IndexIntroductionThe Effect Social Media Can Have on a TeenConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionPeople ask what is social media? Daniel Nations of Lifewire said, “Social media are web-based communication tools that allow people to interact with each other by sharing and consuming information.” In this world we have Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, etc. It's not always easy dealing with teenagers today, especially now that social media is so prevalent in their lives. Amy Patural of Your Teen Magazine said, "Social media isn't inherently good or bad—it all depends on how it's used." The effect of social media on a teenager is often negative as teenagers who use it the wrong way become vulnerable to harmful acts that happen online every single day. This essay will explore how social media is harmful to teens due to the cyberbullying, anxiety, and depression it can cause many teens and their addiction. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayThe Effect Social Media Can Have on a TeenagerAlthough there are many negative effects for teens using social media, there is something positive that can come from its proper use. According to PSYCOM's Katie Hurley: "Teens who struggle with social skills, social anxiety, or who don't have easy access to face-to-face socialization with other teens could benefit from connecting with other teens through social media." Hurley says social media can help teens learn new skills such as social skills that could be positive factors in their lives. Treyvaud of Family Insights said: “68% of teens say social media provides them support during difficult times.” These positive effects, whether it's educating teens or helping them get through horrible times, show how social media can be beneficial when used as it should be used. Unfortunately, this is not often the case. First, cyberbullying plays a big role in how social media is used negatively. Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that occurs when someone on social media sends a hateful message or threatens someone else, especially another teenager. For example, researchers at the New York Post say, "Recent teen suicides have been attributed to cyberbullying, and social media posts describing 'perfect' lives may be negatively impacting teens' mental health." TechJury's Petrov compiled data on cyberbullying in 2019 and reported the following statistics: "Online bullying among US teens often includes offensive insults (42%), spreading false rumors (32%), and receiving unwanted explicit images (25%). %)... Online abuse and suicidal thoughts are directly interconnected, 24% have contemplated suicide after experiencing cyberbullying.” Many teens believe what they see on social media is true and this can make them feel insecure about their lives compared to what they see online. People's opinions, even if it's about posting a photo of someone, can damage a teenager's self-esteem to the point of causing them to think about killing themselves teen girls and teen boys is different, as noted by Katie Hurley in PSYCOM: "Teen girls in particular are at risk for cyberbullying through the useof social media, but teenage boys are not immune." Hurley points out that girls can be harassed or teased because of the way they look or what they wear. Ultimately, cyberbullying needs to be stopped because of the way where victims are harmed. So, cyberbullying is a heinous thing that can happen to teenagers who use social media incorrectly. Furthermore, the misuse of social media can cause depression and anxiety in teenagers : “A 2017 study of more than half a million eighth through 12th graders found that the number showing high levels of depressive symptoms increased 33% between 2010 and 2015… Some experts see depression on the rise as evidence that the connections social media users form electronically are less emotionally satisfying, leaving them socially isolated.” Teens today often prefer to text on the phone even if they are in the same room as the person they are texting. Lack of personal interaction can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can ultimately lead to depression. Additionally, many teens on social media experience anxiety, as stated by ChildMind: “Indeed, experts worry that the social media and texting that has become such an integral part of teen life is promoting anxiety and lowering self-esteem.” . This can happen when they “feel pressure to respond quickly online, but also feel pressure to have perfect photos and well-written posts…”, to quote Very Well Family. Indeed. Some teens experience anxiety when their post doesn't get enough likes. Sometimes, when teens see photos of their friends at social gatherings on social media, they may feel anxious because they weren't invited or because no one noticed that they weren't there. Using social media instead of meeting people in person is a negative effect that can lead to depression or anxiety. Finally, teens who feel the need to be on social media all the time can become addicted to it, which can become a problem. problem for them. Newport Academy wrote that "92% of teens go online every day, and 24% say they go online" almost constantly... Scientists have found that teens' excessive use of social media creates a pattern of stimulation similar to that created by other addictive behaviors… Each “like” increases dopamine, just as cocaine and other drugs do. In adolescents, the brain is developing rapidly and the pleasure centers are activating.” Newport Academy points out that teens who abuse social media can create bad habits that can be similar to having a drug problem. Teens who are addicted to their phones to look at social media may feel like their lives aren't as important as what's on that phone. Addiction can also lead to sleep deprivation. For example, Inews.co.uk's The Johnston Press said: "The more time young people spend on sites like Instagram, Snapchat and Whatsapp, the more likely they are to be sleep deprived." When social media begins to disrupt teenagers' sleep, it can begin to interfere with their social life. Therefore, addiction can be a serious negative effect in a teenager's life when it comes to social media. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion In conclusion, social media has the potential to help teens not abuse it, but cyberbullying, anxiety, depression, and,-4144769