Social media is an integral part of our daily life as young people. Social media tends to influence behaviors, relationships, and overall self-perception of the youth today. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook have revolutionized how people in this generation communicate, how they consume information, and how they express themselves. Though these social media platforms offer many benefits, they can also present significant challenges. This article will explore the multifaceted impact of social media on today’s youth, including its positive effects, potential risks, and strategies on how to promote a healthy digital environment.
POSITIVE INFLUENCES
Social media allows young adults to stay connected with their family and friends, regardless of geographical distances. People can communicate amongst each other and allow for the maintenance of relationships that might otherwise fade without being able to call, text, or chat with them on a regular basis. There are also platforms, such as educational TikTok users or YouTube channels, that provide a plethora of knowledge and learning opportunities for young learners. Students can find tutorials, lectures, and discussions on almost any topic they can think of on these platforms, allowing them to enhance their academic and personal growth. Creativity and self-expression is another key factor that plays into the benefits of social media. Social media outlets are a great way for young people to express their creativity through photos, writing, videos, and other forms of media content. This not only boosts their self esteem but also allows them to reach dozens of people with their content and is a great way to share ideas.
POTENTIAL RISKS
Unfortunately, there are also many health concerns that are associated with the use of social media at a young age. Mental health issues have been a major effect of excessive use of social media, and feelings of anxiety, depression, and constant comparison to others’ curated lives can lead to thoughts of inadequacy and poor self-esteem. Cyberbullying is another negative aspect of excessive social media use, as individuals feel as though they can target peers by hiding behind screens. This can have adverse negative effects on the emotions of a young adolescent. Social media can also lead to significant time management issues, as social media is very addictive. Many young people spend several hours a day on various platforms, and it can interfere with academic performance, physical activity, and real-life interactions, leading to a sedentary lifestyle and poor time management. Overall privacy and safety issues are major concerns, as sharing information online can expose young people to privacy breaches and security threats. They can also be exposed to inappropriate content, identity theft, and harmful or misleading information, which can be detrimental to a young person’s mental and emotional growth.
HOW TO PROMOTE A HEALTHY DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT
So with all of these potential risks, how do we ensure that our youth have healthy and controlled access to social media? It’s important to begin with a proper digital literacy education. Educating young people about how to responsibly use social media and the internet in general is very crucial. Schools and parents should emphasize the importance of digital literacy, teaching kids how to evaluate their digital decisions and if what they are posting and sharing is a smart idea. They also need to be taught how to recognize misinformation as well as understand the implications of their own digital footprint. Parents need to be involved in their children’s social media profiles up to a certain age. By monitoring it, they can ensure that their kids are not posting anything improper, but also that they are not having conversations with anyone inappropriate. Similarly, by promoting appropriate and positive content, people create a more supportive online environment. Highlighting mindfulness and self-care practices and integrating that into social media practices will bode well for young people. Also, by implementing technology solutions such as apps that monitor screen time, limit usage, and filter inappropriate content, youth can develop healthier habits to reduce exposure to harmful material.
