The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Twitter, VSCO, Pinterest, Reddit, Discord – they all have one thing in common.

They are all social media platforms that are currently used on a daily basis in today’s modern world. Social media first became part of our lives in the mid ’90s and continued to progress through the years, gaining traction with big-name platforms such as MySpace, Tumblr, Vine, Musical.ly. The progression of social media has consumed our society, and I think it’s sufficient to say that the caliber of the role social media plays in our lives is massive. Unfortunately, it isn’t always a positive role and our teens tend to be the most affected by it.

Let’s start with the basics.

What is social media?

We use social media for many aspects. It can be microblogging, social networking, sharing information, connecting with friends and family, and keeping up with current events. This can be through videos, photos, short status updates, business blogs, etc. Each platform is unique in its own way and each individual uses it to their own discretion.

Sure, the concept seems harmless and wholesome, but we have seen society twist this reality into a toxic structure that has impacted the self-esteem, mental health, and well-being of our peers and our youth.

What is the statistical impact of social media on teenagers?

In a survey conducted by the AACAP, 90% of teens ranging between ages 13-17 indicated using social media in the past, and 75% of them had at least one currently active social media profile. 51% of this population surveyed reported they visited a social media site at least once a day. Teens spend nearly nine hours online each day, on average, and this does not include any online time dedicated to schoolwork.

What are the benefits of social media?

Social media, when used properly, can be a beautiful tool to allow oneself to express their individuality and show their aestheticism.
It allows us, no matter our age, to keep in contact with our friends.
It allows individuals to connect with like-minded beings.
It eliminates geographical barriers, when applicable.
Social media can also be educational in some instances, on a variety of subjects, and especially current events.

What are the detriments of social media?

It’s time consuming and distracting

As mentioned above, teens are spending upwards of nine hours a day online, on average. I feel it’s safe to say the risks and harms that come from social media increase with the more time spent on social media platforms. Social media can be distracting. Whether it’s distracting teens from their schoolwork, their homework, their positive friendships, their families, their extracurricular activities, etc. Their attention seems to be more largely focused on social media.

It can be dangerous

Social media can expose teens to rumor spreading and cyber bullying, as well as pose risks in potentially exposing them to dangerous content and people. It can present an unrealistic portrayal of people’s lives that lead teens to comparing their lives to others.

I have a friend who always tells me, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” On social media, we typically present the most put-together and happiest version of ourselves. Even though we all have our own battles we are fighting and life hardships we are experiencing, it can be easy to forget that when you see life for others being depicted in such a carefully curated way. Society and social media often leave out parts of our stories, typically the parts that show us how everyone struggles and it’s okay if you do too. Life isn’t perfect for anyone. Unfortunately, misrepresentation for external validation is the societal norm now-a-days.

How large is the impact of social media on teenagers?

How each individual uses their social media accounts is the determining factor for how its overall use impacts them.

Is it passive? Is it interactive? It is addictive? Even if you don’t actively post your own content, the simple act of casually scrolling through your Instagram feed is reported to cause a decline in life satisfaction. There are multiple studies linking those who use social media to having poor mental health, poor sense of well-being, worse sleep quality and higher levels of depression and anxiety.

As the school year kicks off, teenagers will find themselves escaping the tediousness of school by engaging with social media. What’s the newest TikTok trend? What is happening in Charli D’Amelio’s love life and the drama with her and Huddy? Did you hear that Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson broke up? What’s the newest coverage on the Chicago Bears? I’m sure the majority of the teenagers know.

How can parents help their teenagers navigate social media use?

If you are a parent of a child who is active on social media, it’s important to communicate and set reasonable expectations:

Talk to them about how to prevent social media from interfering with their daily activities and how to prioritize their schoolwork, their sleep, their meals, etc.
Be a good example in modeling healthy amounts of screen time for yourself. Walk the walk. Gandhi once said, “be the change you wish to see in the world”. Although this is not a change in the entire world, this can certainly be a positive and impactful change in your teen’s world.
Encourage them that face-to-face hang outs with their friends are the best way to interact with them!
Set boundaries. Deter them from gossiping, bullying, and saying things that may be harmful to someone else’s self-esteem or reputation online. Remind them of the Golden Rule: you treat people how you want to be treated. It may seem outdated, but kindness is still cool.
Remind your child that social media is full of impractical images and at the end of the day, they will always be enough just as they are. Remind them that it’s okay to take a social media break if they feel it is affecting their mental health.
Give them space to express their feelings if they come to you. Sometimes, they just want someone to listen to them and to feel like they aren’t alone. Validate them and let them know that the feelings they feel are okay.

This world is tough. When the metaphorical trash can starts to pile up with stinky trash in the form of stress, depression, anxiety etc….we must take it out to the dumpster. If we don’t, and we keep pushing it down, the bag is going to rip.

If you or your child are struggling with mental health, you are not alone. Hope starts here at Family Counseling Service. Please call us at 630-844-2662 or contact us online. We are here to help.

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