Social media is everywhere nowadays. In an age of such rapidly advancing technology, people are being more and more immersed in the online world. This online world, namely social media, has effects on teens the most. In our world, nearly everything is centered around social media. We use it to communicate, to entertain, to advertise, and so much more. Our humor and even personalities are shaped by the media we consume, and social media is proving to be more and more important to our development.
Unfortunately, social media has gotten quite the bad rap. It is demonized by parents, as if it was something so inherent evil consuming us. And while this can be true at times, it isn’t always. In this article, we’ll explore the less talked about positive effects of social media on teen mental health.
#1 : Building a Community
Social media does provide a platform to grow communities, especially those who may feel unable to express themselves in their real world spaces. Marginalized communities like LGBTQ+ people get to feel a sense of belonging in these online communities, as the people in their own lives may not accept them.
Community is very important to anyone’s mental health. In a study, it was found that those who had a negative sense of community were far more likely to report symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental illness. The reason why? Well, humans are naturally social animals, and we all need each other’s company. Of course, there is a spectrum of personalities, and different balances of alone time and community time in different people, but it is widely agreed that social interaction is an essential part of good mental health.
This sense of community is incredibly important to teens especially. Without the support of a community, no one will feel safe enough to explore their own expression, especially us teenagers. However, social media should not be the only place to look for this. Physical relationships are more important than any virtual ones, but in a place they may not be possible for some. Social media can provide a temporary space that’ll open up to a wider and physically interactive community.
#2 : Education and Awareness
Social media can be used to bring awareness to various subjects, and are relatively effective in doing this. In fact around 49% of Americans believe that social media is somewhat effective at bringing awareness to political issues. It’s not only political awareness, but also mental health awareness that they cultivate and grow. This study found that social media was very effective in reaching many people in a short amount of time, conveying the message of the mental health campaign.
Social media brings information to the public when they otherwise would not search for the information. Social media platforms, especially those like TikTok, condense important information in a short-form template. This will not only keep the audience engaged but also help them understand the issue at hand. Many informational media may not be readily available or easily understandable by people, especially teens. Social media can convey this same information in a more inclusive way. While many argue that social media also promotes propaganda, all other forms of media do as well. Misinformation is only going to increase along with the advancement of technology.
Contrary to the old saying, “ignorance is bliss”, research has proven that ignorance is not really bliss when it comes to your mental health. Lack of emotional awareness has proven to lead to mental issues. It is especially important that this awareness is brought during childhood and adolescence. This paper shows how low emotional awareness in adolescence has led to psychological issues later on in life. Social media can increase this awareness in teens, aiding them in their mental health journey later on.
#3 : A Creative Outlet
Social media has also proven to be a place for creative expression among individuals. This research paper went into this subject, and found that it is not only a platform for artistic expression, but also a tool for it. Creators use the simple and accessible editors to make unique content for their audience. Artists also use it, in visual and performative arts, to showcase their works when they may not gain visibility otherwise. The positive feedback people gain from people online encourage them to pursue their art form further. This is especially true for teenagers, opportunities for teens in the art world is hard to come by. Social media gives these teens the visibility that they may never get otherwise.
Creativity is essential to mental health and development. Creativity relieves and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, and often leaves you feeling productive. It is also a form of letting out emotion in a healthy way, as is journaling which you can read more about in this article. All for his is really important for teens, with our hormones making us prone to emotional outbursts and leaving emotional regulation all the more important.
#4 : Humor
The effects of social media on teens and their humor is not talked about nearly enough. I can personally attest to the fact that much of our humor stems from phrases and events coined by social media platforms. We use social media for entertainment, and a lot of the time, that entertainment is a good laugh.
This time, the old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine” proves itself right. Laughter is known for its many benefits and therapeutic nature. It brings people together and promotes positivity with the endorphins it releases. As teenagers, this kind of happiness and positivity is crucial to a good life. There are so many stressors, from school, to your social life, to the biological irregularities of puberty, and positivity is key to having a good outcome in this stage of life. Also, humor connects, not just because of how contagious it is, but because what you find funny can be very specific to the people you are interacting with. On social media, there are multiple forms of humorous content that various different groups find funny, and when those groups happen to come together, they bond over their shared humor.
Conclusion
Now you know it all. Social media isn’t just an attention-sucking demon machine that means nothing but the worst. The effects of social media on teens aren’t all bad, and can be quite good at times. It can actually be an incredible tool for people to learn, create, and entertain themselves and others, and it can prove to be very positive in our development as teenagers. So the next time your parents try to complain about “that damn phone”, just remember everything you can say back.