Impact of social media on youths
Any application or website that allows the creation and sharing of content to other people and allows social networking is social media. It is not doubtful that the average youth uses social media daily. Examples of modern-day social media networks include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, among many others. More than half of adolescents with cellphones use social media more than once a day. It is no wonder since we live in a world where the use of social media is trendy. Social media perception has grown very fast. Nowadays, we have departments in companies for social media management. High profile persons like politicians and celebrities hire people to manage their social media accounts. These jobs mostly go to the youth who are quite the experts. The use of social media has both positive and negative consequences on the youth. Although it is a routine that young people have adopted in their daily lives, we cannot ignore the good and bad impacts.
Young people can grow academically through social networking. Social media has helped young people connect through online study groups. High students can discuss their homework and revise for tests through online platforms such as Facebook. Blogs are essential as they enhance creativity and English skills outside class; they are efficient teaching tools. Learning is interactive and more attractive as students interact with others from all parts of the world. This way, they can know academic dynamics all over the world.
Social media has increased income-generating opportunities for the youth. As mentioned earlier, companies have embraced the vital role of social media and are now employing young people to handle their platforms. Income opportunities not only come through these companies but also in the incredible audience that social networking provides for displaying talents. A significant number is making a living through social media platforms. For example, youths with a large number of social media followers are ambassadors for brands such as makeup, clothing, shoes, among others, by posting the commodities online.
Cyberbullying is one of the most common adverse effects of social media on youths. It includes sharing negative or false information about someone else with an intent to hurt him or her, which causes humiliation, low self-esteem, and embarrassment to the victim. It is common in platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter. American youths have created an online personality of themselves by sharing their photos, thoughts, and memories on the social media platforms, which builds a reputation for them. Spreading false information about a person online can dent the victim’s online reputation causing others to unfollow or unlike their online posts. Cyberbullying can be so extreme that it becomes a criminal act. It is one of the common causes of social media depression for those who are unable to cope with the stress and embarrassment or for those who are unable to cope with being less popular on social media.
Social media plays a vital role in the day-to-day lives of American youth. Online platforms are excellent opportunities to earn an income in the modern world where jobs are scares. It is an opportunity for people to connect and share ideas. Although there are cons on the youths from social media use, the negative impacts, if managed well, can allow more teens to benefit from the use of social media.