Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology

Laboratory High School

THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON TODAY’S TEENS

In Fulfillment for the Requirement in Research 9 Writing of Research Paper

Submitted By

Tocson, Angel Marie B. Pabotoy, Uriel Kirk C.

Submitted To
Ms. Verni Fraina T. Bucog
Instructor

January 2024
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Social media platforms have become an integral part of modern society, more

specifically, with today’s youth. With the convenience and accessibility they offer, it’s no

surprise that they have gained such widespread popularity. There are 4.95 billion social media

users globally (Shewale, 2024). Chances are, you might be one of them too. Whether it be

Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, today’s generation is heavily reliant on social media for

communication, entertainment, and staying updated with the latest trends. People all around the

world now have unparalleled access to connectivity and information exchange because of the

development of social media. Not only does it cover almost all the online activities that today’s

youth need, it is also a source of information, knowledge, and even human livelihoods. Social

media’s power is the ability to freely communicate and exchange information with anyone in the

world.

However, this connectivity comes with a price. Sadly, social media has also substantially

increased the scope and impact of negative content, such as misinformation, conspiracy,

extremism, harassment, violence, and other types of socially toxic material. In today’s world, the

dangers of social media are becoming more and more urgent. Over the past few decades, as these

digital platforms have multiplied, concerns about their impact on interpersonal relationships,

mental health, and human behavior have grown. Since the internet world has created a poisonous

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environment, it is crucial to investigate the complex facets of social media toxicity, its

consequences on people and society, and the efforts being made to lessen its negative effects.

The term “toxic” in the context of social media refers to the destructive and bad

interactions, content, and behaviors that take place in digital spaces. It can show up in a variety

of ways, including cyberbullying, harassment, hate speech, spreading false information, and the

propagation of dangerous ideas. Such activities are frequently fueled by anonymity and a

disengagement from repercussions in real life. Mental health problems, strained relationships,

and division in society can all be effects of social media’s toxicity. As society struggles with how

to foster healthier and more positive online relationships, this topic has drawn more and more

attention.

The quick sharing of knowledge, information, and data was intended to promote

well-informed choices, interpersonal relationships, and a coordination of activities both online

and offline. Sadly, social media has also increased the impact and size of damaging content and

other sorts of socially toxic information. Although social media networks make efforts to combat

such damaging content, they are mostly ineffectual. The efficiency of moderation may be

influenced by the platform's economic interests, as well as political and regulatory issues (Sheth

et al., 2017).

The detrimental impacts of internet platforms on people and society are explored in the

urgent study area of social media toxicity. The goal of this study is to look into the several

aspects of toxicity, such as cyberbullying, false information, the effects on mental health, and the

function of algorithms in promoting harmful content. Understanding these problems is essential

for formulating plans to lessen social media’s harmful effects and foster safer online

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environments. This study aims to shine light on social media toxicity’s multidimensional

character and the ramifications it has for users, decision-makers, and technology businesses.

Social media plays a crucial role in people’s daily lives by providing a forum for

connection, communication, and knowledge exchange. While social media offers many

advantages, such as promoting global connectivity and offering a platform for self-expression, its

toxicity has grown to be a cause for concern. The researchers of this paper will cover the

different aspects of social media toxicity, its root causes, and viable remedies to lessen its

negative impacts. In order to maximize social media’s beneficial effects while reducing its

negative effects on both people and society as a whole, it is crucial to comprehend the nuances of

this issue.

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Statement of the Problem

This study aims to examine the impact of social media usage on mental health among

teenagers. It will also assess the relationship between social media usage and mental health

outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. The researchers in this paper seek to

answer the following questions;

1. What social media platforms are frequently used among today’s teens?

2. How much influence does social media have on the mental wellbeing of teenagers?

3. How can you protect yourself from social media’s toxic effects?

4. What are some negative impacts of social media that affect students?

5. Is social media contributing to a more toxic society?

Conceptual Framework

Social media usage among teens Mental health of today’s teens

(Independent variable) (Dependent variable)

Definition of Terms

I. Conceptual Definition

This study incorporates the Independent Variable (IV) and Dependent Variable (DV)

models. Social media usage among teens is referred to as the Independent Variable (IV). It serves

as a credible determinant of the Dependent Variable. The Dependent Variable (DV) is the mental

health of today’s teens.

