Many of us use social media, but have we ever thought about how it impacts our everyday life? A report found explains that teens (ages 13-18) spent about 9 hours daily on entertainment media, including social media. On the other hand tweens (ages 8-12) spend about 6 hours on average, which is just insane! Imagine spending half of your day on social media. Almost everyone can relate, especially during these difficult times. 

Teens can use social media to establish online identities, connect with others, and form social networks. Social media is also used by teenagers for amusement and self-expression. Furthermore, the platforms may educate teenagers on a number of topics, including healthy habits, exposing them to current events, and allowing them to engage across geographic barriers. Social media may even provide a genuine connection to peers and a large social network. Surprisingly there have been incidents where social media even helps teenagers avoid depression. 

Beyond that, social media usage may have a negative impact on teenagers since it can distract them, interrupt their sleep, expose them to bullying, rumor spreading, false views of other people’s lives, and peer pressure. Experts believe that teenagers who post information on social media are at danger of exposing intimate photographs or extremely personal stories due to their impulsive natures.Teens may be bullied, harassed, or even blackmailed as a result of this. Teens frequently make postings without thinking about the ramifications or privacy issues that may occur. All in all, social media has both positive and negative impacts on teenagers. In the world we are living in right now, technology will always be around us, so it’s important to understand how social media impacts us.

Sources: https://www.insider.com/how-does-social-media-affect-teenagers 

https://www.wvea.org/content/teens-spend-astounding-nine-hours-day-front-screens-researchers 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437#:~:text=However%2C%20social%20media%20use%20can,much%20social%20media%20teens%20use.