How media affects children's well-being

Hello guys!😊

In this blog post, I will be briefly focusing on how social media affects children in psychological, physical and social ways. 

I also will be talking about guidelines offered for parents, and what is my opinion on those. 

So I found this research online, which is made by Niina Paalimäki (Opinnäytetyö Huhtikuu 2015). In the research it is said that social media can affect children's self-esteem, body image, mental health and cognitive skills.

Psychological effects

1. Self-esteem

 Social media adds a sense of belonging and thereby improves children's self-esteem. It can also have negative effects. For example, some children might experience cyber bullying, which can lead to low self-esteem.

2. Body image

In the research it is considered that media has both positive and negative effects on body image. There are lots of unrealistic beauty standards going around the internet, and it can be harmful to children's body image. They might be comparing themselves with celebrities for example. But social media can have positive effects on body image. There are, for example, movements which are all about body positivity. These type of moments can help children love themselves the way they are.

3. Mental health

 Watching a lot of TV can increase children's psychological distress. One of the most significant concerns is the potential for cyber bullying, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

4. Cognitive skills

Excessive early exposure to television can diminish a child's concentration skills. Children have the tendency to absorb and adopt behaviors, both positive and negative, from others on social media. While social media usage may promote multitasking, studies indicate that multitasking can negatively impact cognitive performance, potentially leading children to face challenges in efficiently handling multiple tasks simultaneously.

Physical effects

1. Physical activity

Abundant media use can reduce children's physical activity, and little exercise has a negative effect on physical health. This can lead to obesity and other heath issues.

2. Sleep disorders

The use of electronic devices for social media, especially before bedtime, exposes individuals to blue light, which can disrupt the circadian rhythm and interfere with sleep quality. Poor sleep has physical implications for overall health. Also if the child watches violent media content it can lead to sleep disorders.

Social effects

1. Friendships

Study shows that social media increases friendships. Social media was also considered to facilitate the maintenance of relationships and to have a positive effect on the quality of relationships. While social media enhances virtual connections, it can also contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness, especially if users perceive that others have more vibrant social lives.

My opinion on guidelines for parents😊

So there is this online handbook for parents that tries educate the parents how they can set healthy boundaries between the children and social media use. The text is by: Experts from the National Audiovisual Institute’s Department for Media Education and Audiovisual Media (MEKU) and it is 24 pages long.

I do think that it might be helpful to parents. I do not have kids on my own, but if I end up having children in the future, these type of guidebooks would be helpful to me. Of course If the parents already have a clear way how they want their children to use social media then it is not helpful. 

Thank you for reading 😊

-Julia

From Bulky TVs to Digital Delights: Navigating My Media Life

In this media evolution, my journey has witnessed remarkable transformations, from the days of bulky televisions to the seamless digital experiences of today. Let's embark on a nostalgic tour through the various phases of my media life.

• Radio to Walkman

My very first exposure to media came from the Radio, a constant companion of yesteryears, filled our homes with Sinhala melodies and stories throughout the day. Its timeless allure dominated before the era of television. Then entered the Walkman, a revolutionary shift, a must have by the "cool guys" 😂 The once vibrant radio still resides in our home, quietly resting in a corner, retired peacefully.

• The Bulky Era of Television 
  

Remember the days when television was a colossal piece of furniture, dominating our living rooms?  About 20 years ago in Sri Lanka, the only channel sprang to life in the evenings, and the ritual began with the solemnity of the news. As a child, the excitement of gathering around the TV, waiting for it to illuminate my sister's & my world, was unmatched. 

• Unveiling Cinematic Magic in Video Cassette Players

Enter the era of video cassette players, the gateways to a world of cinematic wonders. Watching films meant navigating through the labyrinth of cassette tapes, with each movie becoming a treasured possession. The anticipation as the tape whirred to life marked the beginning of countless movie nights (during our school holidays, obviously ! 😅)

• The Email : Professional Lifeline 
  

Email seamlessly integrated into my life, transitioning from an exciting digital novelty to an indispensable tool. I still remember the day I made my first official email, just as a requirement for my IT subject at school. Initially no emails came (except from Google) and it was stagnant for a while but Phew !! now you got to see my inbox!! It's out of storage !!! (still in the process of cleaning files 😅). This is because evolving beyond personal use, email became vital in my profession to collaborate with my colleagues.

