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Alyssa Pugnale

Prof. Waggoner

Eng 1201

11 March 2021

What are the affects and dangers of social media on youth?

As technology improves overtime, the popularity of social media continues to

grow. In an article written by Camille Crittenden, she mentions that “Ninety-five percent

of teens now report they have a smartphone or access to one; 45% of them say they

are online on a near-constant basis”(Crittenden). That is a lot of teens and a lot of time

spent on social media so it is not a surprise that social media has heavily influenced our

lives for the better and the worse. Social media platforms can be used for a variety of

purposes like communication and entertainment. Although social media has

transformed the way people communicate, it has many negative affects and dangers on

today’s youth like depression and anxiety, cyberbullying, and not being able to form

meaningful relationships.

In just a decade social media has changed the way we communicate with one

another. Myspace was a popular platform that influenced the social media that we know

today. After Myspace, followed Facebook which gained an even larger amount of users.

According to Justin Healey, a study conducted in 2012 by the Australian Communication

and Media Authority stated Facebook was the most popular form of social media for

twelve to seventeen year olds (Healey). Now there are platforms like Instagram,

Youtube, and Snapchat which are gaining popularity among the youth. The number of
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kids active on social media continues to grow and the age that kids are introduced to

social media seems to get younger.

One of the biggest negative effects of social media on kids is the lack of their

ability to build relationships due to the amount of time they spend online. Before social

media, kids talked face to face and were present when they were with their friends. Now

it is easy to get wrapped up in what is going on online rather than what is going on in

the real world. Social media takes away from teens forming real connections and

relationships. In an article written by Camille Crittenden, she mentions that, nine out of

ten teens believe that their peers waste too much of their time online (Crittenden). This

statistic puts into perspective how big the issue of spending too much time on social

media is.

Some benefits of face to face communication that online communication lacks

are facial expressions, body language, and getting to hear tone of voice. Not being able

to see someones emotions or hear their voice can lead to misunderstanding. Also,

conversations online don’t happen in the same time span that they do in real life. Talking

online allows for more time to develop a response. It makes sense why many kids,

including myself, don’t like to talk on the phone because there is more active

communication that can be seen as stressful. Many teachers have noticed that students

have a harder time socializing in the classroom because social media has lessened the

need to communicate face to face.

It is easy to waste time on social media. When kids spend too much time online,

it takes away from the time that they should spend focusing on schoolwork or being

outside and staying active. The increase in social media use has negatively affected
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academic performance. In Australia, a profesor carried out a study that found that

students who regularly used social media had lower math, science, and reading scores

than those who rarely used social media(Heitin). Too much social media also distracts

from spending enough time outside and involved in extracurricular activities. Nowadays

kids spend more time inside on their phones than they do playing sports and being

outside in the sun. It is scientifically proven that spending more time outside can have

positive effects on a person’s mind and mood. Kids do not get these same benefits by

sitting inside on social media. It is just as important to be involved in activities outside of

school and technology because these activities offer the opportunity to stay healthy and

form new relationships.

Another issue regarding wasted time on social media is sleep deprivation. Many

hours of the average teenagers day is wasted on social media. When I am scrolling

through social media at night, oftentimes I lose track of time and suddenly an hour has

passed. This time spent on social media can cut into the time that teens should spend

sleeping. Being active on social media before going to bed can also make it more

difficult to fall asleep and affect the quality of sleep. The professionals at SCL health

write that the blue light created by a phone screen decreases the production of

melatonin. Melatonin is essential when it comes to sleep because it is a hormone that

controls both the sleep and wake cycle(sclhealth.org). Sleep is important, especially for

teenagers. When they don't get enough sleep, it can have affects on their performance

at school and in athletics. It can also cause moodiness and have an impact on their

mental health.
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So exactly how much sleep should teens be getting? Michael Crocetti, a

pediatrician at John Hopikins, recommends that teens get nine to nine and a half hours

of sleep each night (hopkinsmedicine.org). Teens need more sleep in comparison to

other age groups because their bodies and brains are developing quickly. Not getting

enough sleep over a long period of time can have an affect on both their physical and

mental growth.

Cyberbullying is another problem that is linked to social media. Unlike our

parents generation, bullying doesn’t only happen at school, it oftentimes follows kids

home. It is easy to say mean things to others online, rather than saying it their face.

Cyberbullying is more common than most people expect. In an article written by the

University of Nevada, they stated that one in every six teenagers have experienced

dangerous online-behaviors like receiving explicit pictures, having their location being

tracked, threats, and having explicit images of themselves leaked by others (“Impact of

Social Media on Youth Mental Health”.). Research also shows that young girls are more

commonly involved in cyberbullying than boys. According to figure 1, twenty-two percent

of boys ages twelve to fifteen know someone who has experienced cyberbullying

compared to a thirty-five percent of girls.

