Social Media and its Impact on Teenagers

Abstract: Like any form of technology, social media has both an upside and a downside. And when it comes to the social media effects on teens, there are significant pros and cons to take into account. On the plus side, platforms like TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat can be lifesavers for teens who feel isolated or marginalized, particularly LGBTQ teens. However, the impact of social media on teens can be significantly detrimental to mental health. Social media use exposes teens to cyberbullying, body image issues, and tech addiction, and results in less time spent doing healthy, real-world activities. Moreover, the addictive qualities of social media can prime the brain for addiction to substances. Keywords: social media; teens; mental health; cyberbullying.