Social media is an important part of the life of most adolescents. Some of the most popular websites are Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Twitter, through which the youth remain connected with relatives and friends even in the absence of geographical closeness between them. The websites offer a platform through which one can express his or her view, be creative, and acquire knowledge. Teenagers utilize social networking sites in order to socialize based on common interests, get inspired, and be members of groups they find attractive. Social media also have a flip side.
Social media are responsible for psychological issues such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety when they are overused. Most teenagers feel they have to present a perfect life online, and this is responsible for unhealthy comparison. Writing with someone who is better than him/her makes him/her feel lower or dissatisfied with his/her life. Cyberbullying is also among the reasons that inflict emotional suffering and loneliness. Excessive social media usage also prevents teenagers from engaging in something constructive like studying, exercising, or spending time with his/her family and friends in the physical world. Teenagers can implement some easy and down-to-earth suggestions so that they become social media wizards. They can impose a screen curfew so social media no longer controls their lives. It can be loosened by reading positive and inspirational posts instead of hate mail.
Having someone like an adult, relative, or friend to discuss things with and receive encouragement and ideas from when social media is too much can be helpful. Being conscious and keeping a distance from the screen from time to time and engaging in hobbies or sports in the physical world can ensure that there is balance between the virtual and physical worlds. Even though there is the negative aspect of social media, there are enough positives if used in the right way. The youth can be connected and well-informed in the virtual world and yet have real relationships in the offline world. Merging the two worlds can actually result in a fulfilled and integrated life.