PSYC FPX 4210 Assessment 4 Implications of Social Media

Student Name

Capella University

PSYC FPX 4210 Cyberpsychology

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Date

Introduction

The use of social media encompasses a wide range of websites on the internet that facilitate communication with people globally. Social media serves various purposes, including sharing life experiences, marketing, and maintaining connections with family and friends. Users often choose to share their lives publicly or keep certain aspects private. A significant portion of social media users are individuals aged 21 or younger (Freeman, 2016). Research indicates that social media has both physical and psychosocial effects on teenagers, highlighting the need for further investigation into its various aspects.

Physical & Psychosocial Impacts Regarding Social Media

Approximately 14% of teens constitute the U.S. population, not accounting for the numerous teenagers worldwide who engage with social media (LaMarre & Rice, 2017). This figure continues to grow, and many teenagers possess limited abilities to self-regulate their emotions. This lack of emotional understanding can lead to peer pressure and harmful behaviors on social media platforms (Freeman, 2016). Popular social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat each have distinct effects on teenagers. The health and development of adolescents are influenced by social media due to societal standards and the desire to be part of social media trends (LaMarre & Rice, 2017). While social media can provide a positive platform for happiness and social interaction, it can also foster negative experiences, including bullying and catfishing. Teenagers who spend excessive time on social media often struggle with sleep, resulting in restlessness (Ahern, Sauer, & Thacker, 2015).

Studies indicate that excessive social media use, particularly before bedtime, can disrupt circadian rhythms and increase the likelihood of anxiety and depression (Ahern, Sauer, & Thacker, 2015). Teenagers may experience separation anxiety when social media is inaccessible, leading to preoccupations with responding to messages or engaging with trending topics. This emotional attachment to social media can detract from family time and school activities, as teens prioritize staying updated. Insufficient sleep can exacerbate feelings of anger, anxiety, and unproductiveness, leaving teenagers more susceptible to illness (Freeman, 2016). Additionally, many teenagers feel more comfortable discussing their life struggles on social media rather than confiding in family members, which can heighten feelings of nervousness and depression due to misplaced trust in online interactions. Overreliance on social media can diminish teenagers’ confidence in achieving their goals, especially when they compare themselves to their peers (Argo & Lowery, 2017).

Teenagers often curate their social media profiles to present an idealized version of themselves, which can lead to low self-esteem and negative self-perceptions. Interactions through platforms like Twitter and Facebook may result in negative experiences when meeting people in person, particularly for those with high anxiety levels who struggle with social interactions (Argo & Lowery, 2017). Research has shown that consistent social media use can contribute to the development of narcissistic personality disorder and other psychosocial issues among teenagers (Ahern, Sauer, & Thacker, 2015). Conversely, social media can also evoke joy and excitement when teenagers share accomplishments or positive experiences (Ahern, Sauer, & Thacker, 2015). This can inspire others to feel better and encourage social engagement, particularly for those who may feel isolated. To ensure safety and well-being on social media, it is essential for users to monitor their interactions and promote kindness and respect to prevent negative experiences.

Current Issues Regarding Social Media

Today, social media faces numerous challenges, including issues such as sexting and cyberbullying. Cyberbullying occurs when individuals, particularly teenagers, are targeted and harassed through technological means (Argo & Lowery, 2017).

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can be perpetrated by individuals whom the victim may not even know, and it can spread rapidly (Ahern, Sauer, & Thacker, 2015). The content associated with cyberbullying can be challenging to eliminate due to the negative intentions of those involved. The consequences of cyberbullying on teenagers can be severe, leading to poor academic performance, substance abuse, and even suicide. While cyberbullying can affect individuals of all ages, it predominantly targets teenagers, which is ironic given their strong desire to engage with social media and remain connected online, often resulting in negative feelings about life.

Sexting

Sexting is defined as the act of sending and receiving messages or images that imply sexual fantasies or activities through social media or mobile devices (Weiderhold, 2016). This issue is particularly prevalent among teenagers, many of whom are not emotionally mature or ready for relationships and may succumb to peer pressure. In some cases, teenagers may feel uncomfortable but are coerced into sending inappropriate images to romantic partners or friends for attention. Unfortunately, these images can end up being shared widely, leading to feelings of fear and depression for the sender. Humiliation is often cited as a leading factor in why teens may contemplate suicide in connection with sexting incidents (Ahern, Sauer, & Thacker, 2015).

A significant concern regarding teenagers’ actions is their lack of understanding or preparedness for the consequences that may follow negative behaviors. Many teenagers do not consider their future when engaging on social media, often displaying aggressive behavior. For instance, a high school student who is far from graduation may not care about their social media posts or behavior, as they perceive “real life” to be distant (Ahern, Sauer, & Thacker, 2015). Research indicates a correlation between teenagers who possess a strong moral compass and their online behavior, which often differs from their in-person conduct (Ahern, Sauer, & Thacker, 2015).

A Rationale for Proposed Research

Sexting is one of the leading causes of tragic incidents among teenagers aged 12-18 (Argo & Lowery, 2017). Research suggests that approximately 5% of teenagers have engaged in sending sexually explicit images, which is concerning given the peer pressure surrounding this behavior (Argo & Lowery, 2017). Many teenagers may be unaware that such actions can be considered criminal in many jurisdictions, potentially leading to severe legal consequences. Sending and receiving child pornography is a felony and can create a lasting criminal record for a teenager seeking a momentary thrill.

Some advocate for punitive measures or scare tactics for teenagers who engage in sexting, while others argue for updated laws that differentiate between consensual sharing and criminal behavior, ensuring that those who send images to partners are not labeled as criminals or sex offenders (Argo & Lowery, 2017). More comprehensive research into sexting and its consequences is necessary to prevent teenagers from facing severe penalties for actions that may be easily misunderstood. Many teenagers may not view the law as relevant to their lives, suggesting that legal regulations alone may not effectively curb negative behaviors. Further research is needed to understand why teenagers are more inclined to engage in sexual behavior online compared to offline. Education on appropriate online conduct should be integrated into school curricula (LaMarre & Rice, 2017). Engaging with friends and family can help encourage teenagers to practice safety in their online activities. While teenagers may exhibit childish and immature behavior, finding ways to manage their hormones and desires is crucial for their development.

Conclusion

Social media is perceived as an essential aspect of life for today’s teenagers. Participation in social networking is often viewed as necessary for remaining connected in a technological and social landscape, presenting both positive and negative implications. There are risks associated with peer pressure and dangerous situations, which is why it is vital to educate teenagers on appropriate behavior in social contexts. The amount of time teenagers spend on social media is often not monitored by adults, making it imperative that they receive proper education about the effects of late-night social media use on their mental and physical well-being.

References

Ahern, N. R., Sauer, K. M., & Thacker, L. R. (2015). The implications of social media on adolescent health. Journal of Adolescent Health, 56(2), 123-129.

Argo, J. J., & Lowery, K. (2017). The impact of social media on adolescent behavior. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 46(4), 789-800.

LaMarre, H. L., & Rice, R. E. (2017). Social media and adolescent development: A review of the literature. Adolescent Research Review, 2(1), 1-15.