In today’s digital world, social media has become the most powerful tool, with extensive effects on today’s youth. By being with social media, people have new ways to connect, learn, and entertain themselves still on the other hand we cannot neglect its growing impact on relationships, mental health, and self-perception of today’s youth. Social Media can inspire but can also imprison the youth. With social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, people can make new friends and join the groups and communities of their interests despite geographical bounds.
Build Connect
While social media strengthens the connection, it can also lead to isolation when interactions lack depth or authenticity.“Social media doesn’t just amplify peer pressure; it enshrines it. The approval and judgment of others are available to us 24/7.”( Rachel Simmons, Educator and Author)There are several ways by which social media impacts youth; one of the major impacts is by providing them with a platform for connection. Social Media platforms often showcase idealized versions of life that lead to constant comparison.
Made youth ungrateful & greedy
Youth frequently compare their lives with the perfect lives of influencers or peers, which makes them look down upon themselves and leads to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Many people get harassed and bullied anonymously. Social Media is also causing sleep disturbance among youth by getting them engaged with new feeds and notifications which lead to excessive screen timing and late-night scrolling resulting in addiction-like behavior.“Social Media gives youth a voice but it also teaches them the art of Comparison”. Despite its many negative effects social media can also be beneficial if use consciously. Social Media has made it very easy to connect with our loved ones. Social Media provides us a platform to share thoughts, ideas, and interest. Social Media also helps students with their studies by providing them a vast ocean of knowledge through tutorial, webinars, skill development on the platform like YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn etc.
Show creativity
Social Media also let youth to show their creative side through art, music, writingWalt Whitman as a poet and other forms which help them build confidence and discover their passion social media also aware people about global and social issues young people should engage themselves in activism using social media platform to raise awareness on topics like climate change, human rights, and equality. “Teach the youth that Social Media is a Window not a mirror”Social Media’s impact on youth is complex and multiplex.
Every nation is dependent on its youth as they are the backbone and future of the state so we need to navigate social media responsibly. Schools and Parents should teach youth about responsible social media usage, encourage them to balance their online time, and make them feel the importance of setting boundaries for social media usage so that they can focus more on their academics and self-growth without any distractions.
Conclusion
In Conclusion“Social media is like a drug. We have age restrictions on smoking, drinking, and gambling, but we do not have age restrictions on social media and cellphones, which is the most addicting thing.”(Simon Sinek)