Navigating the Maze of Social Media

by Carla Wong

Photo from Pinterest, Olivia Rodrigo

The constant presence of social media in the lives of many teenagers—or the majority 87% of the UK teen population—is undoubtedly impactful. While these platforms offer valuable opportunities, they also bring a host of problems  from the misuse or overdosage of these apps. Most of these issues often surface due to the unspoken social rule, stemming from peer pressure. In their quest for approval, young people are desperate to appeal to their peers, posting photos for likes and comments and manipulating their follower count to equilibrise an ideal ratio.

Setting aside the negative aspects of social media, teenagers can navigate their socials in a way that benefits them. For instance, social media platforms are often used to connect with peers, helping to widen their social connections. This exposure to a diverse range of people allows teenagers to expand their knowledge of other traditions and experiences. This is an opportunity to broaden their worldview, enhancing their well-rounded nature. As a result, they can transition seamlessly into a diverse society, fluctuating between different cultures without fail. 

In addition, social media platforms give teenagers a voice in their community to amplify and advocate for their beliefs. A well-known example is Greta Thunberg, who strategically harnessed social media to highlight the urgency of climate change. Through platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, she has challenged world leaders on their inadequate responses tot environmental issues, exposing corruption and inaction.  Her initiative, #Fridaysforfutures,encourages teenagers to skip school on Fridays to protest against climate inaction. Thanks to her access to social media, Greta Thundberg has transformed into a global phenomenon, projecting her message far beyond her local community to reach audiences around the world. 

However, apart from the various benefits of social media, there are also adverse impacts of using these platforms. A pre-existing example is cyberbullying, wreaking emotional havoc on the lives of many teens. According to the Pew Research Centre, 59% of US teens have experienced some form of abusive online behavior. This statistic is alarming, especially given the rising number of victims who are unable to outrun such harassment. Despite this, cyberbullying remains incredibly hard to monitor, as perpetrators can hide behind anonymous profiles and fake accounts. This anonymity emboldens cyberbullies to act without forethought as they have a lack of consequences. Furthermore, the lack of prominent physical cues makes it harder for  authorities to register these instances of cyberbullying, with victims being 10% less likely to report these occurrences compared to in-person bullying. 

Additionally, peer pressure creates a severe burden on teenagers as they navigate their self-identity, a struggle that is magnified by social media.Teens often feel compelled to present an idealized version of themselves on the internet in scale with celebrities and social media personalities. Comparison plays a crucial role in identity formation, helping teenagers decipher where they stand in beliefs and preferences. However, in this context, social media works adversely against their development. The projection of highly curated lives leads to unrealistic expectations,  leaving many teens dissatisfied with their own lives. This relentless cycle of comparison is no doubt suffocating, as teenagers learn to seek fulfillment through the validation of others.  The continuous obsession with social approval can erode confidence and self-worth, ultimately taking a toll on their mental health. 

While peer pressure leads to comparison between teenagers, it can also cause the fear of missing out (FOMO). With easy access to these social media platforms, teens are indefinitely on the watch for activities and experiences that friends are sharing.. The warped perception that their peers are living more fulfilling and social lives can elicit fear, as they frantically attempt to live up to these unspoken social expectations. Fueled by insecurity, teenagers may feel compelled to check their social media regularly to stay updated and included in their social circles.. 

Unsurprisingly, FOMO has many psychological and emotional consequences. It can lead to increased stress and anxiety levels as teenagers remain perpetually on the edge.  Behaviorally, the focus on maintaining an online presence comes at the expense of offline relationships, ultimately leading to social isolation. As suggested above, the psychological impacts of social media are completely ingrained in the lives of many teenagers.

Meanwhile, it’s also deeply concerning that a virtual platform can deter the physical well-being of today’s youth. An example of this is an infamous trend on TikTok: NyQuil chicken (also known as the sleepy chicken challenge). The viral videos encourage teenagers to boil their chicken in cough medicine and to consume the finished product. According to The New York Times, inhaling the medication’s vapors can impact the frontal cortex of the brain, which does not fully develop until around age 25.. This is particularly problematic considering the largest proportion (25%) of TikTok users are 10-19 years old. This challenge is just one of the  many dangerous trends circulating on TikTok and other social media platforms. As a result, teenagers may be led to harmful decisions, blinded by the pursuit of social validation and reckless spontaneity, while neglecting the importance of critical thinking.

Fortunately, there are effective strategies to combat social media burnout. First of all, it is vital to take down time off social media regularly. By doing so, teenagers can digitally detox and process the content that they consume and regain perspective. To put this into action, teenagers can utilize features available on their devices. . For instance, in the case of iOS, the Screen Time and Do Not Disturb features can be implemented. Screen Time is a feature where device users can set time limits on their phones for select apps,  reducing the duration spent on their phones overall. Working alongside Screen Time, the Do Not Disturb feature allows users to silence notifications and other alerts during specific periods. With these features, teenagers can be present in the moment, reducing the temptation to constantly check notifications. 

Apart from reducing social media usage regularly,  it is also important to engage with these platforms mindfully. There is no doubt that social media is deceiving, but the very same post can trigger a range of responses, depending on the individual's ability to fact-check and critically evaluate information. By approaching suspicious sources with the right attitude, social media can be a valuable place for teenagers to thrive. By using the acronym SIFT as shown below, teenagers will be able to develop a more critical understanding of online information:

1. S- Stop and Think of the information presented. Take a moment to judge the plausibility of the piece of information, and resist the urge to engage with the content before verifying its source. 

2. I- Investigate the source by examining the website and looking for indicators of credibility. 

3. F- Find the same information from mainstream news sources and compare the two to see if some details have been taken out of context (misinformation). 

4. T- Trace claims by investigating the origin and context of the information to evaluate if the information is credible. 

Through the usage of SIFT, teenagers can not only use social media safely but also increase their awareness of the bigger world. These indispensable methods can significantly help teenagers cope with social media burnout, allowing them to navigate the complexities of social media effortlessly.

In conclusion, while social media is idealized to be a platform for social connections and creative freedom, there is also a darker side to its influence on teenagers. By approaching social media with the correct attitude, it is plausible to escape this maze of manipulation. 

Reference list

Anderson, M. (2018). A Majority of Teens Have Experienced Some Form of Cyberbullying. [online] Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. Available at: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/09/27/a-majority-of-teens-have-experienced-some-form-of-cyberbullying/.

The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica (2023). Greta Thunberg. In: Encyclopædia Britannica. [online] Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Greta-Thunberg.

Victor, D. and Holpuch, A. (2022). F.D.A. Warning on NyQuil Chicken Alerts Many to Existence of NyQuil Chicken. The New York Times. [online] 21 Sep. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/21/technology/nyquil-chicken-tiktok-fda.html.