How does social media affect teenagers?

Varsha Arrooran

Wycherley International School

March 2024
Introduction

The complex world of social media has become an important habit in our lives. With the start of
social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, people can easily connect and
communicate with each other, regardless of distance and time. However, according to the
article by The Annie E. Casey Foundation, “the extensive use of social media has raised concerns
about its influence on young people, especially teenagers, like cyberbullying, depression,
addiction, and body insecurity” (The Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2023). Teens using or having
social media accounts will also have a larger social circle, which means they will likely have
fewer friends. Social media doesn’t always have to affect teens in the same way, it depends on
how teenagers spend time online.

Evaluation

Numerous Americans use social media daily. Apps like Messenger, Twitter, Snapchat,
WhatsApp, TikTok, and YouTube have been popular apps on the internet since 2023. A USA
survey conducted for “13 to 17-year-olds, in 2022, shows that out of 1,300 people, at least 35%
of people use one of these six apps” (Mayo Clinic, 2024 ). Given the popularity of these social
media apps, parents and educators need to guide teenagers on how to use them safely and
responsibly. In the article by Mayo Clinic, parents should monitor their children's social media
activities and educate them about the possible risks and consequences of sharing sensitive
information online (Mayo Clinic, 2024). Educators should also include digital literacy and online
safety lessons in their curriculum to help teenagers navigate the digital world.

Analysis

Social media has greatly benefited our lives. For example, it has made it easier for people to
stay connected with their loved ones who are far away. It has also provided a platform for
people to share information, ideas, and opinions on a global rule. Additionally, social media has
been a powerful tool for businesses to promote their products and services, and for individuals
to build their brand and network with like-minded people (Staff, N. A., 2024).
Causes and consequences

Apart from these advantages, social media has unfortunately become a background for
cyberbullying. The secrecy and distance provided by social media platforms can make people
feel less responsible for their actions, leading them to be involved in behaviour that they might
not do. Additionally, social media provides a wider audience for bullies to target their victims,
often with hurtful comments and messages that can be difficult to escape. This kind of
behaviour can have disturbing effects on the mental health and well-being of the victim. We
must take steps to prevent cyberbullying and educate young people on how to use social media
safely and responsibly.

Social media can also cause depression. Firstly, seeing unrealistic and flawless images of
people's lives on social media can lead to feelings of shortage and low self-esteem. This can
create a sense of loneliness and isolation as individuals struggle to live up to these unlikely
expectations. Secondly, cyberbullying and negative comments on social media can cause
weighty emotional pain and lead to depression.

Social media is addictive. The constant notifications, likes, and comments on social media can
provide instant enjoyment, making people feel good and want to keep using it. In addition,
people may use social media as a way to escape from their problems or to fill up their free time,
which can lead to extreme usage and addiction. The fear of missing out (FOMO) can also
contribute to social media addiction, as people feel bound to stay connected and up-to-date
with their social networks.

Social platforms can result in causing insecurities. Firstly, social media is a platform where
people often showcase their best selves, posting carefully selected images and stories that may
not reflect reality. Social media can expose individuals to negative comments and criticism,
which can damage their self-esteem and increase feelings of insecurity. Finally, social media can
lead to individuals constantly comparing themselves to others, which can create a never-ending
cycle of insecurity and self-doubt (Ehmke, R. 2023)

Global Perspective
According to a report by the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC), as of June
2021, the USA isn’t the only country that uses social media too much. The number of social
media users in China has reached 1.16 billion, which is about 80% of the country's total internet
users. WeChat is the most popular social media platform with over 1 billion monthly active
users, followed by Douyin (TikTok) with over 600 million daily active users. As WeChat is a social
media app similar to an app called Telegram, it can also cause body shaming and insecurities. It
can also cause social relationships which will remove students concentration on studies.

National Perspective

Based on a recent on Sri Lanka by Hootsuite and We Are Social, as of January 2021, Sri Lanka
has a population of approximately 21 million people, out of which 9.7 million are internet users.
The report also states that there are 6.9 million active social media users in Sri Lanka, about
33% of the population. The most popular social media platform in Sri Lanka is Facebook, with
over 6.9 million users, followed by YouTube with 5.9 million users. Just like other countries Sri
Lanka’s teens are also affected by Facebook by getting body shamed and depressed. It also
causes rumors and false information ruining a teenager's reputation.

Personal Perspective

Social media is a double-edged sword that can have both positive and negative impacts on
teenagers and society as a whole. While it has developed the way we communicate and
connect with others, I believe it has also raised concerns about privacy, mental health, and
online safety. Parents, educators, and teenagers need to be aware of the risks and benefits of
social media and use it responsibly. With proper guidance and education, social media can be a
valuable tool, in our future, for personal and professional growth.

Word count - 973

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