Social media influence the way we live our lives and conduct busi- ness. Scholars have discussed the use of social media to build personal and professional relationships, but little attention has been given to the negative aspects of social media. The purpose of this book is to comple- ment the numerous empirical findings on the “bright” side of social media with a less bright perspective. The Dark Side of Social Media involves understanding what research has told us about social media influence on our personal, professional, and public lives and practices. This book is intended for scholars, college students, social media profes- sionals, and members of the general public interested in the social sciences—including media psychology and addiction, interpersonal relationships, consumer behavior, journalism trends, and organizational communication. The book has additional applications in social work, educational psychology, and sociology.
Chapter 1, Social Media and Mental an