, you don't have to show your body, record semi porn vidoes and do shameful things to get attention from people. You should be loved for good things. You may get that attention you seek now but it won't last. And trust me, you won't be genuinely loved or sponsored for anything good.
First get your motives right, then you'll create right contents (that is, if you're interested in posting contents).
Furthermore, don't let lack of engagements on posts, reels and stories lead you to feelings of rejection and depression. Your self worth isn't tied to online approval or validation.
Your self worth should stem from who you are, your purpose, your goals and dreams and above all, from Jesus Christ. Knowing Christ is the beginning of a life that makes you understand how important you are to the whole earth not just a type of persons.
Get that!
• Strain of mental and physical health
Studies have shown that heavy use of social media leads to increased rates of depression, anxiety and loneliness. Many young people are an emotional wreck because of this problem. Additionally, mental exhaustion goes on and on amongst young folks because of endless addictive scrolling, notifications and algorithm-driven contents.
Physically speaking, overuse of social media affects sleep patterns, increased stress and possibly, burn out.
Dear young one, prioritize your emotional, mental and physical health over the pressures of social media.
I can't possibly exhaust the numerous disadvantages of social media pressure here. Please, just take note of the ones mentioned and make amends if you're guilty of any.
Finally, I want to introduce you to Someone who gives you a sense of worth and can make you feel the whole world is yours of which it's truth. (Psalms 115:16).
His name is Jesus. I'm a true testimony to this. I suffered identity crisis outside Christ. That changed after I received Him. Receive Him today and watch your life and mindset change in the most beautiful way.
I sincerely hope this meet you well. Feel free to ask questions if any arises.
Peace!
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