• Facebook's Teenage Trial

As a teenager, the digital revolution took a significant leap with the advent of Facebook. Tentative steps into this new realm involved creating a profile, connecting with friends, and navigating the uncharted territory of social networking. Little did I know that this platform would become a staple in most of our daily digital diet.

• The Rise of WhatsApp  
  

Communication underwent a paradigm shift with the rise of WhatsApp. Texting evolved into instant messaging, and the app became the lifeline for staying connected with friends and family. The convenience of real-time communication reshaped the way we interacted, making distance insignificant. My use of Whatsapp increased as I began to work  in the UAE, where almost everyone, even businesses use Whatsapp as the main mode of communication. 

• Netflix: My Digital Haven

In the realm of entertainment, Netflix emerged as a game-changer. Most of my free time is now spent exploring its vast library of shows and movies. The ability to binge-watch entire seasons, discover new genres, and personalize viewing preferences has made Netflix an integral part of my digital sanctuary. If not for Netflix, I wouldn't have survived this loneliness I feel being away from my family ... 😪

My media journey summarizes the evolution from the bulky TV era to the digital age, where every click opens doors to a world of possibilities. As technology continues to redefine our interactions, I eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this ever-evolving narrative, embracing the innovations that await in the dynamic realm of media. I hope it is an app where we can communicate with our families in a 3D form.. 😃😃😃 Now.. that would be the day !! 😁

My media life

 

My media life

Hey,

I am Julia and I will tell you about my media life!💕

So the first thing I can recall as my first media experience is when I got my first phone when I was around ten or eleven years old. I remember that it was a very exciting thing. It was this Nokia phone and the color was turquoise. I used the phone to call my friends and I used to play games with it. That is how my media life started.

As I got older, the technology started to develop more and new things came around. I remember we had the first PlayStation. We used to play with my brother almost everyday with the console. The Wii-console was also a very used thing in my family.😊

So now that I am almost 22 years old, I use all kinds of social media platforms everyday and media has become a very big part of my life. I feel like these days you can not escape the media.

The apps I use the most are Snapchat, Tiktok and Discord I think. I use Snapchat to communicate with my friends and I use it everyday. Tiktok is a platform where you can watch videos and you can make them yourself. It has become a very popular app and seems like everyone uses it. It is very addicting😄 I also play video games with my friends often and we use the app Discord to communicate while playing.

As a media user, I think I am a very active one. To me using media is a way for communicating, sharing ideas and looking up new information. 

My Social Media Life

 

I first got into social media when a friend told me about Orkut, a site that promised to connect people in new ways. Excited to try it out, I made a profile, carefully picking a good picture and writing about my teen self. Orkut let me connect with friends, classmates, and new people worldwide – like a virtual playground for chatting and making friends.

One cool thing on Orkut was the testimonials. It was like the notes we passed in class but digital. Friends wrote nice messages on my profile, and I did the same, creating a digital scrapbook of memories. Checking for new messages or updating my status became a daily routine I loved.

As I got more into social media, I discovered Blogao. It was a place where users could share their thoughts, experiences, and creative writing through blogs. I loved the idea of having my digital journal, so I created my first blog, pouring my heart
into every post.

Blogao became my safe space. I could express myself, share my passions, and connect with people who liked the same things. The comments section was like a virtual meeting place where readers and other bloggers had lively discussions. It was a digital community that brought people together, no matter where they were, based on shared interests and ideas.

Meet the Care Connectors

Welcome to the heart of "Care Connections," where intellect meets creativity. Our authors are not just students; they are passionate explorers, each on a unique academic journey. Get ready to delve into the profiles of the brilliant minds shaping the narrative of our blog.

