whether parents should limit teenagers’ use of social media

whether parents should limit teenagers’ use of social media

Introduction

The advancement of technology has brought along significant impacts in societies across the world. Increased social media use is one of the advantages and disadvantages associated with technology and the dawn of the internet era. Social media, for that matter, plays an imperative role in the lives of people in terms of social networking, among other aspects. The most important and debatable issue of social media is whether it is improving or crippling the communication skills of the users worldwide. There are several other implications of social media, far from being a communication tool. The essence of sitting behind a computer or using a mobile phone and being able to communicate with friends, relatives, and even strangers across borders have far-reaching impacts apart from the negatives it renders on one’s social skills.

Thesis

The effective use of social media requires an essential step of taking time to learn the workings of the ecosystem as well as the emerging habits and trends among other users. There have been cases of bullying fueled by anonymity – an advantage most people utilize over the internet, which so far impacts on the social media users differently. Teenagers between the age of 13 and 17 are the most affected group of individuals since they are almost always on social media. Heavy uses of social media as such pose negative impacts such as depressive symptoms among users. The debate, therefore, is whether parents should limit teenagers’ use of social media.

1^st premise

Yes, parents should be in a position of imposing social media usage among their teenage children because these teens, in most cases, turn into zombies in the essence of using social media without their conscience. The heavy dependence on social media in such a manner changes their social lives as well as their relationships with others. The addiction that comes with social media use in most cases is unprecedented. Teenagers, therefore, fall into this scathing trap of addiction unknowingly. The effects start to manifest in different aspects of their lives, such as loss of concentration, loss of touch with the real world, and in severe cases, depressive moods.

Counter argument

Many parents will argue that social media is the best platform where children get to socialize and interact with more friends. Additionally, most teenagers love social media, and parents would have little or no say in what their children enjoy.

Concession

Teenagers should indeed be allowed to grow naturally, exploring the world to the best of their abilities. Further, social media empowers these teenagers to outgrow themselves primarily through the friends they meet on social media.

Refutation

However, if left unchecked, the heavy use of social media might impact negatively on these teenagers. Parents should outline a working coexistence of information between their teenage children by being their friends first. It is for a fact that that being in touch with their teenage children, parents can be able to monitor changes in their lives and be able to solve matters as they arise. As a result, parents will be able to set limits on social media use to avoid the negative impacts it has on their teenage children.

2^nd premise

Secondly, parents should limit social media use among their teenage children to prevent them from falling into depression and anxiety. The addiction that comes as a result of social media use creates in these teenagers the feeling of isolation and, to a greater extent, avoidance. Research studies indicate that teenagers are facing depression turn to social media to escape their present challenges. The sad reality, however, is they are led to further depression the instant they log off social media as the problems are still on their consign – an aspect which can make the depression more severe.

Counter argument

Many people would argue that social media could be the best place to cool off amidst life challenges. There are several instances where people have found help through social media in the form of support groups to help them overcome life challenges. Additionally, the friends and links one receives through social media can translate into real-life positive networks. There have been confessions of people meeting their love partners through social media, among other useful links.

Concession

Social media has indeed made the world a global village, outlining significant advantages. The content that flows through different social media platforms has impacted positively on different people around the globe. Teenagers, for that matter, enjoy the vast social platform, which is also prone to abuse.

Refutation

However, the dilemma is in the growing trends of anxiety and depression resulting from the heavy use of social media. It is for a fact that social media creates self-esteem issues, which are a result of unrealistic expectations. Various metrics of social media affect the happiness of teenagers such as the number of friends they have, the consistency of likes and comments on their posts as well as the number of mentions and shares they receive. Cumulatively, these metrics affect one’s mood, which, in severe cases, leads to anxiety and depressions. Parents, therefore, should be at the forefront in terms of setting limits on social media use to prevent such incidents and to promote healthy social life among these teenagers.