In modern society, social media and technology have become more harmful than helpful for children and teens.
On social media we compare ourselves to an idealized image of people, particularly influencers or celebrities. Because of this, mental health has worsened, and it will continue to worsen.
Shelley Moore Capito wrote on the Ripon Forum that the U.S. Surgeon General’s reports the average teenager spends at least three and a half hours a day on social media platforms. 64 percent of children in the study were exposed to violent content, and one-third of those girls stated they felt addicted to social media platforms. “Our children should be focused on learning in school, not glued to TikTok videos in class,” Capito wrote.
Social media has become the childhood bully who steals your candy with no remorse. It steals our time and mental health. And we let it.
And it’s not just children and teens but society as a whole. We should be built on community and communication, not screens and social media.
New York University Professor Jonathan Haidt has been at the forefront of studying social media on behavior. His research shows that because of social media and technology children do not play on playgrounds, learn social skills and learn to govern themselves. All of which are invaluable stages in a child’s learning phase.
Another issue is stagnating community growth. When you go to a park or drive past one do you see any children on the playground laughing and talking? No. You see nothing, because they are inside with their technology doomscrolling. Children aren’t creating meaningful in-person connections anymore.
According to Haidt, these compounding factors in Gen Z have caused significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression and other similar issues.
If we think back to the times we were in high school, we were warned by teachers and administrators that what we say online can be harmful. Many attempted – and successful – suicides were caused by cyber-bullying and deteriorating self-image.
We should all be more aware that social media can and will break our society, our community and our minds.
What can be done is simple: be aware of how much time you actually spend on social media and technology and make a substantive effort to spend less time using screens. Get out of the house, spend time with your friends and be out in the community.
There are more things beyond your social media platforms to see and to experience. Don’t let this bully steal your candy and laugh in your face.