Positives

What are the benefits of young people using social media?

An outlet: Connections can be formed with people outside of the local geographic area. Staying in touch with family can also become easier through social media apps. The plethora of communication and interaction options can raise self-esteem and improve overall mental health in some individuals (Hamilton et al., 2023). Social media use can also be an outlet for sharing creativity, ideas and online learning (Pantic, 2014).

A safe space: Social media can provide much needed support for those not finding enough connection in their day-to-day lives. Online forums can provide a safe space for discussions regarding health conditions or adverse life events, which may increase belongingness and decrease stigmatization around certain challenging issues (Zsila & Reyes, 2023). LGBTQIA+ teens use social media for information, self-expression and to safely explore their identities (Hamilton et al., 2023). This outlet can prove to be life-affirming when used correctly.

Connection and entertainment: Youth can communicate through video chatting, messaging, community discussion boards and forums, and multi-player gaming, as well as through photo sharing, video blogging, and interacting with others’ content (Hamilton et al., 2023).

References
Hamilton, J. L., Dreier, M. J., & Boyd, S. I. (2023). Social media as a bridge and a window: The changing relationship of adolescents with social media and digital platforms. Current Opinion in Psychology, 52. https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101633

Pantic I. (2014). Online social networking and mental health. Cyberpsychology, behavior and social networking, 17(10), 652–657. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4183915/ 

Pixabay. (2014). Facebook application icon [Stock image]. https://www.pexels.com/search/communication/

Zsila, Á., and Reyes, M.E.S (2023). Pros & cons: impacts of social media on mental health. BMC Psychol 11, 201. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01243-x