Lets face it: social media can be great in so many ways, its probably how you ended up here. But it can also cause a lot of harm. From trolls, to the pressure of posting the perfect selfie, studies have found there is a direct connection between loneliness and depression and social media. Like all other forms of abuse, digital abuse is all about one person trying to gain power in a relationship. Friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, even family relationships should always respect each others boundaries.
So what can you do?
Limit the time you spend on any of your platforms. Got an iPhone? Set limits for yourself. Your phone will notify you when you’ve reached that limit. Just go to settings – screen time – app limits – add limits and pick what app you want to limit and how long you want your limit to be.
Experiencing technological abuse?
This can range from online bullying or harassment to stalking. This type of abuse typically involves verbal and/or emotional abuse.
Signs:
- Telling you who you can or can’t be friends with on social media.
- Sending negative, insulting, or threatening messages through texting or through social media.
- Using social media sites or text messages to keep constant tabs on where you are, who you’re with, and/or what you are doing.
- Putting you down in tweets, status updates, or social media posts.
- Sending unwanted, explicit photos and/or videos.
- Pressuring you to send them explicit photos or videos.
- Stealing or insisting you give them your passwords.
- Constantly texting you and insisting you reply immediately.
- Looking through your phone without your permission.
- Tagging you unkindly in pictures and posts.
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