Hey Everyone! Welcome back to my blog. Today I am started research on my new inquiry question: What Impact Does Social Media Have on Teens? I will start to unfold my three subtopics to start off my research!
- Depression and Anxiety
My first topic is depression and anxiety. In the past few years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health and well-being have been drastically more accepted and spoken about, especially around social media. Studies from last year show that 54% of teens say that giving up social media would be hard for them, as they use it frequently throughout the day (1). Child mind institute stated that the difference from teens in our generation than the older ones, is that we spend more time “connecting” electronically instead of in person (2). I can definitely agree with this statement, as I personally see it everyday at school. Most experts see that social media increases the depression rate because it leaves you less emotionally satisfied (2). For some kids, electronic connection can be lifesaving, not fulfilling (2). One thing that helps lower the depression levels, is interacting equally the same in person as you do online.
2. Cyber Bullying
Cyber bullying is one of the many negative effects of social media, that happens much too frequently. This second topic correlates to my first topic as well. A recent study from Pew Research Center in December 2022 stated that nearly half of U.S. teens have suffered from cyber bullying (3). Teenage girls are more likely to report online abuse/bullying against them due to their looks and appearance (3). Someone’s self esteem is something that can shatter due to a small comment made online by someone. Some of the main commonly used types of cyber bullying are: name calling (including offensive), false rumours, receiving of unwanted images, and physical/verbal threats (3). Cyber bullying can also occur from people or accounts you may not know. Ways to prevent or lessen the possibilities of this happening is to immediately report any form of bullying to a trusted adult or guardian. In general, you can never yourself prevent someone from cyber bullying, you can remember to always be kind, and keep a good reputation on and offline!
3. Isolation
Lastly, isolation. Isolation is one of the most negative impacts of social media, because you have less in person human interaction. Social media is helpful in a few ways, such as keeping people connected, but when is the use of that too much? Research shows that online interactions cannot substitute in-person ones. “hen we spend more time following our friends’ updates online than we do seeing them in person, it can lead to social withdrawal and alienation (3).” People who spend the most time on social media (more than two hours a day) have twice the odds of perceived social isolation than people who spend 30 minutes or less on social media a day (3). Interacting with humans in person, releases a high level of dopamine, happy chemicals that help balance our stress and anxiety (3). If you are finding that social media is taking over your in-person connection try limiting your use, calling instead of texting, and joining clubs or programs to help with better in-person connections.
Thanks for reading!
-Rhea :))
Sources:
- https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/08/10/teens-social-media-and-technology-2022/
- https://childmind.org/article/is-social-media-use-causing-depression/#social-media-and-depression
- https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/12/15/teens-and-cyberbullying-2022/
- https://www.raq.org.au/blog/social-media-causing-social-isolation