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Social media is all around us and literally everywhere we go. But social media is particularly more popular among young adults and teenagers, especially teenagers in this day and age. For the record, around 95% of youth aged 13–17 say they use social media platforms, and almost one-third report using it almost continuously. An average teen in the US reports spending nearly 5 hours daily on apps such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram — and only a small 20% of teens spend less than 2 hours!
Why do they fall victim to spending long hours on it?
One of the main reasons why teens become attached to social media is because they get to connect almost instantly with others, particularly their peers. Around 81% of teens say that social media helps them feel connected to their friends' lives, reducing FOMO (fear of missing out). Peer pressure also plays a major role, making teens almost desperate to connect through social media. Many also find communities that share similar opinions or lifestyles.
Another reason is that a lot of teens get most of their news from social media as well, believing it helps them broaden their viewpoints by being exposed to different types of opinions and engaging in issues relevant to them.
Despite teens loving social media, many struggle with its effects. 1 in 10 adolescents show signs of problematic social media behavior, often struggling to control their use and experiencing detrimental mental health issues. 41% of teens with the highest social media usage rate their mental health as very poor, and 22% report suicidal or self-harming thoughts.
Moreover, children and adolescents who spend more than 3 hours a day on social media face twice the risk of depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders. There has even been a 188% rise in eating disorders among youth aged 10–21 — largely linked to social media body comparisons, as 46% of teens say that social media tends to make them feel worse about their bodies.
Worse academic performance, poor sleep schedules, and social isolation are just some of the consequences of problematic social media use. All of these factors can further demotivate teens and cause them to spiral.
Hence, we must remain cautious when using social media and support anyone we see struggling with similar issues. Setting screen-time boundaries, taking digital detoxes, and engaging in offline hobbies can all help in creating a healthier balance.
Dabosmita is a Year 12 student who is endlessly curious and excited to explore new ideas. She actively engages with the latest developments in technology and medicine, while also enjoying deep, contemplative discussions in philosophy. Her interdisciplinary mindset and passion for learning drive her to seek knowledge beyond the classroom.