Social Media And Adolescents: A Psychological Analysis

As the use of technology seems to be advancing by the days, more and more minors are becoming internet savvy trading in Barbie’s and Books for iPads and eBooks. With social media becoming so easily accessible to our youth, concerns have surfaced regarding their safety. Many feel as if social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can lead to youth being exposed to the threat of cyber bullying and sexual predators. There are some who say without these sites we could stifle a child’s ability and talent to create the next technological phenomenon. It is also believed that this social media usage can impact a child negatively by exposing them to the threats of being cyberbullied or taken advantage of by sexual predators. Considering …show more content…
Predators tend to prey on minors who are easy targets. It could be from a child seeking parental guidance or even a child suffering from low self-esteem. The typical sexual predator tries to find intimacy, but when they can 't find it in appropriate ways they demand it or find a child who has little resistance. Abraham Maslow, an acclaimed psychologist, created a hierarchy of needs. He stated in order for a child to reach their maximum potential, self-actualization, there basic needs must be met. Self-esteem is one of the levels in Maslow’s hierarchy proving that in order for our children to reach their full potential, self-esteem must be met. Children with low self-esteem are the more likely to attract sexual predators. At this stage of life, esteem presents the need for belonging and the desire to be accepted and valued by others. Under these circumstances, deprivation of this need can lead to an inferiority complex of weakness and helplessness of a minor. On the other hand, socializing on web pages can allow shy, socially awkward minors to boost their social skills and self-esteem. These children find comfort in being able to express themselves online in a way they were not able to do in person. However, minors may become too social and this can cause them to reveal information, which makes it easier for sexual predators to target them. Statistics show that in 82% of online sex crimes against minors, the offender used the victim 's social networking site to gain information about the victim 's likes and dislikes. At this stage of a minor’s life, where self-esteem is more prevalent, the risk of them being exposed to sexual predators online is very