How Do Social Media Affect Teenagers Today?

How do social media affect teenagers today?

In today’s modern environment the role of both the media and in particular social media has increased to unprecedented levels. This is because we have never had social media and everyone wants the newest things in order to be the coolest or the most popular in school. It also could affect the way the teen thinks and change their attitude. It shapes the teen to be what everyone else wants her/he to be. This could add stress on the teen to feel as they must go behind their parents back and become rebellious. Whilst social media can be a positive tool it can also be very dangerous and leads to victimization and bullying.

The demand to have social media today is extremely high. It is a way to know what is happening with celebrities and other friends. If you don’t have social media you are considered an outsider and a loser. If you don’t fit in you can feel depressed and feel alone. A good example is the Amanda Todd story. She committed suicide as her secret photos were leaked on Facebook. In a teens life it is very important to have the newest things and the best. It makes them feel as though they have a sense of belonging and acceptance. To be accepted into a social group is a huge deal when they are in the age where appearance and social status matters.

The literature on the influence of media on teenagers is vast and most of them have focused on the negative impacts. They seem to advance the view that the way youth react to situations, or their mode of thinking is wholly based on the effect of the media, particularly television and movies, music, videogames, and the internet. Youth in sense represents the age group between 13 and 20. The outcome of media influences has largely been negative, especially since the above forms of media have negatively influenced the behaviours and sexuality of the teenagers