The Effects of Social Networks on Adolescents and Mental Growth
Overview
The use of social media is prevalent among teenagers. A 2018 Pew Research Center study of roughly 750 13- to 17-year-olds revealed that 97% of them use social media sites like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, and that 45% of them spend practically all of their time online.
But what effect does teen use of social media have?
Social media advantages
Teenagers can develop social networks, engage with others, and construct online personas thanks to social media. These networks can be a great resource for youth, especially for those who struggle with marginalization, impairments, or chronic diseases.
Teenagers also utilize social media for self-expression and entertainment. Additionally, the platforms can introduce teenagers to current events, enable cross-border interaction, and instruct them on a range of topics, including healthy behaviors.
Social media is harmful.
However, kids’ usage of social media can also have a detrimental impact on them by diverting their attention, preventing them from sleeping, and exposing them to bullying, rumors, unrealistic expectations of other people’s lives, and peer pressure.
The hazards could be tied to how frequently kids use social media. According to a 2019 study of more than 6,500 12- to 15-year-olds in the U.S., individuals who used social media for more than three hours per day may be more likely to experience mental health issues. More than 12,000 13 to 16-year-olds in England participated in a 2019 study that indicated that using social media more than three times per day was associated with poor mental health and wellbeing among teenagers.
