Social media use in young people continues to be a growing debate. Young people today are growing up in a social media-driven society. Many adults have high fears for young people who see their value in the number of “Follows” or “Likes”.
One wonders how this affects our youth’s already vulnerable, still-developing minds.
This topic is complex and, unfortunately, can’t be resolved in a simple blog post (although many have tried!). But while there are no firm conclusions (yet), thousands of past and current research projects are building a picture of the impact of social media use on young people.
So, here is a summary of our understanding of social media use and young people.
It can be good
In contrast to many of the fears, research has found that social media use can be linked to positive outcomes and well-being for young people.
Friendships: Teenagers report that social media has helped them feel more connected to their friends, interact with a more diverse group of people, and feel like they have a support system during tough times.
Reduced isolation—Researchers from the University of Queensland and Griffith University found teens today report less loneliness than teens 10 years ago, even though they may have fewer friends. These teens also feel greater security in their friendships and have higher self-esteem.
Social communication skills—The same research indicates teens are developing stronger social skills, largely because of social media use. This is possibly because teens are learning how to navigate social networking sites and other methods of online communication, which makes them better communicators in an increasingly digital world.
Independence—Adolescence is a developmental period during which young people seek more independence from their parents, closer connections, and approval from peers. Social media is a way for young people to satisfy these developmental needs.
Developing a sense of self—Young people’s use of social media for “self-presentation” helps them discover different aspects of themselves, and research has found that adolescents who communicate more online have a better understanding of themselves.
A safe space – Social media helps young people to connect with like-minded youth. Social media platforms contain safe forums for exploration and expression of self – especially if there were no others like them in their communities or at school.
Online support – Young people struggling with serious issues (like drug addiction, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts) can now find help and support online without ever having to leave their homes. This is especially helpful for teens in communities (e.g. small, rural, or isolated areas) where resources may be limited.
Vehicle to get support—Social media is often used as an avenue for expressing difficulties or distress. It can alert others that they need help, which can then open pathways to appropriate support offline.
Creative expression—Teens use social media for creative expression, which is especially important to teens with low social-emotional well-being.
Support for causes – Social media exposes young people to important issues worldwide. Teens use social media to show support or draw attention to particular causes that are important to them.
And it is a worry
Disrupted sleep patterns—Social media’s engaging nature means teens can access it anytime. Teens who have mobile devices in their bedrooms and leave them on at night have been found to sleep less than those who turn them off. Lack of sleep is then related to a number of other health concerns, such as reduced concentration, increased irritability, and more serious consequences like anxiety and depression.
Less physical activity – Young people who spend more time on social media are found to be less likely to engage in physical activity. However, this finding is likely related to technology use in general – not just social media.
Less face-to-face interactions—Teens prefer to communicate with friends more online rather than in person. They also say social media distracts them from personal relationships.
FOMO – Although social media can increase feelings of connection and being up to date with what their peers are doing at a minute-by-minute refresh rate, social media can also create angst when a young person sees someone else having a good time, looking a particular way, or having particular things – also known as FOMO: Fear Of Missing Out
Reduced self-esteem and body image—Research supports a direct link between social media use and lower self-esteem. This may result from receiving negative peer feedback and engaging in unrealistic social comparisons. Some individuals’ time on social media may increase the risk of eating and body image concerns.
Cyberbullying – Social media platforms provide a convenient and often anonymous opportunity for individuals to engage in damaging forms of bullying. Nearly a quarter of teens report having been bullied through some form of social media platform. Research has also found that bullying via social media is associated with more depressive symptoms than traditional bullying, and sadly, cyberbullying victims are 2 to 9 times more likely to consider committing suicide.
Increased risky behaviours – Exposure to inappropriate content and the ability to display and consequently receive endorsement by peers of risky behaviours (such as drinking alcohol, fighting, or sexualised behaviours) may entice some adolescents to make poor decisions to share this on social media.
Addiction – Scientists have found the overuse of social media creates a stimulation pattern similar to the pattern created by other addictive behaviours – so the brain responds to social media the same way it responds to other “rewards”— with a release of dopamine. These dopamine rushes are reinforced when a teen posts something online and is met with likes, shares, and positive comments from their peers.
Relationship to depression and anxiety – Higher use of social media use has repeatedly been associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety. However, it is unclear whether social media use caused this or whether having higher levels of depression and anxiety leads to more time spent on social media. Current studies aim to measure this relationship over a longer period of time to clarify this relationship….stay tuned…
If you’re worried about the impact of social media use on a young person’s mental health, please don’t hesitate to contact us to arrange a confidential discussion.
