INTRODUCTION
The goal is to provide a comprehensive and equitable study that highlights the intricacy of this connection while also offering helpful guidance to those involved in adolescent development.
TEENAGERS PERSPECTIVE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Teenagers and young adults are accustomed to social media’s contentious presence in their lives. Younger generations are frequently associated with social media because of their fascination with its everyday usage. We can all agree as a culture, though, that even while it can occasionally be a bad habit, it unquestionably creates a special sense of connection that can enhance social skills. Adolescents can probably agree, too. Common Sense Media claims that teenagers are highly conscious of their media consumption patterns.[1] Social networking tends to become a distraction rather than a recreational pastime. And children are aware of that. It interferes with their ability to learn, make in-person relationships, and pursue other interests. It is now simple to identify the issue, but how can we proceed with finding a solution. Online conversations give many of its users a sense of belonging. Conversing with their friends, making new acquaintances, and watching stuff that appeals to their speciality. It encourages the growth of cerebral, emotional, and social abilities and qualities at such a critical juncture in their life. However, this does not negate the significance of openness. A balanced habit is built on parents being open and honest with their teenagers about the dangers of social media. Any social media user should be aware of online safety, etiquette, and boundaries. According to the Pew Research Centre, gaining greater autonomy increases with age. The realm of social media, which is yet largely unexplored, necessitates crucial boundary-setting and balance for all users, regardless of age, to promote healthy use.[2] Community building through social media use should be combined with maintaining in-person relationships and face-to-face social skills. Self-control and making use of screen-time features on smartphones and apps can be helpful strategies in this regard. Social media has many wonderful uses, but if we don’t know ourselves and set limits, there can be many negative effects.
Characteristics of teenage psychology and behaviour
Features of teenager psychology and behaviour Adolescence is a stage of development distinguished by fast biological, emotional, and social changes. Covering roughly the years 13 to 19, this time is marked by the search for identity, increased emotional sensitivity, and a slow towards autonomy. Contextualising teen interaction with social media platforms depends on an awareness of their psychological and behavioural features. Teenage psychology is distinguished in part by the continuous maturation of the brain—especially the prefrontal cortex, which controls impulse control, decision-making, and reason. On the other hand, the limbic system, connected with rewards and emotions, develops earlier and usually results in increased emotional reactivity and risk-taking behaviour. Teenagers’ inclination for impulsivity, sensitivity to peer pressure, and higher demand for social approval can all be partially explained by this neurological imbalance. Adolescence brings especially great relevance for peer connection. Teenagers’ sense of self-worth and identity comes from social comparison and peer group validation quite a bit. Often enhancing the need for acceptance and visibility, social media channels—which are set around likes, comments, and shares—act as digital extensions of these social interactions. Teenagers also show increased sensitivity to social comments and are more prone to absorb unpleasant events like criticism or exclusion. When exposed to cyberbullying, idealised images, or online rejection, this may increase their vulnerability to problems including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Teenagers are also developing their values, views, and opinions and worldview. Social media’s algorithmic design—which customises content depending on past interaction—may cause echo chambers supporting ideas and behaviour. This influences teenagers’ interpersonal relationships as well as their view of others and themselves, so impacting their decision-making. Teenage psychology is defined in general by emotional volatility, identity exploration, and a strong orientation towards social belonging. These qualities, together with the interactive and picture-driven nature of social media, produce a dynamic whereby teenagers are both exposed in ways unique from other age groups and empowered.
[1]“Wegmann, E., Studt, B., & Brand, M. Cue-induced craving in Internet-communication disorder using visual and auditory cues in a cue-reactivity paradigm. Addiction Research and Theory. 26, 306–314 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1080/16066359.2017.1367385”
[2]“Tiggemann, &Zaccardo, M. (2018). “Strong is the new skinny”: A content analysis of #fitspiration images on Instagram. Journal of Health Psychology, 23(8), 1003–1011. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105316639436”