28 Jan Social Media Influencing the Behavioral Attributes of the Youth
Over 90% of young people regularly use social media, with platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok shaping their identities and behaviors. While these sites can foster positive traits, they also present significant risks, including anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, misinformation, body image issues, and privacy threats, leading to impulsive behaviors in the future. This article examines the negative impact of media platforms on youth behavior, highlighting that while social media can be beneficial when used moderately, excessive misuse can cause irreversible harm.
It aims to enhance understanding of social media’s dual influence and promote awareness as a potential solution to these issues. Social media addiction increasingly impacts teens, fueled by the engaging nature of these platforms. This leads to excessive use, neglect of responsibilities, and poorer academic performance. Continuous interaction disrupts focus, diminishing students’ productivity. Kelsey Hassan’s article in Harvard Business Review highlights a high school introvert who, after extensive Facebook use, experienced reduced attention span and cognitive ability. After quitting social media, she recognized its drawbacks and established healthier limits. Mental health issues can surpass those of addiction to social Media.
Teenagers often experience increased anxiety and depression due to idealized comparisons, cyberbullying, and the dopamine release associated with social media,
leading to significant psychological consequences. According to the Pew Research Center, 81% of teens and 69% of adults in the U.S. use social media, increasing their likelihood of experiencing anxiety, depression, or health issues. Privacy risks and body image issues pose significant threats to youth behavior. Social media promotes idealized lifestyles, leading to negative body image and self-consciousness, contributing to eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia. Privacy concerns are also critical, with 34% of users fearing account hacking, as reported by Statista in 2020.
Additionally, a 2021 Pew Research survey revealed that 41% of American users experienced online harassment, primarily on social media platforms. However, digital media platforms foster community, enabling teenagers to connect with friends and find Support.
They reduce isolation, promote emotional well-being, and offer creative outlets for self-expression. Additionally, these platforms provide quick access to news, educational resources, and diverse perspectives, enriching their understanding of society and each other. Youth engage with educational content on social media, enhancing their knowledge and skills through collaborative learning, resource sharing, and academic discussions on various platforms.
Social media is a double-edged sword for today’s youth. It provides exceptional opportunities for connection, self-expression, and awareness, yet poses challenges
that can negatively impact mental health, academic performance, and relationships. Promoting a balanced approach to social media is vital as our interconnected world expands, ensuring it remains a beneficial tool rather than a harmful one. By understanding and addressing the complexities of social media’s influence, we can better support young people in thriving online and offline lives.
Sharanya Narayani International School, one of the best international schools in Bangalore, does a wonderful job of preparing students to be well-rounded citizens who are educated about the trap that leads to time wasted and distractions from social media. By engaging awareness sessions, including TED Talks and presentations, student-led conferences, and specially themed assemblies, SNIS, one of the top residential schools in Bangalore, aims to foster the students to become agents of change who are knowledgeable about the social media traps, not just in the classroom but also through other means of learning.
– Leisha Gowda | MYP – 4
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