The Hidden Cost of Social Media
By Naetra Joshi
Social media can be a great way for kids and teens to connect with friends and interact with other people who share common interests and hobbies with them. However, when unmonitored, social media use can be a clear path to potential problems.
Social media can be a kids’ favorite activity– connecting with friends, scrolling through videos, playing games– and they can be doing this for hours and hours. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, “Up to 95% of youth ages 13-17 report using a social media platform, with more than a third saying that they use social media almost constantly.” What they don’t know is that extensive use can actually harm them. Frequent use of social media can lead to increased anxiety, depression, poor sleep, negative body image, cyberbullying, and FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).
One major issue caused by social media is its impact on self-esteem and body image. Many platforms are filled with edited photos, filters, and unrealistic beauty standards that can make kids compare themselves to others. When children see images of these “perfect” people they may begin to feel insecure about their appearance or may believe that they are not good enough. This can lead to low self-confidence, unhealthy eating, and even depression. For kids who are still developing their sense of identity, these negative comparisons can be especially harmful.
Another serious concern is cyberbullying. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can happen at any time and reach a much larger audience. Even worse, fake profiles and the feeling of being hidden online allows bullies to act more aggressively without immediate real-world consequences. Hurtful comments, rumors, or embarrassing posts can spread quickly and are difficult to escape. Victims of cyberbullying may feel embarrassed, isolated, or afraid to speak up, which can worsen anxiety and depression. They may start wanting to skip or they will become isolated from family and friends. In some cases, the emotional effects of online harassment can be long-lasting and can and even lead to suicidal thoughts.
Social media can also disrupt a child’s sleep schedule. One may want to scroll for 10 minutes, but end up doomscrolling for hours, absolutely wrecking the time a child will go to bed and wake up. A poor sleep schedule can lead to poor focus, irritability, and memory problems, while also increasing stress on the brain. This added stress from not sleeping well enough can lead to anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem.
Despite these risks, social media itself is not entirely harmful. The key is balance and awareness. Setting time limits, encouraging offline activities, and having open conversations about online experiences can help reduce the negative effects of social media. By using social media responsibly and mindfully, kids and teens can enjoy its benefits while protecting their mental health.