Essay Sample on Social Media: A Negative Impact on Teenagers

A landmark report done by Common Sense Media shows that teens ages 13-18 use social media on average nine hours a day. While it does have its positives, research shows that teens are more negatively affected by social media rather than positively. To much social media can negatively affect teens self esteem and can do harm to their mental health. Therefore, the positives of social media do not outweigh the negatives.

One reason the positives of social media do not outweigh the negatives is because social Media can negatively affect kids and teens self esteem and how they see themselves. For example, kids and teens could compare themselves to other leading to envy or body image issues. A survey done by the Royal Society for Public Health in the United Kingdom showed that young girls compare themselves to photos of “perfect girls”. Octavia Sykes, a woman who works with girls who have trouble with body image, says that social media can increase these concerns. Furthermore, social media can add extra pressure on teens to act differently to fit in or to be accepted. Shreya Hessler says, “One of the biggest challenges is the fear of missing out or the need to be accepted.” Teens may change themselves to fit into different social standards. Without a doubt social media has a negative affect on teens who have self esteem issues and trouble fitting in.

Some people may argue that social media is a great way for kids who feel isolated to find a community. While this may be true, safety is a big concern for kids who use social media in this way because you never truly know who is on the other side of the screen. Though it may seem you are talking to someone with the same interests as you, the person your talking to could have different intentions than you. Hopefully we can all agree that there are safer alternatives like finding a community at school or even starting one, rather than putting yourself in danger just to not feel as isolated. This is just more evidence that the positive aspects of social media do not outweigh the negatives.

As social media continues to grow in our society amongst kids and teens, it is important to see that the negatives heavily outweigh the positives. Your self esteem and mental health are only two of the many things that social media can have a negative impact on for kids and teens alike. I encourage kids and teens to try healthier and more relaxing alternatives instead of scrolling through social media for hours on end like joining a school club or finding a way to help out your community.