Exploring social media and its effects on adolescents: A critique

Abstract

The study of social media is a relatively new area, yet it is quickly growing in importance. There are important advantages and disadvantages to be considered when discussing the influence of social media on adolescents. Platforms like TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat, can be lifesavers for adolescents who feel alone or stigmatized. Social media also made youngsters feel more connected and less lonely throughout the pandemic. However, the influence of social media on adolescents can be considered deleterious to their mental health. Social media and depression in adolescents are inextricably intertwined. Additionally, excessive usage of the applications exposes young people to cyberbullying, concerns with their bodies, and computer addiction, and reduces the amount of time they spend engaging in healthy, outside activities. Physical communication is therefore still the most effective form of communication for sharing concerns with others, regardless of how advanced we get. This paper's primary goal is to investigate the many ways in which social media may affect adolescents. To that end, several research publications have been evaluated and summarised and 10 respondents were interviewed concerning their views regarding social media usage.