siliconindia | | NOVEMBER 20249have a negative effect on them. The trends and expectations set by society depicted on the internet can cause teenagers not to build a strong and unique sense of self.Cyberbullying & Emotional Well-beingOne of the social problems that social media has brought to teenagers is the increased cases of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is like other types of bullying but is done with the use of technology and is thus more common and can be more persistent. Bullying on social media is easy because people are unknown and can post anything they want without being punished immediately. The psychological impact of the abuse is also very high; victims suffer from higher stress levels, anxiety, and depression, and some even develop suicidal tendencies. Since cyberbullying happens in cyberspace, it becomes difficult for parents and teachers to notice hence many adolescents suffer the emotional repercussions alone.Social Media Addiction & Behavioral ChangesTeenagers are becoming more and more dependent on social media, and spend hours on feeds, watching videos and engaging in social activities. This habitual use can make one become dependent on it just like the drug addicts are dependent on their drugs. The notifications and likes that are released in the brain due to the use of social media increase dopamine levels and thus make it difficult for teens to log out. In the long run, this addiction may result in major behavioral shifts like social seclusion, avoiding face-to-face communication, and even skipping school. Further, the blue light that is produced in screens can cause sleep disturbances which result in tiredness and poor concentration. Social media is therefore a constant part of the teenager's life and can therefore greatly affect his or her well-being."One of the greatest innovations in technology is social media, not just in our ability to communicate but in our ability to market directly to those we want to reach", says Nikul Patel, Founder & CEO, Digital Media Group of Companies.Influence on Social Skills & Real-World InteractionsWhile social media brings teenagers closer to the global society it hampers the development of core interpersonal skills. It is also important to note that face-to-face communication offers opportunities for the recognition of feelings, the interpretation of body language and the handling of conflicts, which cannot be replaced by digital communication. In their interaction with friends and acquaintances, teens using social media may spend little time meeting them physically and thus, they develop anxiety when it comes to physical interactions. Moreover, the use of shortened words and emojis in social interactions through the Internet is likely to affect language acquisition and interfere with the capacity to convey ideas coherently in spoken language. Therefore, the increased reliance on social media may negatively affect the acquisition of appropriate social skills.Positive Psychological Effects of Social MediaOne must understand that social media is not a sin, and it has a positive impact on one's psychological well-being. To many teenagers, it provides meaningful ways to interact and be inspired. Social media can provide teens with support networks, especially if the youth feel lonely in their real-world interactions. It enables them to learn different outlooks, be creative, and feel connected with others with similar passions or life stories. Also, social networks can act as a source of mental health help, as organizations share information and services on social networks. However, if used correctly, social media can be a great tool for self-actualization and a means of creating a sense of belonging to a particular community.Conclusion: Social media exerts an array of psychological effects on adolescents, but these may encompass biopsychological aspects of life such as mental health and peer relations. Despite the threats like cyberbullying, addiction, and problematic identity development, social media has its benefits, including social connections and self-voice. To solve these problems, parents, teachers, and society in general should encourage the correct usage and guide teenagers through the digital environment. Thus, by being aware of the possible negative consequences and finding ways to enhance the positive aspects.
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