You’ve been on social media for hours, and you start to feel discouraged and like you’re not good enough. Suddenly, you try to impress social media with various things. You change your style, buy new things, and make new friends. Does this feel relatable? This is how social media has affected many young people in this generation.
Many teens worldwide struggle with self-worth due to social media pressure. If they get addicted to social media, their mental health may deteriorate, and therefore, they will feel they are not meant for this world. According to a study by www.pmc.ncbi.nlm.gov, “Patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) or dysthymia in clinically referred samples, 85% reported suicidal ideation, 32% attempted suicide during adolescence or young adulthood, and 2.5%–7% committed suicide.” All in all, teens should be able to live to their full potential and not be affected by social media.
Teens who spend time on social media are exposed to countless trends and viral videos. Even though many of the things in videos cost a lot of money, teens will do whatever it takes to feel like they matter on social media. Don’t these teens already possess inherent value, regardless of their social media presence? For example, according to an article by the University of FIU, “This vulnerability to social pressure may result in, say, buying a certain brand of sneakers.” In other words, teens should not let social media influence or control their lives.
Cyberbullying is another significant way social media can damage mental health. A lot of teens on social media experience bullying firsthand or see it happen. You don’t want your kids getting bullied, do you? This is found in a study by www.annapolis.gov, where they concluded, “Nearly 42% of kids have been bullied online, and almost one in four have had it happen more than once. Among this percentage, being ignored and disrespected were the most common forms of cyberbullying.” Many victims of cyberbullying experience a sense of hopelessness about their situation. In conclusion, numerous people on the internet are getting bullied, and it needs to end as soon as possible.
Reducing screen time and social media use can contribute significantly to improved self-esteem and overall happiness. Now that you know this information, will you spend as much time on social media?