In alphabetical order:

Carolina Caputo Batista

Bachelors in Social Services, Early Childhood Education (PSOSS23EN)

Carol is a believer who is passionate about education and collaborative strategies.
As a teacher, she believes that positive social changes happen through education, especially in the early years. She currently studies Social Service as she has been interested in this topic.  In her free time, she enjoys ice-skating and travelling.

Fan Yang

Bachelors in Social Services, Early Childhood Education (PSOSS22EN)

Yang Fan is from the beautiful city Sichuan, China. She is a teacher in China. She has been working in elementary school for seven years and in kindergarten for eleven years. She has been working in education and she loves her career. She thinks every child is full of infinite possibilities, and she wants to accompany their growth with love and professionalism. Luckily, she came to the country known as the happiest country in the world to study early childhood education, where she hopes she can grow and become a better version of herself.

Yasanthika Gayani Karunarathne

Bachelors in Social Services, Early Childhood Education (PSOSS22EN)

Jagath Jayawardena

Bachelors in Social Services, Early Childhood Education (PSOSS23EN)

Picture this: an HR professional and social worker, dancing through the intricate rhythms of the corporate world and the symphony of social change. Now, adding a tempo and a dash of melody – because yes, he is also a passionate musician, weaving his tunes into the tapestry of life. Through this blog, he's excited to share his insights, experiences, and maybe a few tunes that have shaped his journey. Together, explore the joy in diversity, the beauty of balance, and the power of bringing different elements and themes together to create something truly extraordinary.

Kasuni Jayananda

Bachelors in Social Services, Early Childhood Education (PSOSS23EN)

Kasuni is a vibrant 25-year-old Sri Lankan, currently dedicated to pursuing her Bachelor of Social Service in Early Childhood Education at Turku University of Applied Sciences. With a passion for nurturing young minds, she brings practical experience as a preschool teacher from her home country. Kasuni's commitment to education is underscored by her successful completion of a diploma in Primary Teacher Education. Her journey in academia reflects a blend of enthusiasm, hands-on experience, and a sincere dedication to shaping the future of early childhood education.

Liman Ren

Bachelors in Social Services, Early Childhood Education (PSOSS22EN)

A Chinese girl who is studying in the Finland now, believing done is better than perfect. Pursing the education dream and still keep going.

Radhipa Fiona Perera

Bachelors in Social Services, Early Childhood Education (PSOSS23EN)

Hailing from the vibrant island of Sri Lanka, Fiona brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the world of education. With a robust 15-year career in teaching, and armed with a BSc in Psychology & Counselling, she brings a unique perspective to education, recognizing the profound impact of mental and emotional well-being on the learning process. Having spent 4 transformative years as a special educator, her experience in inclusive and personalized learning environments goes beyond the conventional.

Explore the richness of perspectives as you navigate through the profiles of our student authors. From insightful reflections to critical analyses, each contributor brings a unique lens to the subject. Together, we form a tapestry of knowledge, united in our commitment to unravel the intricacies of our academic exploration.

Join us on this intellectual journey, and let the voices of "Care Connections" captivate your curiosity. As we unveil our weekly themes through the eyes of our authors, we invite you to be part of the conversation.

Happy reading!

My social media life and pieces of opinions of the social media

 

Social media has played an important roles in our daily life, I have been used social media for more than ten years, the social media I was using in China at that time was more like a space to share daily life clips or save pictures, also it becomes a good way to connect with friends, and then another app calls Wecht are becoming more and more popular, I turned to WeChat since most of our friends used it too. All those applications are very specific designed for Chinese, I started to use Ins and Facebook when I came to Finland. It becomes a tool to build network with others. 

All the social media platforms are more likely to build connection with relatives or friends at first, there are more private contents were posted. It just a tool to share life with others. It facilitates communication and helps maintain relationships. It’s a place to show educational contents, latest news, or personal achievements.  

