The impact of social media on the lives of teenagers
In recent times and in the current digital age, social media has become an integral part of the lives of most teenagers.Teenage mental health problems have increased, and some experts question the extent to which the use of social media is responsible for this.As a parent, it is essential to know the impact of social media on your teen’s mental health and how to explore this modern advanced landscape. In this article, we will investigate the relationship between youth and social media, the possible negative effects, and what parents can do to support teenagers.
Psychological effects of adolescents
Based on the research received, there are several negative psychological effects that may result from the use of social media by adolescents:
Depression and anxiety
Several studies have shown a strong correlation between social media use and increased rates of depression and anxiety in adolescents. Excessive immersion in the use of these platforms is shown to be associated with low self-esteem, a sense of isolation and psychological loneliness, factors that increase the risk of developing mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.
A recent medical study found that the use of popular social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat is associated with the appearance of depressive symptoms in adolescents.
Another study also indicated that the long time spent by adolescents on social media and watching TV is associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety in them.
Feeling of loneliness
Moreover, research has found that interacting with others while using social media can reduce loneliness and isolation in adolescents. However, the high level of use of these platforms may lead to a decrease in the time and effort spent on direct personal communication, which increases feelings of psychological loneliness.
The impact of social media on self-esteem
Social media also has a huge impact on users ‘ self-esteem. There are positive and negative aspects of this effect:
Positive aspects
Social media can boost self-esteem in several ways:
- It provides a platform for individuals to express themselves and participate in communities of common interests, giving them a sense of acceptance and belonging.
- It allows individuals to interact, communicate with others, receive support and encouragement, and this can enhance their self-confidence
- They help to develop social and communication skills, which enhances the individual’s ability to interact positively with others .
- Individuals can use social media to promote themselves, their talents and achievements, and this enhances their self-esteem
Negative aspects
However, there are negative aspects of the influence of social media on self-esteem:
- Social comparison: users are constantly exposed to idealized images and achievements of others, which can lead to a feeling of dissatisfaction with oneself and low self-esteem
- Visual interactions such as likes and comments may become a measure of personal value for some, which negatively affects self-esteem.
- Constant exposure to idealized images and behaviors on these platforms can lead to body image disorders and depression .
- Excessive time spent by individuals on social media at the expense of real personal interactions can impair social relationships and positive interaction .
