According to Buhalis et al ,(2019),technological advancements has changed about 60 percent of every sector. Computers and mobile devices have become part and parcel of our lives. The internet has connected people across the globe, making it a big global village. Therefore, it is hard to survive without the internet as many people and institutions heavily depend on the transfer of information through the it. However, this blessing has come with its drawbacks. The youths are the most vulnerable lot as the social media platforms have made some live in depression. Others are over anxious about current issues on these social media platforms. Cyberbullying has also become rampant among the youths.
Social media depression sets in when a teenager feels inferior to their peers. Teens see their peers living large based on the elegant clothes and high-end places they visit. According to Radovic et al. (2017), many teenagers become depressed when they are below what they see their peers do or live through social media platforms. They continue to add that the depression comes from jealousy about other peoples’ lives. Therefore, social media is a significant contributor to depression among teens.
Anxiety is another drawback of social media on the youths. Woods and Scott (2016) argue that social media curiosity leads to a lack of enough sleep hence increased anxiety. Spending a lot of time on social media, especially at night, leads to body tiredness throughout the day. Body exhaustion leads to unproductivity among the youths. (Woods & Scott, 2016).
Cyberbullying has also become the modern day social media platform menace. Méndez et al. (2020) argue that youths are venerable to the effects of cyberbullying. Some end up in depression, feeling lonely and anxious (Dilmaç, 2017). Cyberbullying, therefore, has become aa major challenge among young individuals through various social media platforms.
However, despite the various effects of social media among youths, their use has several positive impacts on the youths. For example, social media is essential for sharing knowledge among students (Akram & Kumar, 2017). Akram & Kumar (2017) argue that students can easily log into the various social media groups and derive information they need. A good example is the different Facebook groups where individuals discuss multiple topics.
Social media is a vital socialization tool. Youth interact through various social media platforms and share ideas (Akram & Kumar, 2017). Through the media, youths remain in touch even when they cannot meet physically (Akram & Kumar, 2017).
Conclusion
The effects of social media on adolescents continues to rise. Some of them are depressed as teens feel they are below their peers. Some develop anxiety, especially when they remain attached to social media trends and avoid resting from the internet. Cyberbully is also a big topic of discussion among the youths as most fall victims, and the effects are astounding. On the other hand, social media has helped share information among the students. Others remain connected due to the internet and the various social media platforms.
References
Akram, W., & Kumar, R. (2017). A study on positive and negative effects of social media on society. International Journal of Computer Sciences and Engineering, 5(10), 351-354.
Buhalis, D., Harwood, T., Bogicevic, V., Viglia, G., Beldona, S., & Hofacker, C. (2019). Technological disruptions in services: lessons from tourism and hospitality. Journal of Service Management.
Dilmaç, B. (2017). The Relationship between Adolescents’ Levels of Hopelessness and Cyberbullying: The Role of Values. Educational Sciences: Theory and Practice, 17(4), 1119-1133.
Méndez, I., Jorquera Hernández, A. B., & Ruiz-Esteban, C. (2020). Profiles of mobile phone problem use in Bullying and Cyberbullying among adolescents. Frontiers in psychology, 11, 2744.
Radovic, A., Gmelin, T., Stein, B. D., & Miller, E. (2017). Depressed adolescents’ positive and negative use of social media. Journal of adolescence, 55, 5-15.
Woods, H. C., & Scott, H. (2016). # Sleepyteens: Social media use in adolescence is associated with poor sleep quality, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. Journal of adolescence, 51, 41-49.
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