But things have changed some when more people come to the same social media platform. Some users are getting more followers and then he or she is wielding considerable sway over their followers' purchasing decisions, lifestyle choices, and even political views. And some other brands are trying to cooperate with this influencer so that reach their target audiences to get more profit. Many people are very concerned about what their image in the social media platform. Most people will get disappointed when they receive less likes or followers. Furthermore, someone gets embarrassed when they don’t have similar figure. The interesting point is that people have double side of lifestyle, they are making a good image on the social media platform. 

 There is more commercial content coming up in social media and it becomes less daily used and then turns to be a commercial platform. Celebrities and influencers are growing up every year. The most important things are getting information enjoying social media and just having fun.

 For social media, which is only a platform after all, your life is real, and live life in a real way.

 

My Media Life

 

My first media life would start thirty years ago, when I was in elementary school and my dad bought a TV set. A very old machine and we had a lot of fun watching national television programs on TV. We also had a radio in the house and my dad enjoyed listening to the radio programs. I fell in love with the radio from then on and would listen to radio programs every night.

I later became a radio presenter and hosted news programs. It was a fantastic work experience and very interesting. Radio has become an important entertainment tool in our daily lives. We listened to news and entertainment programs, and radio became a very good friend.

Then we got computers and used them to visit websites and learn about news that was happening in the world, things of significance. We also like to use blogs and write articles on them and learn about other people's stories, it's wonderful.

Media plays an important role in our lives. Nowadays, we use media to present ourselves and even package ourselves to make ourselves a brand. We use media to spread our thoughts and express our views. The new media era has come and changed our perception of traditional media.

My Media Life

Blog 01- My media life....

Hello,

I am Kasuni, and I would like to share my media life with you. My journey with mobile phones began at the age of 17, and in the current scenario, it's hard to imagine a day without my mobile phone. While I don't have a specific reason, I find myself somewhat addicted to its usage😉. Despite my engagement with media, I maintain a balance with my studies. Additionally, I cherish spending quality time with my husband 😍.

During my free time, I enjoy watching YouTube and tiktok. YouTube serves as a valuable tool for my studies as well as learning more recipes. WhatsApp has become an integral part of my daily communication, especially since I moved to Finland because I connect with my family through WhatsApp 💓.

Reflecting on my childhood, television played a significant role. I used to watch cartoons every evening during school days and spend extended hours in front of the TV during school vacations also. One of my childhood's greatest loves is the Harry Potter film series. I can still clearly recall how much fun I had watching those movies. 

Finally, media serves as a valuable resource for everyone, catering to individual needs. As a university student, I recognize its potential to enhance knowledge and contribute to personal and academic growth😊😊.

Thanks for reading……. 

My Media Life

 

Hey, I am Jagath J. Please to share my Blogs with you my friends. Like to share few of those which I thought interesting sharing with you.

“MY MEDIA LIFE”

I could recall my memory of school days, communication channels were very limited, and newspapers played a significant role in providing information. I firmly remember spending my school days referring various newspapers in the library captivated by the visual appeal of cartoons. Then the big box came to play. The so called “Television”. Curious about it. How pictures were generated from inside the box is a magic those days.

As a musician, my early experiences with media involved creating hand-drawn posters with for popular musical events in my province. The absence of advanced editing options meant we relied on the charm of manual creativity. One remarkable memory is when I had the opportunity performing a children's song on Radio Ceylon as a young school kid—a live recording that highlighted the absence of editing capabilities at that time. Then came the wireless device which is the analog mobile phone which has transformed into a digital and smart device. At present you cannot live without it.

Connecting to above, my media consumption has evolved, and online platforms have become integral to my daily life. I regularly browse online newspapers and follow reputable news channels such as BBC, CNN, Fox News, Aljazeera etc.. to connect with the world. Additionally, my interests extend to various sports channels, making the digital space a vital source of information

For communication and entertainment, I rely mostly on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok and in Music & entertainment, Spotify, YT Music, and Netflix. Communication apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, and Botim serve my social connectivity needs. Online shopping has become a breeze through platforms like Amazon, Daraz, and Uber 

 

While I consider myself a moderate user of media, I'm not addicted to digital or social platforms. I value physical interactions, since I find liveliness often missing in online conversations. Privacy is paramount to me, leading me to be cautious about sharing personal information on social media. Instead, I focus on content sharing over extensive conversations. Moreover, I lean towards visual content over text, aligning with my kinesthetic learning style

In short, my media journey has commenced from traditional newspapers to a diverse online landscape, and my usage reflects a balance between staying informed and maintaining personal boundaries in the digital arena.