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Significance of the Study

This study aims to investigate the impact of social media usage on mental health among

teenagers. By examining the relationship between social media usage patterns and mental health

outcomes, this study will contribute to the existing body of research on the subject. Additionally,

the findings from this study can inform interventions and strategies aimed at promoting positive

mental health among teenagers in the digital age. The result of this study may be beneficial to the

following:

Teens. Teens are some of the most active users of social media platforms. By equipping

them with knowledge about the potential negative impacts of social media, they can protect their

mental well-being and navigate through these platforms more safely and responsibly.

Parents. By understanding the potential negative effects of social media on their

children’s well-being, parents can provide guidance and support to help them navigate these

platforms in a healthy and responsible manner.

Educators. Educators play a crucial role in educating students about the responsible use

of social media. By incorporating the findings of this research into their curriculum, educators

can better equip students with the necessary skills to navigate social media responsibly and

promote digital citizenship.

Mental health workers. They can also benefit from this study by gaining insights into

the potential negative impacts of social media on the mental well-being of young people. With

this knowledge, they can develop targeted interventions and support systems to address any

psychological issues that may arise from inappropriate use of social media platforms.

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 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

There are dozens of social media platforms available today, each with its own unique

features and user base. These platforms have become an integral part of many people’s lives,

especially towards the younger generation. There are numerous studies that explore the impact of

social media on various aspects of individuals’ lives, including mental health, self-esteem, and

relationships. However, there is still a need for further research to fully understand the complex

dynamics between different types of social media platforms and their users.

Here is a small list of the most-used social media platforms by today’s teens:

Facebook

Harvard University students Chris Hughes, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz,

Eduardo Saverin, and Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook, a social networking website, in

February 2004. Facebook’s original concept was to give university students access to an online

“book of faces” where they could interact and exchange knowledge. In the end, it developed into

a global social network accessible to all users. Facebook has 3.03 billion monthly active users

worldwide as of 2023, making it the largest social media site globally.

Facebook’s main purpose has always been to help foster human connections. This

particular social media platform allows you to find, get in touch with, and stay up-to-date on the

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activities of your friends. For businesses, this social media platform can help with customer

involvement and brand growth. Companies can use Facebook Marketplace to directly sell

products and services to customers. They can also push consumers toward their products via

advertisements (Kerner, 2021).

YouTube

YouTube is a prominent video sharing website that allows registered users to upload and

share videos with anybody who has access to the internet. These videos can be published and

shared on other websites. YouTube was founded by former PayPal workers in 2005 and acquired

by Google in 2006 (Rouse, 2016). Established in 2005, YouTube has grown to become one of the

most visited websites on the Internet, with over 6 billion hours of video being viewed monthly

(YouTube: What Is YouTube?, n.d.).

YouTube’s founders, Steve Chen, Jawed Karim, and Chad Hurley, sold the company to

Google in 2006 for an astonishing $1.65 billion. With 2.70 billion users, this video sharing

service is the second most visited website after Google. YouTube continues to be the world's

second most popular social media network, following behind Facebook (YouTube Statistics 2024

[Users by Country + Demographics], 2024).

Instagram

Instagram is a free online photo-sharing application and social networking platform. It is

a mobile app that enables users to edit, post, and share photos and short videos. Kevin Systrom

and Mike Krieger, the founding fathers of Instagram, first attempted to build a Foursquare-like

website but then focused just on photo sharing. Instagram is a combination of the terms “instant

camera” and “telegram”. (Holak, 2017)

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 Currently, there are an estimated 2.4 billion active Instagram users each month. In only

the preceding quarter, the platform gained 100 million new users. By the end of 2024, there will

likely be over 2.5 billion monthly active Instagram users, based on its current trajectory

(Shewale, 2023).

