If you’re a teen, social media is probably a big part of your life. You catch up with friends, share stuff, and stay updated on what’s going on. But have you ever thought about how it’s actually changing the way we talk to each other? We can break it down with some expert opinions.
Social media makes it way easier to stay in touch, no matter where people are. Maybe a friend moved away, or you’re in a group chat with classmates you barely see. Apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and video calls help keep those connections strong. In fact, Yale Medicine, 80% of teens say social media helps them stay connected, and 67% feel like they have people to turn to on tough days. This constant connection matters, especially when life gets busy.
But let’s be real, it’s not all good. Scrolling through posts can make you feel left out. You might see friends hanging out without you or worry about how many likes your post got. Yale Medicine also mentioned it’s not just you 31% of teens say social media makes them feel left out, and 29% feel pressure to post stuff for likes. The thing is, social media is like a highlight reel where people share their best moments, not the struggles. It’s easy to feel like you don’t measure up. That “fear of missing out” can cause anxiety and depression, especially for teens who are always online.
Social media isn’t just about fun; it’s also where news and big talks happen. When something huge happens, it’s all over TikTok or Twitter. You get updates from people who are there. But not everything you see online is true. There’s a lot of fake stuff, and it’s hard to know what’s real. So, it’s super important to be careful about what you believe.
Social media’s impact on mental health is a big issue. On one hand, it helps teens who feel isolated find support. But on the other hand, too much social media can lead to anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Teens who spend over three hours a day online are more likely to struggle with mental health. Plus, body image issues are huge. Almost half of teen girls say social media makes them feel worse about how they look.
There’s also the risk of cyberbullying, harassment, and privacy problems. People say things online they would never say in person, and that can really hurt. According to EBCSO 64% of teens say they’ve seen hate-based content online, and cyberbullying can affect mental health. And remember, anything you post can spread fast and stick around, so think before you share.
But even with all the risks, social media can be a great way to express yourself. Many teens use it to share their creativity or explore parts of who they are that they might not feel comfortable sharing in real life. It can help you find people who get you, especially if you feel alone.EBSCO mentioned 71% of teens say social media lets them show their creative side, and 58% feel more accepted because of it.