Social media has become integral to our lives, and students are no exception. A recent study found that 95% of teenagers use social media. Social media does have some positive effects on students, but it can also have some negative ones. The impact of social media can be subject to the information that a student is willing to intake.
Positive Effects of Social Media on Students
- Connect with friends and family: One of the best ways to stay connected with family and friends is through social media, even when they are not physically together. It can be essential for students who move away from home for college or who have to travel frequently.
- Learn new things: Social media can be an excellent way for students to learn new things. Many educational accounts on social media share information about different topics, such as history, science, and current events.
- Creative expression: Social media can be an excellent way for students to express themselves creatively. They can share their thoughts, ideas, and artwork with the world.
- Networking: Social media can be an excellent way to network with other students, professionals, and organizations. It can be helpful for students who are looking for jobs, internships, or volunteer opportunities.
Adverse Effects of Social Media on Students
- Addiction: Social media can be addictive. Students who spend too much time on social media may neglect their studies, relationships, and health.
- Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying takes place online or through text messaging. Cyberbullying can have a devastating impact on students, leading to depression, anxiety[1], and even suicide.
- Body image issues: Social media can promote unrealistic beauty standards, leading to student body image issues. It is especially true for girls, who are more likely to be exposed to images of idealized bodies on social media.
- Sleep deprivation: The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with sleep. Students who use social media before bed may need help falling asleep and staying asleep.
- Distraction: Social media can prove to be a major distraction for students. It can be easy to get sucked into scrolling through social media, making it difficult to focus on schoolwork.
Learn to Minimize the Negative Impact of Social Media on Students
The best way to minimize the adverse effects of social media is to be mindful of your usage. Here are some tips:
- Set limits on your social media use. Decide the time you want to spend on social media daily and stick to it.
- Take breaks from social media. Put your phone away for a few hours each day, or even just for a few minutes at a time.
- Be selective about the content you follow. Only follow accounts that make you feel good about yourself and that you find interesting.
- Be aware of the risks of cyberbullying. If you see someone being bullied online, report it to a trusted adult.
- Talk to your parents or guardians about your social media use. They can help you set boundaries and stay safe online.
Social media is an amazing tool for students, but it is essential to use it wisely. By being mindful of your usage and minimizing the adverse effects, you can reap social media’s benefits without risking your health and well-being.
Read our Article: Social Media in Education: Navigating the Digital Frontier
