Do you think that social media plays a big role in one’s life?
Without the presence of social media in today's world, you are sitting in the dark because people use it for everything – business, relationships and getting known.
KHOLOFELO MBATHA: I think that social media plays a big role in one's self-esteem. You never live a life of normalcy because you're always going to be in that world where you compare yourself to others which can make you feel incompetent. Social media can show you the best of the best and also display a lot of negative content. People should try to balance and understand that social media is not real life. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula
With the rise of social media, one can assume that the platform can impact a lot of decisions that an individual makes in society. The Sandton Chronicle asked the youth: What is your take on the effect social media has on an individual’s confidence and self-esteem?
BRIAN CHITSA: Without the presence of social media in today’s world, you are sitting in the dark because people use it for everything– business, relationships and getting known. The bad side of social media is that you can quickly compare yourself to others which can take a serious toll on one’s self-esteem. It is good and bad. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula
REBECCA KAY VAN RENSBURG: I don’t think that social media is an issue but it can influence one’s self-esteem. For young girls who are using social media, they are most likely to look at an Instagram model that has so many filters on and question their own beauty which will drop their confidence. The other factor which I believe can lower someone’s self-esteem is comments on posts. You get mean-spirited users who will take their time to rate someone’s beauty.