"Exploring the Complex Link Between Social Media and Mental Well-being"

Social media platforms have become integral parts of our daily lives, enabling us to stay connected with friends, family, and the world at large. However, their pervasive presence has led to questions about their influence on mental well-being. Research suggests that the connection between social media and mental health is intricate and multifaceted.

Expression and Creativity: Individuals can express themselves creatively, promoting self-esteem and self-expression through art, writing, and other forms of content. However, EXPRESSION and CREATIVITY can have a dark side as well in the hands of the wrong person.

Extreme Examples (e.g., January 6): The events of January 6 underscores the influence of social media in mobilizing and coordinating actions based on shared beliefs, even if those beliefs are extreme or based on misinformation. Social media platforms can serve as powerful tools for organizing events and rallies, both peaceful and otherwise. The ease of communication and the speed at which information spreads online can contribute to the rapid mobilization of individuals with similar viewpoints.

I feel the connections people are able to make online anonymously is dangerous. Not to forget to mention who are these people/friends you are connecting with? This is equivalent to stranger danger really, but you feel safe because it's online, eventually dropping all safety precautions in the name of friendship. In actuality, online people can be the created persona that they can convince you they are!

We can use January 6, as an example, extreme but proving the point I'm making.

Before Social Media it would have been much more difficult to get a MOB of Hooligans, like minded with narrow vision, full of anger and hate, to destroy their entire lives and livelihoods because they're upset that their guy didn't win... "Maybe they should have voted instead."

Their guy LOST by several million votes! Don't shoot the messenger... This information was readily available to anyone who wanted it, 24/7... and no you didn't have to be a genius to comprehend the math, or have common sense. You simply needed to turn off FOX News and turn on a reputable news station, there's so many--in the US that is!

No one on planet earth can convince me that they really believe Trump won (I couldn't believe he won the first time)! They had access to the same News, News Feeds, Google, Newspapers, etc. You may not be happy about the outcome of an election, but every 4 years some of us aren't happy about the election outcome, OUR GUY/GIRL DIDN'T WIN EITHER! You can't always win, but you support the President Elect for the sake of your Country and Democracy. Your reaction if you're not mentally ill, should have been DISAPPOINTMENT, not ANGER. "Normal people don't march to the Capitol Building to Hang Mike Pence!" They apparently forgot the date, we are not in the 18th Century.

Social Support: Platforms allow individuals to connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation. In a perfect world this would be a positive, but in the toxic, hateful, cruel environment that has emerged over the last few years, I fail to see the PROS.

We need only look across the pond (UK) as the unhinged source and perfect example of my next point.

Media Bullying and Hate: Examining the Treatment of Harry and Meghan in the UK Press

In recent years, the relationship between the media and public figures has come under scrutiny, with attention often focusing on the treatment of individuals by the press. One glaring example of this is the media coverage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

I will have to state as an American I have never seen anything like this! The closest I can compare it to, was Princess Diana. However, with that said, it proves to be the exact SAME SOURCES of course. The UK Media has always been U N H I N G E D!!!

To add insult to injury, this behavior was occuring all through Harry's life way before meeting Meghan. Meghan was famous but never harassed, hated or bullied--it's simply not an American Phenomenon... and the social media personalities that are jumping on the bandwagon work for the same UK Media, but they are located in the US. This is not Journalism to Americans, it's in the category of SNL (Saturday Night Live), basically comedy and entertainment.

Real Journalists have Degrees, Standards and Morals, and oh yeah Rules to abide by in their profession, not to mention Editor approval. You simply would end your own career - constantly writing about Meghan Markle negatively under a daily basis on a large media platform in the US. It simply wouldn't and doesn't make any sense. Meghan is an Actress, not a Politician, she has no control of your life on a daily basis. There would be no logical reason to drag Meghan through the mud everyday!

Point being, if you can harass Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, where is the line that shouldn't be crossed, who is safe? Leading to my next point that all of this has caused in the world, SUICIDES... You may have heard of Caroline Flack in the UK. Simply put, they harassed her to death, literally!

Media Bullying, Hate, and Tragic Consequences: Exploring the Link to Suicides

The media's impact on individuals' mental health and well-being cannot be underestimated. In some distressing cases, relentless media bullying and hate have been linked to tragic outcomes, including suicide. This examines the distressing phenomenon of media-induced harm, highlighting the need for responsible journalism and increased awareness of its potential consequences.

Media outlets hold substantial influence over public discourse and perceptions. However, the power of the media comes with a profound responsibility to report fairly, accurately, and ethically. Cases where media bullying and hate contribute to mental distress and even suicide highlight the dire consequences of irresponsible journalism.

I just watched the beautiful documentary HEART OF INVICTUS on Netflix. I cannot imagine how unhinged a person would have to be to come out and say anything negative about this wonderful achievement by Prince Harry. Let's keep an informed eye on the UK Media reaction... I can assure you, it will be negative, no concern about the Veterans, their coverage or lack thereof will be the opposite of what everyone else experienced--YET AGAIN!