Teens and Social Media

Social media is a big part of many teens' lives. The phenomenon known as Operant Conditioning, pioneered by psychologist B. F. Skinner, is key to the success of social media. In a nutshell, when you are consistently presented with a reward, you will repeat a behaviour.

A 2018 Pew Research Center survey of nearly 750 (13 to 17 year olds) found that 45% are online almost constantly and 97% use a social media platform, such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat. Social media gets you hooked. It's a subtle manipulation that you don't realise is happening. The designers do it deliberately to keep you scrolling.

But what impact does social media use have on teens?

Social Media Benefits

Connections: You get to stay in touch with your friends, even if they’re far away.

Learning and knowledge: There is always something interesting to learn about and explore.

Positivity: Share your good news and celebrate the achievements of the people you love.

Support: Feeling Low? Reach out to a whole network of people who care.

Inspiration: Sometimes social media gives us the bump we need to push a little harder.

Build a Platform: Use social media to show the world what you’re best at.

Hilarity and Fun: A funny video is a great way to brighten your day and bond with others.

The Drawbacks of Social Media

Echo Chambers: Algorithms are focussed on giving you more of what they think you want to hear.

Radicalisation: The same view can be reinforced until you believe it, even if it is wrong.

Sleep Deprivation: Have you ever scrolled and scrolled, watching ‘one more video’ till well past midnight.

Polarisation: It’s easy to disagree with someone from behind a screen and be nasty about it.

Conspiracy Theories: Social media gives us all a level platform to share ideas. This can be dangerous.

Threat to Personal Privacy: Are you sharing too much about where you are and what you are doing?

Organised Harassment: Bullying reaches extreme levels when people can gather a group quickly.

Decreased Time Outdoors: The addictive nature of social media means we give it priority over other activities.

Dehumanisation: Its easy to say mean things when you do not know someone on a personal level.

Jealousy and Comparison: We don’t see the complete picture of our friends’ lives, so we feel inferior.

Unrealistic Ideals: From looks to athletic ability, what you see on social media is not necessarily what you get in real life.

Protecting Your Teen

There are steps you can take to encourage responsible use of social media and limit some of its negative effects. Consider these tips:

• Set reasonable limits. Talk to your teen about how to avoid letting social media interfere with his or her activities, sleep, meals or homework. Encourage a bedtime routine that avoids electronic media use and keep electronic devices out of teens' bedrooms.
• Monitor your teen's accounts.
• Explain what's not OK. Discourage your teen from gossiping, spreading rumours, bullying or damaging someone's reputation — online or otherwise. Talk to your teen about what is appropriate and safe to share on social media.
• Encourage face-to-face contact with friends. This is particularly important for teens vulnerable to social anxiety disorder.
• Talk about social media. Talk about your own social media habits. Ask your teen how he or she is using social media and how it makes him or her feel. Remind your teen that social media is full of unrealistic images.

The internet is still there and has its benefits. You only have to steer clear of social media that tracks your habits and preferences. Use the internet to find local activities and events and get out there in the world!

References

The Hopeful Institute infographic v4

Ten arguments for deleting your social media account right now - Jaron Lanier.

Helen Del Frate

Dean of Students