Negative Effects Of Social Media On Teens

In most recent years, social media has become very popular among all age groups. The age group that social media attracts the most, are adolescents. Both social media and social media apps have drawn the younger generation in. Social media sites and apps such as Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. A study in the Netherlands, by Valkenburg, Peter, and Schouten, found that adolescents, “visited the friend networking site on average three days a week.” When the site was visited they would stay on it, for approximately half an hour (Valkenburg). Teens who visit social media sites do not realize the negative effects it has on them. Social media does not affect teens only; it also affects older adults in negative ways. Social media can negatively affect people 's’ social life, self-esteem, sleep schedule, in teens, how the brain grows and most importantly, mental health. Researchers at the UCLA brain mapping center, used an fMRI scanner to …show more content…
Individual factors can have an effect on an individual’s relationships. A study by Kraut showed that the more one spends on social networking, the less they spend with family or out in the community. This can lead to loneliness and potentially depression. Additionally, the stress on adolescents when it comes to looks, intelligence, social status, and other altered impressions that go along with social media affects their mental health and self-esteem. Abraham Maslow’s Theory of Motivation shows that one’s need for social interaction comes third on the hierarchy of needs, after physical and safety needs. When social interaction is replaced with media and phone screens the social need is not met. Typically, relationships are developed by spending time together, but close relationships are not being made due to lack of personal contact from social