The Positive Effects of Social Media

bY kATIE wONG | MAY 16, 2023 | Opinions

Social media has played a role in teenagers’ lives by using communication, knowledge, and content to bridge gaps, making it a useful tool. Social media has played a role in teenagers’ lives by using communication, knowledge, and content to bridge gaps, making it a useful tool. However, there are downsides to social media with the rise of negative influences and unrealistic portrayals in content. In some of these posts, creators spread misinformation, hate, and harassment. In other posts, creators show lives that appear to be perfect, which can stir up feelings of inadequacy, . With various social media critics bringing up these issues, they fail to notice that teenagers, like those at Stanton College Preparatory School, can be impacted by the positive aspects of social media.  

Teenagers, including those at Stanton, use social media as a way to feel less isolated by connecting with others. As social creatures, people rely on the feelings of connection with those around them, impacting their mental and physical health. Strong ties with others in their community can foster happiness, support, empathy, and a sense of purpose, which can strengthen relationships.  

According to a 2020 Harvard study led by Dr. Mesfin A. Bekalu, regular usage of social media is correlated with physical wellbeing and higher levels of mental health. Unlike most other research, Dr. Bekalu incorporates emotional attachments to social media as well as the  repercussions of those ties. The majority of studies in this field are done quantitatively solely, contributing to the overwhelming number of studies and articles condemning social media.  

Along with the mental aspects, teenagers can promote content and raise awareness. This creates identities their core beliefs rotate around, leading to a sense of self, which is crucial in the development of an adolescent. The sense of self is a collection of characteristics and beliefs that defines a person and solidifies their identity, creating confidence. Research shows a correlation between a sense of confidence and high levels of self-esteem, and this can combat self-doubt.  

With social media contributing to teens overall happy mood, role models they find on the internet can also shape how they gain motivation and inspiration on how to lead their own lives. Studies have shown that having positive role models decrease a teenager’s likelihood of risky behaviors, as well as increase the chance of having higher grades and self-esteem. Role models can also provide guidance and show what is possible to be achieved, giving teenagers a perfect example to follow.  

 Although many , including teenagers, agree about the dangerous rise of social media’s negative influence and portray of the world, they tend to overshadow the positive effects of social media. Teenagers can use social media to connect with their community, promote their own beliefs, and find role models, which can positively affect their mental health and character development. 

With this in mind, teenagers need to remember to be mindful users by keeping a healthy perspective about the role of social media and its means of connection.