The Dual Faces of Social Media: A Study on Its Positive and Negative Impact on Youth

The dual nature of social media and its influence on children aged 15 to 24 in Rhenock, a semi-urban area of Sikkim, are investigated in this study. Knowing its good and bad effects has become vital as social media grows increasingly entwined into daily life, especially among young people. The objective of this descriptive study is to evaluate the behavioral and sociopsychological consequences of young people's social media use. Structured questionnaires have gathered primary data emphasizing both the positive factors—namely social relationships, information access, employment possibilities, pleasure, and Self-expression) as well as negative variables including cyberbullying, decreased productivity, physical health concerns, and mental health problems. Furthermore, collected to spot trends have been sociodemographic data including gender, educational background, and access to the internet. The study aims to provide knowledge about the balanced use of social media, therefore informing educators, parents, and legislators of its subtle impact on young growth. In the local environment of Rhenock.