Social media exerts a significant and diverse influence on mental health in today’s hyper-connected society, with both adverse and beneficial effects on adolescents.

The recent surge in social media usage has profoundly impacted individuals’ lives, particularly teenagers, who are among its most active users. Students are directly experiencing the consequences of social media, while educators have been observing its effects over time. These effects, whether positive or negative, are palpable among every teenager at TCS.

Adolescents often acknowledge the profound impact of social media on their lives, even if they may not readily admit it. While assessing the effects of social media, negative aspects are frequently highlighted. Social media affects individuals differently, yet consistently contributes to teenagers feeling insecure about their bodies and overall lives, with the potential outcomes being diverse. According to the Mental Health Foundation, 40% of teenagers reported feeling body image concerns due to images on social media, while 31% felt ashamed of their body image.

“This is evident across almost all social media platforms because obviously, they’re not going to showcase something like, my family is going through a divorce. They won’t post that on their feed. They depict a perfect life that no one actually has because all of us face challenges in our lives, even if we don’t portray them on social media,” Manuela Villa, grade 11, said.

Severe cases of cyberbullying represent another detrimental effect of social media, impacting the mental well-being of adolescents. The Annapolis Department on Cyberbullying found that nearly 42% of children have experienced online bullying, with almost one in four encountering it repeatedly. While Schas himself remains unaffected, he empathizes with his students, recognizing the potential mental health repercussions of cyberbullying. From his perspective, unkind online behavior among teenagers can lead to lasting emotional consequences even after the bullying subsides.

“I haven’t experienced bullying personally, but if I were to face it digitally, it would affect me much more than if it happened in person because it would consume my thoughts. So, I would say its impact is quite significant. Therefore, when they’re mean to each other online, it’s likely occupying a considerable portion of their mental capacity,” David Schas, chemistry teacher, said.

Despite often being overlooked for its positive contributions, social media can enhance mental health. The Pew Research Center found that 32% of teenagers believe social media has had a predominantly positive effect on them. Teenagers like Manuela tend to focus on its benefits, whereas educators, who have witnessed students’ transformations, may have differing perspectives. Social media can foster a sense of belonging, bolster self-esteem, and strengthen connections, but these advantages are only realized through responsible usage.

“Some positive effects may include the motivation some people derive from certain photos to engage in activities like going to the gym, or perhaps prompting self-improvement if they dislike something about themselves,” Villa said.

Educators have observed a decline in teenagers’ attention spans attributed to the widespread use of social media. A study by Microsoft Canada revealed that the average person’s attention span has decreased from 12 seconds to 8 seconds since 2000. Maintaining focus has become increasingly challenging, necessitating frequent pauses in video lessons to prevent distractions. These diminished attention spans adversely affect teenagers’ mental well-being and academic performance. Excessive phone usage and notifications are also linked to heightened stress and poorer mental health.

“There is research indicating that the farther you are from your cell phone, the more likely you are to focus and learn effectively. Hence, one of the reasons we store our cell phones on the wall in our classes is to minimize distractions. The farther you are from your cell phone, the more focused and conducive to learning you become if it’s not within reach,” Schas explained.

Social media has both positive and negative implications for teenagers’ lives. While it offers a platform for self-expression, connection, and shared interests, it also fosters cyberbullying, unrealistic standards, and shorter attention spans. Overall, it significantly impacts teenagers’ mental well-being and cognitive development. Achieving a balance and practicing mindful engagement is crucial in addressing the challenges of the digital age while maximizing its benefits.