Social media influences on young people

Digital media has more and more influence on our lives, working, studying, and engaging in social interaction, collecting information, following what has happened, and consuming entertainment. The bond between young people and social media has become more and more tight. That has many influences on young people. A study has shown how social media influences young people, “This craze of social media has led to a host of questions regarding its impact on society, while it is agreed that social media affects people’s living. styles and it is an ongoing process to identify the nature of these influences in every society and country, especially on youth.”(Shbir, G,2014)

Social media platforms provide a space for young people to connect with their peers. Those activities, behaviours, and opinions of friend’s social media can influence young individuals' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours. For example, those challenges about dancing or even dangerous shows that were posted online and then those friends are more likely to be intimated later.

With more and more beautified images or bodies posted on ins or TikTok, which then becomes a trend for young teenagers, Constant exposure to idealized images can contribute to body image issues and lower self-esteem among young people, especially if they compare themselves unfavourably to others.

For the mental health side, excessive using social media has been linked to healthy mental issues, such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Social media has brought significant influences on young people, and it becomes a crucial task for educators, and parents, that is necessary to guide young people to have critical thinking skills and healthy online behaviours.  

References:

Shabir, G, Impact of Social Media on Youth: A Case Study of Bahawalpur City, Asian Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities Vol. 3(4) November 2014.