In today's world, the innovation and development of technology have significantly impacted individual's lives. With the speedy development, the internet has impacted teenager's lives in both positive and negative ways. Notably, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and WhatsApp when used rightfully have been known to improve teenager's interactions and influenced the way they view the world. The following paper analyzes the effects of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat on teenagers.
In general, Facebook has positively contributed to strengthening the friendship bonds of young people, by enabling them to interact and discuss issues affecting them freely. The channels, however, have been used by some teenagers to bully others (Ehmke). Stereotyping of teenagers by their peers has intensified in the same proportion relative to the increased use of Facebook and other social media platforms. Today, an estimate of 51% of teenagers between the age of 13 and 17 in the United States are using Facebook. It is roughly estimated that teenagers spend an average of nine hours a day browsing Facebook and this has become a major concern to the parents. Many parents argue that they have observed a change in behavior and their children have become narcissistic and others portraying antisocial behaviors. To solve these issues, some parents are limiting the number of time spent on Facebook as well as befriending their children believing it is essential as it provides them with the awareness of the risks and they can understand if the child is using it rightfully.
Today, Instagram has become popular among youths and teenagers for social communication and networking. According to Robyn, many teenagers claimed that Instagram helped them in positive ways such as it provided them with the support they needed during difficult times, teenager girls argued that it empowered them to speak about the pressing issues they cared about. Others argued that Instagram offered them educational benefit as it helped them learn new things (Treyvaud). With this in mind, Instagram has also been known to have a negative implication on the teenagers. Research shows that social influences teenagers receive from spending long hours on Instagram have caused the development of anxieties, depression, and personality disorders. Besides, emulating others from Instagram has affected their decision making intensively. For instance, a teenager may engage in activities such as drug abuse as a result of this influence. Studies show that to others the time spent on social media, even at the comfort of their homes has given them a feeling of environmental change, and independence outside their role in the family, meaning they can make independent decisions (Siers-Poisson).
Snapchat
Over the years, Snapchat has been known to have a negative effect on the mental health of the teenagers. With Snapchat focusing heavily on photos posting, many teenagers especially the girls are said to be facing anxiety, loneliness, and depression (Hung). From this platform, many teenage girls get the notion that their bodies are not good enough, which leads to body consciousness and eating disorders. Some experts state that teenagers using Snapchat have led them to indulge in unhealthy behaviors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is crucial to note that social media has assisted young people to establish relationships and interact with the general society. However, some of the social media platforms have influenced teenagers towards antisocial behaviors. In this regard, it is important to note that teenagers should engage in social media platforms that educate them on life-related issues.
Works Cited
Ehmke, Rachel. "How Using Social Media Affects Teenagers". Child Mind Institute, 2018, https://childmind.org/article/how-using-social-media-affects-teenagers/. Accessed Dec 2018.
Hung, Dennis. "The Dangers Of Snapchat On Mental Health". Knect365.Com, 2018, https://knect365.com/pharmanext/article/3be03a6e-bba0-4a9f-acfd-66165c2ef18b/the-dangers-of-snapchat-on-mental-health. Accessed Dec 2018.
Siers-Poisson, Judith. "Social Media Is Both Positive, Negative For Youth". Wisconsin Public Radio, 2018, https://www.wpr.org/social-media-both-positive-negative-youth. Accessed Dec 2018.
Treyvaud, Robyn. "The Positive Effects Of Social Media On Teenagers". Family Insights, 2018, https://familyinsights.net/advice/positive-effects-of-social-media-on-teenagers/. Accessed Dec 2018.
