Young people using Social Media.

Digital media plays a significant role in the lives of younger people today. They are continuously interacting with a digital environment that presents both advantages and disadvantages. Digital media's impact on the younger generation is complicated and always modifying, from peer connections and information availability to managing problems such online harassment and digital addiction. Understanding the complicated nature of their digital encounters is essential in fulfilling their needs and building a positive relationship with technology.

“A new Pew Research Center survey of American teenagers ages 13 to 17 finds TikTok has rocketed in popularity since its North American debut several years ago and now is a top social media platform for teens among the platforms covered in this survey.” (Vogels.E, Watnick.R, Massarat.N 2022).

According to the research that I have mentioned, most of the youngers use the app TikTok. But in the past Facebook took a part of the youngers’ lives. As well as it shows addiction for the Tik Tok app. Not only that Instagram, Snapchat also dramatically increased in past years but not much TikTok.

Trends on social media, including those from TikTok, are having an increasing effect on education. Many trends are harmless, but some threaten school property and student safety at danger. It's critical that school administrators keep up to be updated on the latest social media trends and have open discussions with youngsters about the dangers and consequences of adopting specific trends.

“In recent weeks, the hashtag "deviouslicks" or the "bathroom challenge" has been trending. This trend encourages students to record themselves vandalizing school bathrooms and stealing school property.” (ESD112 Insurance programme)

This challenge has caused a nationwide increase in the theft of different goods from schools, including signs, restroom mirrors, Covid supplies, and fire alarms. Due to this trend, schools have been obliged to implement systems for approving bathroom usage, close restrooms, increase surveillance in the restrooms, and take disciplinary action against pupils. Teachers and staff are actively teaching kids about the ramifications of taking part in these challenges, with a focus on possible legal and school discipline.

The "dry scooping" is a well-liked but risky trend. When someone engages in "dry scooping," they swallow a scoop of protein or pre-workout powder without first combining it with water. It has been observed that this concentrated eating caused struggle to breathe, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and brain enlargement.

Young people can optimize the positive aspects of digital media use while limiting any potential negative effects by using it mindfully and in moderation, which will ultimately result in a satisfying and happy digital experience.

 References.

TikTok trends and challenges. ESD112 Insurance Programs Risk Alert. Accessed on 21.02.2024. https://www.esd112.org/?mailpoet_router&endpoint=view_in_browser&action=view&data=WzEyNCwiZTVmZGEzYmEyN2NhIiwwLDAsMTI5LDFd

Vogels.E, Watnick.R, Massarat.N.2022. Teens, social media and Technology.21.02.2024. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/08/10/teens-social-media-and-technology-2022/