It’s no secret that social media impacts and influences the lives of teenagers. Instagram accounts and even Snapchat school stories have taken a toll on social media. Whether it’s a “trolling” account or a “baddies” account, there is always some validation or interpretation made of someone. Let’s dive a little bit deeper into the impacts of social media culture in high schools
Corresponding to the use of social media in teenagers, it’s also pretty common to see an Instagram account pop up with a user along the lines of “confessions account”, or “exposed account.” Usually, they have their high school name in the username and logo as the profile picture. Often too many times, the person/people running the account don’t grasp the impacts of the people who are being posted, or the embarrassment that they endure the next day at school.
In today’s world, it’s pretty normal to see a teenager on their phone scrolling through Instagram or TikTok. But what we don’t think about is the negative effects that it can have on their mental health. Cyberbullying and harassment have increased in recent years, along with the use of a comment section in which peers don’t have to face physical confrontation.
Physical image is also a majority of what can be destroyed while consuming the negativity that is coming from these anger-fueled posts. Ranging from comparing yourself to others on what you should look like, how you should feel, and what you should be doing that you’re not. It is so normalized for social media’s expectations of people to be realistic expectation. Often leading teens’ mental health to spiral and lose confidence and self-image.
Which at that point is when they need to “take a break.”however, teenagers still find themselves scrolling and scrolling through these apps even while it ruins their self esteem. The most commonly is caused by the fear of missing out, rather it be a viral funny video or a “photo dump” from an event that you weren’t tagged in. This fear can cause some complicated outcomes like anxiety, and emotional tension, and even affecting physical well-being and sleep patterns.
Social media has changed the way in which teenagers interact today, and it’s important to remember that social media can not depict the real world. The way we treat others and ourselves is a reflection of ourselves, so remember to be mindful of what you’re putting out for others to see.
