Since the internet has become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, most people live alongside social media as if it were a part of their existence. This has led to various opportunities being seized in the online world.

                Therefore, media users must be media literate and not fall victim to online threats. The Child and Youth Media Institute (CYMI), supported by the Health Promotion Foundation (HPF), has been promoting media literacy skills while developing the potential of "media users" to become "informed citizens and effective health communicators" through a framework of four key skills: 1. Media, Information, and Digital Literacy (MIDL) 2. Communication and Collaboration 3. Leadership for Change 4. Awareness and Reflective Thinking. This aims to help the public understand and be aware through all four mechanisms, including media learning, awareness, listening, mindfulness, and building resilience regarding media in the current era.

              What effects does spending long hours on social media have on us in a day?

Using social media for 2-3 hours a day can lead to eye problems, headaches, and fatigue. If this continues frequently, it may result in blood clots in the legs, abnormal blood circulation, chronic back and shoulder pain due to lack of movement, and potentially obesity in the future. Additionally, the habit of quick interactions on social media can lead some individuals to develop attention deficit disorders.

                Besides health impacts and relationships with those around us, a significant concern when using social media is the risk of personal information being exposed or misused for illegal activities, such as using photos posted on Facebook for sex work.

               How can we enjoy and stay safe in the social media world?

1. Do not disclose personal information such as ID numbers, passwords for programs or internet networks, security codes for financial transactions, or details about daily life and living conditions to prevent impersonation, data breaches, fraud, invasion, or disturbance of privacy.

2. Do not trust strangers as the information about people we know through social media may not be entirely factual. If invited to meet, exercise caution or ensure someone else is aware and accompanies you, as scammers may use such opportunities to lure individuals.

                What to do immediately if you experience violence through social media?

1. Stop responding or cease forwarding such messages and stop using social media.

2. Collect evidence to support any reports or complaints by copying, photographing, or saving documents and messages, and recording the date and time of the incidents to avoid forgetting.

3. Block or unfriend the individual.

4. Report the incident to the social media service provider through the channels they provide, such as their website or email.

5. File a police report at the local station to have it documented for legal action.

              It is evident that using the internet is like a double-edged sword with both benefits and drawbacks. Therefore, learning to enhance internet media skills and knowing how to protect oneself from online harm is crucial. Managing the time spent online will help ensure adequate rest, choosing nutritious food, and allocating time for exercise, allowing us to take care of our health without spending all our time in the online world.

Thank you for the information from www.thaihealth.or.th