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Figure 1 (Smith)

Another study focused on cyberbullying was conducted on 417 high school

students in Turkey. The results showed that 35.7% of the students have cyberbullied

others at least once. The article also mentions that the amount of teens experiencing

cyberbullying is greater than the amount of bullies (Beyazit). This means the number of

students experiencing cyberbullying in the study conducted in Turkey is higher than

35.7%. Cyberbullying can have different effects on todays youth like anxiety, suicidal

thoughts, and low self-esteem. It can also make school feel like an unsafe place and

negatively affect academic performance.

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Social media has been linked to have a cause in depression and anxiety. Like I

mentioned before social media can cause sleep deprivation which can lead to

depression and anxiety. Cyberbullying which occurs over social media can also cause

both depression and anxiety. On top of sleep deprivation and cyberbullying there are

unrealistic standards set online that can take a toll on the mental health of teens. The

impacts of social media range from loneliness, feelings of depression, anxiety, negative

body image, and self-harm.

Negative body image is an increasing issue because It is no longer just the

models on the covers of magazines with photoshopped bodies that appear perfect. Now

teenagers all over social media are editing their bodies. Teenagers are always

comparing themselves to others and when they see this “perfect” image it can be

unhealthy. In an article written by the University of Nevada, they referenced a study in

the journal Body Image which found that when females viewed a social media profile of

someone that they felt was “prettier”, it caused them to feel worse about themselves.

(“Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health.”). Females who had a positive view of

themselves were negatively affected after viewing social media so the affects of social

media on someone with low self-esteem would be greater.

Teens also face the want and need to be accepted by everyone. An example of

this is when kids are constantly checking the likes that they receive on social media

posts. This issue has lead to instagram adding a feature where users can hide the

number of likes that they get on each post from their followers. The need to be accepted

could also result in many teens participating in unsafe behaviors like using drugs and

alcohol or making bad decisions online. When kids post bad stuff online, they end up
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suspended or expelled from school. A bad decision made online can even jeopardize

things like getting into college or getting a job in the future. Recently, students at my

high school made inappropriate posts online and are facing consequences for their

actions. Another instance, which involved someone I know posting something to a

private story got them in trouble. Even though she though it was private and only her

closest friends could see, someone screenshotted the picture and showed it to the

school. She was in trouble with both the school and her parents. But then a month later

it was shared for millions of other people to see. Now she is dealing with it again and

facing threats.

As smartphone use increases this includes the use of social media which proves

that social media does in fact have an influence on mental health. Crittenden states

that, during 2010 to 2015 the number of deaths by suicide increased by twenty-three

percent and during this same time period the use of social media also increased

(Crittenden). Another study with basically the same results, which was conducted in

2019 on twelve to fifteen year-olds in the U.S., proved that spending over three hours a

day on social media leads to a greater risk for mental health issues(Mayo Clinic Staff).

The increase in self-harm due to social media is affecting countries across the world,

not just the United States. An article written by Elia Abi-Jaoude, that was published in

the Canadian Medical Associations Journal, mentioned that a study conducted in

Canada found that, the number of girls in 2009 to 2014 that were admitted to the

hospital for self-harm increased by 110% (Abi-Jaoude). According to Figure 2, the

number of deaths from suicide for ages ten to fourteen in 2017 has almost doubled

compared to the number in 1999. Also, the number of deaths for fifteen to twenty-four
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year olds hasn’t doubled but it has increased significantly (“Products - Data Briefs -

Number 330 - September 2018”). Sucide is the second most common cause of death in

the world and should not be taken lightly.

Figure 2 (“Products - Data Briefs - Number 330 - September 2018.”)

Finally, there are dangerous people, products, and ideas all over social media.

Social media makes it easy for people whos intent is to do harm to others to get in touch

with young kids. It allows companies to easily market unhealthy products to a vulnerable

audience (Romer). Products such as tobacco and unhealthy foods and drinks are

popularized through social media.

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Although social media can have many negative affects, it can also add many

positive aspects to a teenagers life. First, it allows kids to stay in touch even when they

aren’t together. During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, social media allowed friends

and families to stay connected when they couldn’t see each other face to face. It also

allowed teachers to keep in touch with their students. My mom is a kindergarten teacher

and she used Zoom to meet with her class during the pandemic. The kids enjoyed

seeing each others faces and my mom enjoyed getting to see her students. Even

though they couldn’t be in the classroom, meeting over zoom added normalcy to

everyone’s lives. Many students also collaborate over social media during group

projects and teachers can communicate information outside of class by using platforms

like a blog. Secondly, most kids learn how to navigate technology and social media at a

young age so they grow up with more technological knowledge which is an important

skill for many careers. However, too much of a good thing can be bad and this applies

to social media. When kids spend too much time online, it can cause them to develop

anxiety and depression, sleep deprivation, poor communication skills, and allows for

more of an opportunity for cyberbullying.