Snapchat

Snapchat, headquartered in Los Angeles, boasts 750 million yearly active users. This

platform was founded by Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, Daniel Smith, David Kravitz, and Leo

Noah Katz in the year 2011. Despite facing competition, Snapchat still remains relevant,

particularly among the young demographic, with 70% of users aged 13 to 24. Known for its

organic feel, the platform encourages user-generated content, behind-the-scenes videos, and

influencer collaborations. Snapchat’s commitment to real-time content and privacy sets it apart,

making it a valuable tool for brands targeting a youth audience, offering a unique space for

genuine connections. Notably, the platform has attracted 5 million paying subscribers through its

decoration subscription service, emphasizing its ongoing success (Walsh, 2017).

X (Twitter)

X, more commonly known by its former name Twitter, is a free social networking

platform where users may publish short messages known as tweets. These tweets may contain

text, videos, photographs, or links. To use this social media platform, users must have internet

connection or a smartphone. Twitter is a microblogging site that combines blogging and instant

messaging, allowing registered users to post, share, like, and respond to tweets with short

messages (Hetler, n.d.).

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Tiktok

TikTok is a well-known social media platform that enables users to record, view, and post

15-second videos using cameras or mobile devices. It is well-known for its high levels of

engagement and highly addictive nature, featuring individualized feeds of humorous short videos

accompanied by music and sound effects. In a flash, TikTok, which debuted in its current guise

in 2016, became one of the biggest social media platforms. By September 2021, it had

approximately one billion monthly active users worldwide (Eichler, 2023).

Before TikTok became TikTok, it was called Musical.ly. It was a short-form video app

that was very popular at the time and mostly consisted of lip-syncing videos. After TikTok was

acquired by ByteDance in 2018, the platform’s name was changed, and its user base and

popularity have increased drastically. Now, Tiktok isn’t just for lip-syncing. The platform’s

creators are displaying incredible creativity in their work, producing educational films and funny

sketches (Geyser, 2023).

Pinterest

Pinterest, founded in 2010, has 465 million yearly active users. Comparable to Instagram,

Pinterest is a visual-focused social networking platform. Co-founded by Ben Silbermann, Paul

Sciarra, and Evan Sharp, the platform is a visual haven for various interests, with a notable 60%

female user base. Despite its focus on women, Pinterest attracts male users, particularly those

over 40. Pinterest is the reason for everything from delicious meals to DIY projects, wedding

inspiration, fitness routines, and recipe ideas (Walsh, 2017).

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Threads

Threads, launched in 2023 and associated with Instagram, operates similarly to X

(formerly Twitter) and has garnered 100 million yearly active users. Created by Mark

Zuckerberg, the app gained attention with a record-breaking launch, reaching 150 million

downloads. Despite facing user retention challenges, Threads focuses on building a positive

community, diverging from the politicized atmosphere of X.

For brands, especially those seeking an alternative to X or exploring new platforms,

Threads presents an opportunity. Its requirement of an Instagram account for subscription offers

potential for a swift following, leveraging an existing engaged community on Instagram. In

essence, Threads emerges as a promising player in the evolving landscape of social media

platforms (Walsh, 2017).

Twitch

Originally focused on video games and esports, Twitch is a live streaming platform and is

one of the oldest platforms on this list. And although it has 140 million active users per month,

Twitch is an additional platform worth considering for advertising. According to a strategy to

compete against Twitch, YouTube introduced extra features that are similar to Twitch, including

user incentives developed by membership milestones.

Twitch provides an extensive variety of sectors and themes for advertisers to reach their

intended audience, such as games, music, sports, travel, cuisine, drinks, and special events.

Companies collaborate with Twitch streamers to help promote items and give advice during the

stream. Running banners and in-video advertisements on this platform is another marketing

tactic employed by firms to raise their reputation (Walsh, 2017).

