This is a social media trend where people make exaggerated claims about their emotional state\/problems in order to get sympathy. I find this worrying from a number of angles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
My primary concern is that children who actually are feeling low or are suffering from specific mental health problems could be afraid to communicate this for fear of being accused of sadfishing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another fear is for those who indiscriminately post about and exaggerate their emotional problems. They might get a temporary, superficial boost from a high volume of engagement\/comments but they’ll be crushed if responses then dwindle. It\u2019s a catalyst for insecurities\u2026 \u201cDoes nobody care about me anymore?\u201d There could also be the \u2018boy who cried wolf\u2019 effect should they ever have real problems they want to flag. Oversharing and exaggerating can also mask the issues that make children genuinely unhappy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The trend of sadfishing could also discourage children from seeking proper help and advice for anything that\u2019s worrying them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Distorted reality<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nI think one of the major problems with social media is it distorts reality. You all too often see the edited, picture-perfect \u2018best\u2019 version of someone\u2019s life. You seldom see the banal, day-to-day stuff on a person\u2019s social media channels. Children often don\u2019t appreciate this filtering (even if they do it themselves). I\u2019m sure it must lead to feelings of inferiority and the belief that their life isn\u2019t as \u2018good\u2019 or \u2018exciting\u2019 as someone else\u2019s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Obviously sadfishing is the exact opposite. However, it\u2019s still a distortion of reality and is another thing that makes it difficult to distinguish between facts and half-truths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Constant connectivity can actually be exhausting<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nI speak from experience here. I\u2019m a member of a lot of WhatsApp groups; some related to school (three separate classes), some friends and family ones and some for outside interests. They’re all really valuable in different ways, but sometimes it does feel like a barrage when your phone is pinging constantly. Coupled with texts, other messenger services and push alerts from social media platforms and websites it can be all-consuming, and a time drain. It also affects my productivity and ability to focus. I need to alter my habits so I can lead by example and ensure my kids don\u2019t get swallowed up by social media. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Immediacy <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSocial media apps and sites are playing a significant part in breeding a culture where we expect everything instantly. I\u2019m guilty of it too and I\u2019ve witnessed it with my children. I do try to go against the tide and actually make the kids wait for things so we don\u2019t lose the element of suspense, build up and excitement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And don’t get me started on TikTok…l<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\nYou can find out more on promoting safe and responsible use of technology on the Digital Awareness UK<\/a> website.<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\nYou may also like: Things to Consider Before Giving Your Child a Smartphone <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n
I speak from experience here. I\u2019m a member of a lot of WhatsApp groups; some related to school (three separate classes), some friends and family ones and some for outside interests. They’re all really valuable in different ways, but sometimes it does feel like a barrage when your phone is pinging constantly. Coupled with texts, other messenger services and push alerts from social media platforms and websites it can be all-consuming, and a time drain. It also affects my productivity and ability to focus. I need to alter my habits so I can lead by example and ensure my kids don\u2019t get swallowed up by social media. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Immediacy <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSocial media apps and sites are playing a significant part in breeding a culture where we expect everything instantly. I\u2019m guilty of it too and I\u2019ve witnessed it with my children. I do try to go against the tide and actually make the kids wait for things so we don\u2019t lose the element of suspense, build up and excitement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And don’t get me started on TikTok…l<\/a><\/h5>\n\n\n\nYou can find out more on promoting safe and responsible use of technology on the Digital Awareness UK<\/a> website.<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\nYou may also like: Things to Consider Before Giving Your Child a Smartphone <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n
You can find out more on promoting safe and responsible use of technology on the Digital Awareness UK<\/a> website.<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\nYou may also like: Things to Consider Before Giving Your Child a Smartphone <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n
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