Many of the issues that stem from social media can be avoided with moderation.

For example, in the article, “How does social media affect our sleep?”, Dr. Niel Stanely

recommends to limit or stop using all social media a couple hours before going to sleep.

However, he realizes that this isn’t ideal for most people and encourages getting off of

all social media at least 30 minutes before bedtime (Stanely). By just setting the phone

down thirty minutes before bedtime, it can help combat the effects of excess social

media on sleep deprivation. Also, doing things like not being on the phone while eating
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allows everyone at the table to talk about their day or what’s going on in their life and

can help kids communicate outside of social media. No phones at the dinner table is a

rule at my house. After everyone gets home from school, work, or practice, we get to sit

down and catch up over dinner and I enjoy spending this time with my family.

In conclusion, social media is completely revolutionizing the way that we

communicate but it creates negative affects and dangers for youth. The use of social

media platforms has lead to increase in anxiety, depression, and self-harm in teens

across the world. It also allows for cyberbullying, causes sleep deprivation, and kids

lack the ability to form meaningful relationships.

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Works Cited

Abi-Jaoude, Elia, et al. “Smartphones, Social Media Use and Youth Mental Health.”

Canadian Medical Association Journal, vol. 192, no. 6, 2020,

doi:10.1503/cmaj.190434. Accessed 7 Mar. 2021.

Beyazit, Utku, et al. "AN EXAMINATION OF THE PREDICTIVE FACTORS OF

CYBERBULLYING IN ADOLESCENTS." Social Behavior and Personality: An

International Journal, vol. 45, no. 9, 2017, p. 1511+. Gale In Context: Opposing

Viewpoints,

link.gale.com/apps/doc/A512775710/OVIC?u=dayt30401&sid=OVIC&xid=a39c9c

c8. Accessed 18 Mar. 2021.

Crittenden, Camille. "The Kids Are Online--and Alright: Lack of broadband access is a

greater threat to the well-being of young people than too much access." Issues in

Science and Technology, vol. 36, no. 1, 2019, p. 43+. Gale In Context: Opposing

Viewpoints,

link.gale.com/apps/doc/A604716160/OVIC?u=dayt30401&sid=OVIC&xid=1c2995

13.

Healey, Justin. Social Media and Young People. Spinney Press, 2017. EBSCOhost,

search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e900xww&AN=1505744&site=

ehost-live.

Heitin, Liana. “Students Who Use Social Media Score Lower in Math, Reading and

Science.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 17 Aug. 2016,

www.pbs.org/newshour/education/social-media-use-linked-low-math-reading-scien

ce-performance. Accessed on 24 Mar. 2021.

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How Does Social Media Affect Your Sleep?,

www.sleepstation.org.uk/articles/sleep-tips/social-media/. Accessed on 23 Mar.

2021.

“Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health.” University of Nevada, Reno, 30 Dec.

2019,

onlinedegrees.unr.edu/online-master-of-public-health/impact-of-social-media-on-y

outh-mental-health/. Accessed on 22 Mar. 2021.

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Teens and Social Media Use: What's the Impact?” Mayoclinic.org. 21

Dec. 2019.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-

and-social-media-use/art-20474437. Accessed on 21 Mar. 2021.

O'Keeffe, Gwenn Schurgin, et al. “The Impact of Social Media on Children, Adolescents,

and Families.” American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatrics,

1 Apr. 2011, pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/127/4/800. Accessed on 23

Mar. 2021.

“Products - Data Briefs - Number 330 - September 2018.” Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3 Oct. 2018,

www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db330.htm.

Romer, Daniel. "Introduction to the issue 'Adolescents in the Digital Age: effects on

health and development'." Media and Communication, vol. 4, no. 3, 2016, p. 1+.

Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints,

link.gale.com/apps/doc/A459001250/OVIC?u=dayt30401&sid=OVIC&xid=8db87

133. Accessed 21 Mar. 2021.

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Smith, Dave. “A Shocking Number Of Tween Girls Face Cyberbullying.” Business

Insider, Business Insider, 14 Oct. 2014,

www.businessinsider.com/chart-of-the-day-young-girls-are-the-biggest-victims-of-

mobile-cyberbullying-2014-10.

“Teenagers and Sleep: How Much Sleep Is Enough?” Johns Hopkins Medicine,

www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/teenagers-and-sleep-h

ow-much-sleep-is-enough. Accessed on 24 Mar. 2021.

“Why It's Time to Ditch the Phone Before Bed.” SCL Health,

www.sclhealth.org/blog/2019/09/why-it-is-time-to-ditch-the-phone-before-bed/#:~:t

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