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 Social media has many great aspects, such as allowing individuals to share their thoughts,

ideas, and experiences with a wide audience, fostering a sense of community and belonging. One

of the positive attributes of social media is its ability to connect people from all over the world. It

allows individuals to share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences with a global audience,

fostering a sense of community and understanding. Additionally, social media platforms like

TikTok provide a platform for individuals to showcase their talents and creativity, allowing them

to gain recognition and opportunities they may not have had otherwise (Giri, 2023).

Social media has forever transformed how individuals interact and engage with one

another. It has become an integral part of this generation’s daily lives (Bharwani, 2023). The

impact of social media on today’s youth, especially students, is extensive and varied. Their

mindsets are greatly impacted, frequently in ways that have the power to influence mental health,

social interactions, and self-perception. However, while social media has its benefits, it also has

its negative effects.

Bullying online. Teenagers are very exposed to online bullying due to their frequent use

of social media platforms and the anonymity that the internet provides. Cyberbullying and other

harmful digital conduct that prospers in online communities can have major consequences for

their mental health. Furthermore, cyberbullying has been linked to increased levels of stress,

anxiety, and poorer academic performance. Victims of this cruel online act may also experience

feelings of isolation and depression, which can further exacerbate their mental health issues.

Additionally, the negative impact of cyberbullying can extend beyond the online realm and affect

teenagers’ overall well-being and social interactions in their daily lives (Bisht, 2023).

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 Time management and distractions. Using social media can lead to two main

problems: time management and distractions. Overuse of social media by students can lead to

time management issues and decreased productivity in the classroom. The appeal of viral

content, incessant alerts, and endless scrolling feeds can easily divert students from their

academics. Social media’s instant gratification may make it more difficult for students to focus

and pay attention to challenging academic work. Students who frequently switch between using

social media and homework are more likely to struggle to concentrate and retain knowledge

(Arroyo, 2021).

Issues with comparison and self-worth. The filtered and idealized depictions of other

people’s lives in social media has the potential to make young people feel inadequate and

devalue themselves. Platforms present edited, filtered, and frequently glorified lives, which lead

to the creation of unattainable ideals for happiness, success, and beauty. Teens may experience

feelings of inadequacy or an ongoing need for affirmation as a result of feeling compelled to live

up to these standards. Their confidence and sense of self-worth may suffer as a result.

Furthermore, constant exposure to the accomplishments and lives of peers on social media might

encourage rivalry and comparison. Students could experience pressure to live up to the

intellectual, social, or material standards of their peers (Kolhar et al., 2021).

Depression as a result of excessive social media usage. Some studies link the sharp rise

in depression and suicide among teens to the concurrent surge in smartphone and digital use

among these age groups. Research consistently identifies social media use as a significant risk

factor for psychological illness. Because of its innate addictiveness, many people are locked in a

sad online cycle. This troubling internet pattern is characterized by constant comparison, seeking

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validation through likes and comments, and experiencing feelings of loneliness and inadequacy

when not receiving enough engagement (Doherty, 2023).

Privacy and sharing of data. Data privacy is not guaranteed on social media platforms.

In addition, the data shared is open to anyone on the internet, and people often exploit it.

Especially with the naivety of teens and young adults, who may not fully understand the

potential risks involved in sharing personal information online, Hackers utilize bank account

information to commit fraud and earn money. People frequently provide personal information

without conducting a background check, only to later regret it. This lack of privacy and data

protection on social media platforms has also led to an increase in identity theft cases. Moreover,

the misuse of personal data can have serious consequences, such as stalking or online

harassment, highlighting the need for better privacy measures and user awareness (Bisht, 2023).

The impact of social media on contemporary society is significant. It has completely

changed the way people share information, interact with one another, and use media. Although

social media has vastly improved connection and access to information, it has also had

unfavorable effects including amplifying hate speech and disseminating false information. In

conclusion, social media has changed how people communicate, share information, and consume

media, having a significant impact on society. Recognizing social media’s good and negative

effects on youth and society, and taking action to lessen them are crucial as it continues to

develop.

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