The complicated truth about social media and body image

If you mindlessly scroll through Instagram or Facebook whenever you get a few seconds of downtime, you’re far from alone. But have you ever wondered how all those images of other people’s bodies – whether your friend’s holiday snap or a celebrity’s gym selfie – could be affecting how you view your own? Much has been made over the years about how mainstream media presents unrealistic beauty standards in the form of photoshopped celebrities or stick-thin fashion models. Now that influencers fill up our feeds, it’s easy to imagine that…

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SBI warns customers about fraudsters and fake social media accounts

New Delhi: State Bank of India (SBI) has advised its customers to interact with only verified and official handles of SBI to avoid fraud. In a recent tweet, SBI said: ‘Always check for the verified ‘tick’ sign before you follow, tag and interact with banking officials through their social media accounts.’ “Do not invest your time and money interacting with fake accounts on social media. Follow, tag and interact with only the verified, official handles of SBI, to ensure that your comments, complaints, and enquiries get adequately addressed and you are not scammed…

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Can social media really cause depression?

The notion that social media has a negative impact on mental well-being is widespread. The researchers who conducted a new long-term study, however, say that this might not be the case. A new study examined the role of social media in depression. The supposed effects of social media on young people sound drastic enough to make anyone switch off their cell phone. Some studies have indicated that young people can develop an addiction to social media. Meanwhile, other studies have linked this with poor sleep, poor self-esteem, and potentially poor mental health. However, new research…

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Social media putting young people off alcohol, C&C warned

Social media culture is putting people off alcohol, posing challenges to Bulmers-maker C&C, analysts at investment bank Berenberg have told clients. Shares in the company fell 2.6pc in Dublin yesterday after the analysts cut their rating on the company’s stock to ‘sell’. C&C’s stock has been boosted since its acquisition of UK wholesaler Matthew Clark Bibendum, but Berenberg believes market expectations for the company are too high. It says the company’s drinks brands – including Bulmers and Magners cider and Tennent’s lager – are facing structural challenges due to demographics.…

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DUA LIPA BEMOANS THE ‘HATEFUL’ WORLD OF SOCIAL MEDIA

NEW YORK – Pop star Dua Lipa has hit out at social media, saying she is sick of the “hate” on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. The 23-year-old pop star has taken to her Twitter account to bemoan the negativity that exists on various social media platforms, urging her followers to “do something nice” rather criticise perceived imperfections. She wrote: “Takes 10 seconds on the tl to see people comparing women and their wrinkles. I hope everyone engaging in this toxic ass behaviour stays plump af for the rest of…

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Social media for public employees

Social media is a virtual world that can have real-life consequences. Facebook, Twitter and other online platforms are considered public space, and controversial statements from employees can have negative effects on their employer.  The Times inquired about social media policies at local municipalities, police and fire departments, school districts and a private business. Fire department  Fire Chief Ryan Volz said they’ve had issues in the past with firefighters posting inappropriate things on Facebook. He’s gotten a few calls from residents complaining about firefighters’ online conduct.  “Being in the public eye…

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