Teenagers are one of the most avid users of social media. It allows them to
communicate and receive information in many ways. Social media outlets used by
youth include computers, text messages, Facebook, YouTube, movies, television
programs, video games, etc. The use of internet services comes front and
center when considering the influence of social media.
The total number of internet users in India is estimated to be around 81
million, out of which 72 % are from the young population. According to recent
reports, teens in India prefer to use personal computers and laptops instead
of smartphones for browsing. This study also suggested that approximately 26
percent of participants claimed remaining online for at least an hour each day
and 27 percent agreed that they check and respond to notifications received
from social media avenues within 5 minutes of receiving them. Facebook and
Google+ were found to be the most used platforms by teenagers, while WhatsApp
was the most popular instant messaging outlet.
From a global viewpoint, it is also estimated that 22% of teenagers log onto
preferred social media sites more than 10 times a day. Similar results were
also mentioned in an American report indicating that a whopping 92% of
teenagers claim to go online each day. According to a study, TikTok users
spend 55.8 minutes daily using the app
Benefits associated with Social Media Use:
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Effective mode of communication: One of the primary features of social
media is the possibility of communicating with peers, friends, etc. Social
media is often applied to maintaining and forming social connections. The
deeper benefits of social media include community-level interactions
(political events, charity events, etc.), the impetus to creativity
(creating blogs, vlogs, podcasts, etc.), and fostering new social skills.
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Learning opportunities: Facebook and similar platforms allow students to
collaborate on assignments and projects. In addition, the use of platforms
such as podcasts and YouTube is also beneficial for vicarious learning.
Students can find wide-ranging global information in a short span of time.
Risks related to Social media use:
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Privacy issues: The level and nature of the information that is put up on
social media are of concern when it comes to its dissemination. A lack of
awareness of privacy issues can often lead to posting and sharing private
material.
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Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying involves disseminating hostile or
inappropriate information about someone without their consent. Instances
of cyberbullying can lead to harmful psychological consequences like
anxiety, social isolation, suicide attempts, and even suicide6. Reports suggest
that about 50% of youth in India have experienced or witnessed
cyberbullying.
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Exposure to sexual content: Social media often becomes a means of sharing
and receiving sexual content. Sexting is a term applied to circulating
sexually explicit material using cell phones, computers, etc. Young users
are often lured by sexual predators using online platforms.
Adult supervision and involvement:
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Family members, teachers, and other adult members in a teenager’s life are
often faced with the important and challenging task of regulating teenage
exposure to media. However, some guidelines can help make this easier to
manage and supervise:
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Communicate freely with young children and teenagers about their online
activities. Try and mention the risks involved in fundamental terms so as to
make a young one aware and alert to such instances. For example, explain to
them the risks associated with communicating with strangers online, or
posting private information about themselves and their families.
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Parents and teachers can try to be more aware of technological advancements
themselves. This helps them to supervise the online activities of teenagers
in a better way
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Try and limit the use of social media by stipulating time periods and the
number of gadgets available for use. For example, teenage children can be
given a time limit for using certain websites or portals. Any change in time
and content can be supervised.
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