Nowadays, many of us live waiting for the “likes” and updates on social networks, sharing thoughts, news, jokes, images and videos through our different profiles. Instagram, TikTok, Facebook… are virtual scenarios where our social life actively develops. Many times, with exercises of pure digital exhibitionism.
Although they are platforms that have proven useful, it is no less true that they have radically modified our habits and can influence the development of psychological disorders, especially if we think about the adolescent public.
Social networks and adolescents: what is this relationship like?
Adolescents are usually immature people, with their emotional development in process. Therefore, it is very common for them to seek the attention and approval of their peers through social platforms.
Precisely, adolescents and young people are the people who use social networks the most to entertain themselves and express themselves. According to a recent study, between the ages of 12 and 17, people spend more time connected to their mobile devices than in class.
It is estimated that adolescents can spend up to 8 or 9 hours a day on-line, of which at least 3 are dedicated to social networks. Therefore, it is observed that it is a public that is especially vulnerable to psychological alterations derived from its misuse.
Effects of poor use of social networks on adolescents
Let us clarify before continuing that the use of social networks does not necessarily have to produce harmful psychological effects. This will depend on the use that the person makes of them and their own emotional stability. Below, we review some of the clearest dangers derived from this misuse:
Group pressure
If they do not use a certain social network, the teenager may feel excluded. He feels that it is necessary to be part of it to know “what’s going on.” Your reference group can exert a lot of pressure, since not being there means missing out on what others are doing.
To some extent it may be a normal phenomenon, but this type of pressure can generate disorders related to low self-esteem, since the adolescent may feel marginalized or forced to act in an impostered way to have an adequate appearance in any digital medium.
Social isolation
The adolescent can internalize the idea that the relationships they have through social networks can replace those that occur in person.
It may also happen that a person with poor social skills takes refuge in these platforms instead of going out into the outside world and trying to socialize.
Psychological consequences of cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is virtual harassment, a modern and powerful form of psychological violence that occurs through new technologies. Let’s keep in mind that on social networks a lot of profiles can coordinate to carry out this harassment against a single user.
This discrimination can have terrible consequences for the person. Furthermore, when on-lineis more difficult to detect by adults.
Low self-esteem
Social networks are full of images of models, often retouched or passed through filters, or of influencers who exhibit their bodies. This can influence the self-esteem of girls and boys at a time in their lives when they are most emotionally vulnerable. Above all, girls can develop complexes regarding their bodies, with the danger that they end up leading to eating disorders.
In addition, there are certain communities of users on social networks that praise behaviors related to anorexia or bulimia, which complicates the problem.
Dependence on social networks
There are many teenagers addicted to “like”, who spend the entire day connected. Furthermore, social media algorithms do not stop offering content related to the user’s preferences, which is why they “engage” and can generate addictive behaviors.
Political radicalization and hate speech
The adolescent’s personality is not yet formed and at this point in his life he is very impressionable. Certain groups on social networks promote polarization and promote hate speech, trying to find followers. Adolescents are a preferred audience niche to target due to their vulnerable characteristics.
Tips for the use of social networks by teenagers
- Caution when publishing. Be careful with intimate photos or videos that can end up in mass mailings from third parties and be the subject of blackmail. There is no need for so much display. Be very careful with giving sensitive data, with having geolocated images, etc.
- Beware of fake news: the internet is a nest of false information. You have to frequent proven media and avoid those that are not. False information manipulates, intoxicates and generates confusion, alarmism and tension. It can cause negative reactions, individually or collectively, that affect us all. Furthermore, due to its virtual characteristics, the Internet is a world that lends itself to false appearances, which tries to pass off as authentic images with filters, aesthetic retouching, etc.
- Escape from the dictatorship of the “like”: the person’s self-esteem cannot depend on the acceptance that their publications may have, it is not healthy to be constantly aware of the interaction they may provoke, comments, praise, criticism, etc.
- Get used to disconnection: It’s okay to disconnect for a few hours. Life goes much further than what happens on the screens. Therefore, it is advisable to control the time of digital use and cultivate other hobbies not linked to technological use.
- Say no to challenges: Viral challenges spread through the networks in which some adolescents, given their immaturity, participate. They are a clear risk, one of the greatest dangers. There are many disastrous examples that have led to serious injuries and even fatal outcomes.
- No to harassment initiatives– Should not be promoted or shared. On the contrary, they should be reported. Social media should not be used to harm anyone. Furthermore, stalking is a crime.
- Ask an adult for help or advice: In case of doubt or threatening situations, adolescents should turn to an adult.
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