 

 

 

Me and my community

                                 Picture taken by me last time I visited Rio de Janeiro in Brazil 

As an immigrant Brazilian-Italian national living in Finland, I found myself navigating a new cultural landscape. I brought with me a rich blend of traditions from Brazil and Italy, and as an early childhood teacher, I discovered my unique role in weaving these cultural threads into the diverse fabric of Finnish society.

 

 My belief in the government's responsibility to regulate the well-being of its citizens aligned with Finland's strong social welfare system.

 I admire the country's commitment to education, healthcare, and social services, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, had access to quality early childhood education. 

 

I am passionate about contributing to the development of young minds, seeing my role not just as an educator but as a bridge between my own cultural background and the Finnish society I had embraced. 

In the classroom, I celebrated diversity. I incorporated elements from Brazilian and Italian cultures into my teaching, exposing my students to a world beyond their immediate surroundings. 

 

I organize multicultural events where families were invited to share their traditions, and create a sense of unity and understanding among the children and their parents.

 

My commitment extended beyond the classroom walls. Recognizing the importance of community building, I actively participated in local initiatives that aimed to integrate immigrants into Finnish society. 

 

I volunteered to organize cultural exchange programs, bringing together families from different backgrounds to share experiences and learn from one another. 

 

My work is not only about educating children but also about creating a sense of belonging for immigrant families. I became a resource for parents, helping them navigate the Finnish education system and connecting them with support servicesif requested. 

 

As the years passed (2 years), I felt a deep connection to Finland. I embraced local traditions, and built lasting friendships with both fellow educators and families in my community. 

 

My perspective as an immigrant added a valuable layer to the cultural mosaic of Finnish society, contributing to the enrichment of the collective identity. In my journey as an early childhood teacher, I exemplified the idea that individuals, regardless of their origin, could play an integral role in shaping the social fabric of their adopted home. 

 

I am proud of my life I believe of cultural diversity and the role of education in fostering understanding and unity within a society that welcomed and valued the contributions of all its members.

Pixels and Poise: My Odyssey in the Digital Realm

By Radhipa Fiona Perera 

Whispers dance, the night is spread.

In shadows deep where dreams unfold,

In the glow of the screen, a digital realm,

Where narratives unfold, shaping the helm.

A woman like me, in pixels immersed,

After a day’s work, media's embrace, a blessing or curse.

 

Through timelines and stories, I stroll with grace,

Shadows linger in the virtual space.

Social media's canvas, a tapestry of faces,

In virtual spaces, connecting in traces.

Words typed in haste, a status update,

Screen time ticking, a relentless mandate.

Scrolling through timelines, a digital stream,

Lost in the glow of a pixelated dream.

In memes and emojis, emotions confined,

Yet, within her, a universe enshrined.

Screen time may echo society's theme,

But within her soul, she's the author of her dream.

Soon enough, embracing the phone,

To the dreamland I have gone.

Gently the media whispers, a digital tune,

In the luminous glow of the digital moon.

 

Morning light meets the smartphone's gaze,

A symphony of notifications plays.

Quickly I wake,

Another day to make.

News unfolds in a digital parade,

Headlines and hashtags in a cascade.

Information floods, a ceaseless flow,

Screen time ticking, a sigh I blow.

 

Yet in this dance, a balance sought,

Between the real and the pixels bought.

Eyes lift from screens to the world outside,

Nature's beauty, a respite, a guide.

Screen time tick, with my phone I cannot part,

Connecting worlds, yet keeping worlds apart.

In the dance of media, my mind sway,

‘bout balancing screen time, to live out the day.