Teens and Social Media

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Once a close nit family, days out at the park. Maybe, some book reading, artwork, playing games, and learning music. A trip out with mother shopping or some fishing with dad. Somethings teenagers might have done before social media arrived, but what has replaced the family bonding, and what effects does it have on the teenager. According to Dr. Free N. Hess, one main reason for teens turning to social media is fear of missing out. Whether it be on the pop band they enjoy, or a social media platform there friends were on. He goes on to explain, that an article presented by the BBC, where students were asked in a test not to go on there phone for one week. The outcome showed people felt disconnected and isolated from society. Emma Kenny also wrote an article that teens going on social media platform gave the teens a physiological high, and it becomes a reward cycle. This is to do with how many likes they received, or dislikes that prompts them to delete there past.

Teens are mostly glued to their phones today. They constantly get distracted by social media notifications, and alert messages. It is hard to know how much time teens actually spend on social media. Also, teens are having romantic relationships at a younger age. All of this may cause anxiety for teenagers.

An article by the Guardian Newspaper on you.gov survey revealed 18 percent of young people in the do not think life is worth living. That number has doubled in the last 10 years, as social media has become omnipresent in the lives of young people are critical to the future success of their country. Life in the digital age is difficult for all of us, but especially among teenagers.

Dr. Alan Steelman, tells us some aspects of what goes on in a teens mind that may result in anxiety or stress. He says, ” some factors maybe insecurities of our personal appearances, does my friends like me? Am I attractive enough?” Also, he says, ” pressure of grades at school.” All are operating in the social media platforms of snap chat, Instagram, twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. The problems occurs when bullies are not just in schools, but after school.As they become keyboard warriors, and can destroy a teens reputation.

Also, from a wall street journal Alan says, “teenagers social media trap teens managing there success online, and it maybe taking a toll on their health.” Social media can lead to problems, and this can have an effect on the whole family. The problem is teens watch everyone else’s social network. but they are not engaging. They lose that social connection.

A teen may follow another teen and become friends, but never get to meet them in person. The network becomes the friends rather than the human. Some symptoms may result in a lack of sleep that leads to depression, mood swings, and irritability. Also, it can take away from fitness and engaging with others.