Introduction
Social networking has ingrained itself into daily life in the current digital age, particularly for teens. Space and time are no longer barriers to expression, experience sharing, and the development of social connections thanks to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. Teens utilize social media to establish an online persona, find fun, and display who they are.
But despite the ease, there are growing worries about how social media use affects mental health. Teenager’s increased prevalence of anxiety disorders, depression, and low self-esteem are frequently linked to their excessive and harmful usage of social media.
Since adolescent development heavily depends on mental health, this is a major worry for parents, educators, and mental health professionals.
Between Social Pressure and Benefits
In essence, social media is the outcome of communication technology advancements that offer a number of advantageous advantages. Social media can help teens expand their horizons, connect with like-minded groups, and access knowledge that is unavailable in their immediate environment.
Teens interested in painting, for instance, can interact with artists worldwide, pick up new skills, and even display their work to the public. Furthermore, a lot of youngsters believe that expressing themselves online is simpler than doing it in person.
However, when social media starts to be used as a tool for social comparison or as a gauge of happiness, these advantages could become pressure. Teenagers frequently rely on approval from “likes,” encouraging remarks, and the quantity of followers.
They are more vulnerable to stress, social pressure, and even feelings of worthlessness when they do not receive the anticipated response because of this condition. Over time, this may lead to a number of severe psychological issues.
Adolescent Mental Health it as Risk from Social Media
The phenomena of social comparison is among the most noticeable effects of excessive usage of social media. Adolescents may contrast themselves with peers or prominent celebrities who appear to lead flawless lives on social media.
To display just the best aspects, the majority of these uploads have really undergone a selection and editing procedure. Teenagers may become less confident and feel dissatisfied with themselves as a result of these irrational expectations.
Cyberbullying, often known as online bullying, is another issue that is extremely upsetting. Because this type of bullying is anonymous and has the potential to spread quickly, it is frequently more traumatic.
The victim’s mindset might be destroyed by hurtful remarks, taunts, or the dissemination of offensive images or videos. Teens frequently suffer from trauma, distance themselves from their social circles, and even resort to drastic measures like self-harm as a result of cyberbullying.
Addiction to social media is also a serious risk. Many youngsters struggle to limit how much time they spend on their devices. Their aimless hours of screen scrolling interfere with their ability to learn, sleep, and engage with others.
This addiction raises the risk of anxiety and depression, interferes with sleep, and makes it difficult to focus. Teens may experience anxiety if they are unable to access social media for a few hours, a sign of FOMO (fear of missing out).
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Methods to Avoid Social Media’s Detrimental Effect on Teens
To overcome this obstacle, a number of coordinated actions must be performed. Digital literacy education is the first and most fundamental. Adolescents should be taught how to use social media responsibly and healthily from a young age.
Sorting information, controlling consumption, recognizing the risks of harmful content, and realizing that the life shown on social media does not accurately reflect reality are all examples of this literacy. School curricula, seminars, or public campaigns featuring good influencers can all be used to spread this knowledge.
Second, schools and parents have a critical role in supporting youngsters. When it comes to using technology and social media, parents ought to set a good example.
Additionally, they must foster compassionate and transparent communication so that kids feel comfortable discussing the issues they face on the internet. In the meanwhile, schools can offer counseling services, host mental health workshops or training, and create a supportive student community.
Third, social media platform providers need to take responsibility. Technology companies should create features that promote mental health, like usage time reminders, filters for negative content, and a quick and robust system for reporting cyberbullying.
They should also be transparent about their algorithms and limit harmful content so that teens aren’t exposed to things that can make them feel depressed or anxious.
Fourth, both online and offline access to mental health treatments needs to be enhanced. Teens in need may find that readily available psychological assistance, teen hotlines, and app-based counseling are a very beneficial first line of treatment.
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Closing
Social media is an impartial instrument. When used properly, it can be quite beneficial, but when used carelessly, it can be dangerous. Teens, who are part of the digital generation and have grown up with technology, require guidance in order to use social media in a healthy and constructive way.
Parents, educators, the government, and platform providers all have responsibility for this in addition to the individual.
Social media may continue to be a tool for positive communication and connection without endangering the mental health of the next generation, who hold the key to the country’s future, provided that they receive the right education, strong rules, and a nurturing atmosphere.
Penulis: Novalia Kencana Dewi
Mahasiswa Pendidikan Bahasa Arab Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka
Supervisor: Muhammad Iman Sastra Mihajat, Ph. D.
Editor: Ika Ayuni Lestari
Bahasa: Rahmat Al Kafi
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