PSY 215 Module Two Milestone Template
To complete this milestone, review the Pew Research article “Social Media and the Cost of Caring,”
linked in this assignment in your course. As you weigh the costs and benefits of frequent exposure to
social media, respond to each of the rubric criteria with a minimum of 3 to 5 sentences. Support your
position with credible sources when appropriate. Complete this template by replacing the bracketed
text with the relevant information.
According to the findings of the Pew Research study, there are several potential costs and
benefits that result from frequent exposure to social media.
oDescribe one psychological benefit of frequent social media use.
A psychological benefit of frequent social media use is a greater awareness of important
life events of friends and family members. Social media users are often more aware of
the struggles and the achievements of their friends and family members. This could
create a greater sense of connection which increases options to offer support and
comfort. (Hampton et al., 2015)
oDescribe one psychological cost of frequent social media use.
A psychological cost of frequent social media use is a concept known as “The cost of
caring.” This means that an increase in the awareness of other people’s stressful life
events has been known to increase our own psychological stress. A heightened
awareness of other people’s struggles can be contagious and can have possible negative
outcomes such as depression. This exposure to someone else’s stressful life events can
negatively impact our own well-being. (Hampton et al., 2015)
At the end of the study overview on page 3, the researchers discuss the notion of stress being
contagious.
oDescribe what the research findings tell us about the link between our awareness of
other people’s stressful life events on social media and increases in our own stress.
The research findings suggest a link between our awareness of negative stressful life
events on social media and our own stress. The study indicates that emotions, including
stress, can be contagious through social networks. The awareness of stressful events of
others can amplify our own stress. Increased exposure to negative stressful events on
social media can negatively impact our own well-being and increase the risk for physical
and psychological problems associated with stress. (Hampton et al., 2015)
We often refer to our involvement in social media groups as being a member of a community.
oDescribe how social media can promote the levels of education and awareness that
help to enhance well-being.
Social media provides a platform for sharing information and gives individuals access to
increased knowledge and different perspectives. By better understanding diverse topics
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individuals are able to enhance personal development. Through social media individuals
can also connect with others and share experiences as well as offer support to one
another. Ultimately, this will all lead to an improved well-being. (Hampton et al., 2015)
Despite the positive intent of some social media influencers, their messages don’t always
promote empathy, diversity, and inclusion.
oIf you were a social media influencer, describe how you would use social media to
enhance compassion and empathy for all people who struggle with psychological
disorders.
If I were a social media influencer, I would use social media to enhance compassion and
empathy for those who struggle with psychological disorders in several ways. I would
first educate my audience about psychological disorders. Many people fear what they
do not understand and by increasing knowledge of psychological disorders we are able
to eliminate a lot of fear which in turn could help reduce stigma associated with these
disorders. I would also share personal stories in hopes of encouraging empathy and
promoting compassion. It is easier to relate to others when we have similar experiences.
By sharing personal stories people might be able to compare experiences of those with
psychological disorders to experiences of their own, improving their understanding and
creating more empathy. (Hampton et al., 2015)
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References
Hampton, K., Rainie, L., Lu, W., Shin, I., & Purcell, K. (2015, January 15). The cost of
caring. Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech.
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2015/01/15/the-cost-of-caring/
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