INTRODUCTION:
Social media is a big part of many teenagers' lives. A 2018 Pew Research Center survey of nearly 750 13- to 17-year-olds found that 45% are almost constantly online and 97% use some form of social media, such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat.
But what effect does social media use have on teenagers?
Social media:pros
Social media allows teenagers to create an online identity, communicate with others and create social networks. These networks can provide valuable support for teenagers, especially helping those who experience exclusion or who have a disability or chronic illness. Teens also use social media for entertainment and self-expression. And platforms can expose teens to current events, allow them to communicate across geographic barriers, and teach them about a variety of topics, including healthy behaviors. Social media that is humorous or disturbing or provides a meaningful peer relationship and a wide social network can even help teenagers avoid depression.
Social media:cons
However, using social media can also negatively affect teenagers by disturbing them, disrupting their sleep and exposing them to bullying, spreading rumors, unrealistic views of other people's lives and peer pressure.
A 2019 study of more than 6,500 12- to 15-year-olds in the United States found that those who spend more than three hours a day on social media may be at greater risk of developing mental health problems. Another 2019 study of more than 12,000 13- to 16-year-olds in England found that using social media more than three times a day predicted worse mental health and well-being among teenagers.
Other studies have also found links between high levels of social media use and symptoms of depression or anxiety. A 2016 study of more than 450 teenagers found that increased social media use, nightly social media use and social media engagement (such as feeling anxious after being blocked from logging in) were associated with poorer sleep quality and higher levels of anxiety and depression.
How teenagers use social media can also determine its impact. A 2015 study concluded that adolescents' social comparison and feedback seeking through social media and cell phones are linked to depression symptoms. Additionally, a small 2013 study found that older teens who used social media passively, such as simply looking at other people's photos, reported lower life satisfaction. Those who used social media to communicate with others or post their own content did not experience these declines.
And an older study on the effects of social media on college students found that the longer they used Facebook, the more strongly they believed others were happier than they were. But the more time the students spent with their friends, the less they felt it. Due to the impulsive nature of teenagers, experts believe that teenagers who post content on social networks are at risk of sharing intimate images or very personal stories. This can lead to teenagers being bullied, bullied or even bullied. Teens often create posts without considering these consequences or privacy concerns.
Conclusion:
You can encourage responsible use of social media and limit its negative effects. Consider these tips:
Set reasonable boundaries. Talk to your teen about how to prevent social media from interfering with their activities, sleep, meals, or homework. Encourage a bedtime routine that avoids electronic media, and keep cell phones and tablets out of teens' bedrooms. Lead by example by following these rules yourself. Monitor teen accounts. Let your teen know that you check their social media accounts regularly. You can do this once a week or more often. Make sure you follow along. Explain what is wrong. Don't let your teen gossip, gossip, bully, or damage anyone's reputation—online or otherwise. Talk to your teen about what's appropriate and safe to share on social media. Encourage face-to-face interaction with friends. This is especially important for teenagers who are prone to social anxiety disorder. Talk about social media. Talk about your social media habits. Ask your teen how they use social media and how they feel about it. Tell your teen that what they see in social media is an unrealistic thing.
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