After extensive research, with the key terms “social media and teens” and “social media and mental health”. I’ve decided to continue with the research question “Does social media affect teenagers negatively” The impact of social media on teenagers has been a topic of concern and discussion for several years. Although some positive attributes, such as opportunities for connection and self-expression exist, the negative effects of excessive social media use on teenagers’ mental health and self-esteem cannot be ignored. The constant exposure to social media platforms can increase anxiety, depression, and stress among teenagers. Social media platforms often create negative emotions, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Social media often provides more access to bullying, which can lead to a range of mental health problems. It also can create poor notions of body image among teenagers. Unrealistic beauty standards are all over social media feeds, and the desire to achieve an unattainable look results in body dysmorphia and low self-esteem that turn into unhealthy eating habits and dangerous dieting practices. In some tragic cases, social media has even encouraged self-harming behavior and suicidal thoughts. I want to discuss this topic since I’ve witnessed these effects of social media not only on myself but on many of the people I care about and I recognize that the effects that I’ve seen and experienced do not even come close to half of some of the more dangerous and detrimental effects other teenagers are going through. Social media platforms are responsible for ensuring that their users are not exposed to harmful content, but this usually goes ignored. Ultimately, not all teenagers are equally impacted by social media, and experiences vary based on the individual. The goal should not be to stop teens from using social media but to encourage responsible and safe social media use to reduce the potential negative impacts on teens.

Associate, K. S. (2020, October 12). Social media use and self-harm behaviors in adolescents. Https://Www.Goguardian.Com/. https://www.goguardian.com/research-and-insights/social-media-use-and-self-harm-behaviors-in-adolescents

se_admin. (2022, December 1). The effect of social media on body image in teen girls. Solstice East. https://solsticeeast.com/blog/the-effect-of-social-media-on-body-image-in-teen-girls/