Gabby Cummings
Almost everyone has social media nowadays; it’s a great way to bring together communities and is an amazing way to connect. However, there is a serious dark side to it. Our dependency on social media can have a serious detrimental effect on teen’s mental health. Not only are we so dependent on social media but also our cellphones. Studies show that social media websites such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. can be one of the leading causes to symptoms like anxiety, depression, or even eating disorders. While most students admit that they do have a cell phone addiction, it is almost bound to get worse for future generations. Here are some ways social media can be affecting our brains.
Cell Phone Addiction: Are you addicted to your phone? Do you constantly feel the need to pick it up when your in an awkward situation, or even when you hear it ring once? Well, me too. In the 2016 Common Sense Media Report, it found that 50 percent of teens “feel addicted” to mobile devices, while 59 percent of parents believe that kids are addicted to their devices.
Children are learning how to use smart devices and receiving one at younger ages than ever before. If our generation is this addicted to our cell phones now, what will the future generations be like? What will the numbers be in the future?
Self-esteem: This is the new age of Instagram. Models from across the globe are plastering this platform with their perfectly filtered and photoshopped bodies everywhere. This is bound to knock girls self-esteem way down. Young girls are constantly comparing themselves to these unrealistic standards. This can result in eating disorders such as anorexia.
Sleep: Yes, being on your phone can make you feel like you’re on top of things 24/7. However, it can actually be very unhealthy when you’re trying to fall asleep. 71 percent of people sleep either have it in bed with them or have it on their nightstand. That means most people use their phones as their alarm clocks. It makes sense that they would want their phones within an arm's reach. The temptation to check social media sites, email, and the up-and-coming news is even stronger. Also, being on your phone can actually stimulate your brain instead of relaxing it. Not to mention the blue light your electronic device emits can actually restrain the production of melatonin, which is the hormone that controls your sleep. This restraint makes it a lot harder to stay or fall asleep.
Cyber bullying: Bullies have a new and easy way to bully their targets: social media. Technology gives them a new platform to threaten, terrorize, and harass their victims. Nearly 43% of kids have been bullied online at some point. It’s easy for them to hide behind a screen and they can even do it anonymously. It also gives them a wider audience to spread it more quickly. This can lead to self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety etc.
Mental Health: While social media platforms can have their benefits, using them too frequently can make you feel increasingly depressed and isolated. The pressure this generation feels to have a perfect Instagram feed or exciting Snapchat story can be overwhelming. Teens are constantly comparing themselves and their lives to others.
So, let's put down our phones. Try putting your notifications on mute, leaving it in your pocket, or even just turning it off every once in awhile. Live life the way it should be lived. We don’t always have to be chained to our cell phones.