Teens and Social Media

Just a few ramblings in response to a recent article published in Deseret News, which gives in-depth information on teens and media usage. The article reports, "Today, 95 percent of teens have a smartphone, and 88 percent have a desktop or laptop computer." These numbers are huge! And the end result is a varied, but widespread, impact on the rising generation.

Here are some of the problems that are often associated with the usage of social media:

1. Poor time management skills - Who hasn't been sucked into the never ending world of surfing Instagram or Facebook? It is addicting and an excellent way to waste time.

2. Mental health issues - Those who post to social media tend to put forth their best life. I get it--I would not want anyone to see the muckiness of my life either. However, the end result is that users of social media constantly see and compare themselves to other's best (but incomplete) lives. Ultimately this has a negative impact on the self, self-worth, and self-concept.

3. Fake news - Unfortunately, Russians aren't the only ones out there writing fake news articles, posting links to click bait, or trying to mislead users. The amount of false information on the internet is pretty astounding. And it can be challenging to be sure what we are reading is true.

4. Bullying - The disconnect and anonymity of posting on the internet somehow makes some users feel that civility isn't needed. Others purposefully post flaming comments intended to be rude and to rile up the emotions of readers. The ensuing bullying has been painful, not to mention deadly, to many users.

Seeing these statistics, and the negative results of too much social media usage, it is no wonder President Nelson asked LDS teens to do a seven day social media fast. Their world seems to be immersed in technology! Taking time away from social media, even just a week, has its benefits.

My daughters both participated in the fast. My younger daughter said she has realized there is no reason to be continuously checking her Instagram account--there are other things to do that are a better use of her time. She read more, hung out with friends (many of whom were also doing the fast), painted, and played games.

My older daughter noted that she also found other more productive things to do. "I check it a lot less now," she responded when asked. Hopefully the change will be lasting!

***

If you are interested in helping your family improve their communication skills because you have seen the negative impact of too much social media or screen time, check out my latest book Improving Family Communication. Available on Amazon!