Teenagers love social media. From posting photographs to Instagram and participating in the latest TikTok dance craze, there is always a reason to be online. Yet sometimes, social media can become toxic for teens. And even worse: some have developed a social media addiction. Destinations for Teens provides internet addiction treatment for teens who cannot separate themselves from electronic devices for long periods. Learn more by calling 877.466.0620.
Below are some ways that social media addiction is negatively impacting teenagers.
Peer Pressure
Teens often appear confident and fearless. Yet, inside, they can be impressionable and easily manipulated. Social media is always present. Whether you are on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter, there will always be someone else posting their lives. It is easy to view posts and not feel the need to compete or post photographs with regularity. But for other teens, viewing posts can make them question if they are beautiful. Others might view drinking or drug use as cool, and as a result, they might feel the need to emulate photographs such as those mentioned.
However, you can have an open dialogue with your teen about the images they are constantly viewing. You can also discuss the photographs your teen decides to post online as well. Unfortunately, the popularity of social media makes it easy for teens to share and become manipulated into believing they have to have a particular persona online. However, we can encourage our teens to be authentic.
Cyberbullying
Social media is an easy place for teens to voice their voices and share their opinions. But sometimes, teens can go too far and share negative, mean, and false information about others. This type of behavior is called cyberbullying and is prevalent amongst teens. The purpose is to embarrass and, in some cases, humiliate a peer. However, cyberbullying is not to be taken lightly. Teens have had physical altercations because of cyberbullying. In addition, there have been many instances where teens have committed suicide as a result of cyberbullying. Consider the following treatment options if you think your child may be at risk:
Teens need help in becoming aware of their actions and their consequences. Therefore, it is essential to discuss with your teen how they share information online. Is it purposeful? Could it possibly harm others? By having an open dialogue about cyberbullying, you will be helping your teen to become aware of their actions.
Sleep Disruption
If you have a teen in the house with access to social media, you will notice that they are always on their phones. And in some cases, teens are staying up all night and binging on social media platforms. Many teens check their phones more than ten times throughout the night. Staying up all night and scrolling through Instagram or Twitter feeds is the new normal for many teens. Some are even constantly uploading TikTok videos or posting to Facebook or Instagram in the wee hours of the night. Unfortunately, social media can be toxic for teens because it can significantly disrupt the sleep pattern of teens and young adults. And when teens have disrupted sleep patterns, they cannot function effectively during the day in school or actively participate in activities.
Internet Addiction Treatment Helps Teens Live Healthier Lives
There is no doubt that technology allows us to communicate in more extraordinary ways than ever before–allowing the world to evolve. While there are many benefits to social media, it is vital to monitor your teen’s social media interactions. If you believe that your teen is addicted to social media, contact Destinations for Teens 877.466.0620 for help.
References
Drivers of online social media addiction in the context of public unrest: A sense of virtual community perspective, Science Direct Mijail Naranjo-Zolotova, Ofir Turel, Tiago Oliveira, Jorge Edison Lascanoc (2021)
