The impact of social media on young minds
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Adison Moirangthem
Contd from previous issue
According to data after long term studies on adolescents, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill report adolescents’ habitual checking of social media is linked with subsequent changes in how their brains respond to the world around them. It highlights the extent of social media’s impact:
1) 78% of teens check their devices at least once every hour.
2) 35% of adolescents use at least one platform almost constantly.
3) Adolescents aged 12–13 who engage with social media more than 15 times daily show increased emotional sensitivity to peer feedback, potentially affecting their behavioral development.
Parents play an essential role in cultivating healthy social media habits. Tools like Apple’s Screen Time, Google’s Family Link, and Microsoft’s Family Safety enable parents to set screen time limits, monitor usage, and block inappropriate content. These tools also help parents engage in meaningful conversations about responsible online behavior. Experts recommend a collaborative approach—where parents set boundaries with their children rather than imposing strict rules—to foster trust and long-term adherence to digital hygiene practices.
Governments must also implement safeguards to protect young users. The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), enacted in 2023, mandates the regulation of harmful content and misinformation on social media platforms. Some platforms, like Instagram, have introduced “Take a Break” reminders to reduce excessive use. Ensuring that algorithms prioritize user well-being over engagement metrics is essential to mitigating the addictive nature of these platforms.
The study conducted by the Center for Digital Thriving at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Indiana University, and Co- mmon Sense Media explores the multifaceted pressures experienced by American teenagers, with one in four adolescents reporting active struggles with burnout.
The findings reveal that many teens are not consistently engaging in healthy self-care practices, such as sufficient sleep, exercise, and time outdoors, further exacerbating their stress levels.
1) Future Planning – 56% of teens feel compelled to map out their future paths, including education, careers, and relationships.
2) Achievement – 53% report pressure to excel academically and professionally, striving for recognition in honors courses, grades, and part-time jobs.
3) Appearance – 51% feel the need to conform to societal beauty standards and trends.
4) Social Life – 44% are concerned about maintaining an active social presence through interactions and events.
5) Friendship – 41% struggle to stay responsive and available to friends, particularly through digital communication.
6) Activism – 32% experience pressure to remain informed about social issues or engage in activism to effect change.
Social media platforms, including TikTok, Insta-gram, and Snapchat, amplify these pressures, with nearly 80% of respondents stating that these platforms increase the pressure to present an idealized self-image. However, social media is also viewed as a relief mechanism, with 39-53% of teens reporting that it reduces specific pressures.
The report highlights disparities in the impact of pressures across demographic groups, with girls, nonbinary youth, and LGBTQ+ teens experiencing higher levels of stress than boys and cisgender, non-LGBTQ+ teens. Additionally, gaming emerges as a significant outlet, with nearly 80% of teens playing games socially, and one in four citing it as a coping mechanism for stress relief.
The study underscores the correlation between self-care practices and reduced burnout, noting that teens who engage in regular physical activity and sufficient sleep report lower stress levels. Alarmingly, a notable portion of teens neglect these practices; approximately 9% did not sleep for seven or more hours on any night in the previous week, and 13% did not engage in at least one hour of physical activity. These findings call attention to the importance of supporting teens in balancing societal expectations with healthy routines, fostering resilience, and promoting mental well-being through family, educational, and community interventions.
Social media’s impact on the youth of Manipur manifests across mental health, academic performance, cultural values, and inter- personal relationships. Excessive use contributes to anxiety, depression, and body image issues, as adolescents are exposed to idealized lifestyles and experience cyberbullying. Such mental health challenges impair focus, disrupt sleep, and diminish academic performance, with students often distracted by notifications and social comparisons.
Additionally, over-reliance on virtual connections weakens face-to-face social skills and family interactions, contributing to superficial relationships. Cultural erosion is also evident, as global trends dilute traditional Manipuri values and reduce interest in indigenous art and literature. Moreover, peer pressure on these platforms can promote risky behaviors, while exposure to misinformation and polarizing content disrupts social cohesion. Addressing these concerns requires fostering digital literacy, encouraging a healthy balance between online and offline activities, and promoting cultural awareness to mitigate these negative influences on youth well-being and development.
The impact of social media on young minds is complex, offering both opportunities and challenges. While it provides platforms for education, creativity, and social interaction, it also introduces risks to mental health, academic performance, and social skills. As research continues to reveal the long-term effects of social media, it becomes clear that promoting responsible use is essential.
Parents, educators, policymakers, and platforms must collaborate to create environments that prioritize adolescent well-being. With thoughtful intervention, young people can harness the benefits of social media while mitigating its negative consequences, ensuring they grow into healthy and resilient adults in an increasingly digital world.
Contd from previous issue
According to data after long term studies on adolescents, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill report adolescents’ habitual checking of social media is linked with subsequent changes in how their brains respond to the world around them. It highlights the extent of social media’s impact:
1) 78% of teens check their devices at least once every hour.
2) 35% of adolescents use at least one platform almost constantly.
3) Adolescents aged 12–13 who engage with social media more than 15 times daily show increased emotional sensitivity to peer feedback, potentially affecting their behavioral development.
Parents play an essential role in cultivating healthy social media habits. Tools like Apple’s Screen Time, Google’s Family Link, and Microsoft’s Family Safety enable parents to set screen time limits, monitor usage, and block inappropriate content. These tools also help parents engage in meaningful conversations about responsible online behavior. Experts recommend a collaborative approach—where parents set boundaries with their children rather than imposing strict rules—to foster trust and long-term adherence to digital hygiene practices.
Governments must also implement safeguards to protect young users. The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), enacted in 2023, mandates the regulation of harmful content and misinformation on social media platforms. Some platforms, like Instagram, have introduced “Take a Break” reminders to reduce excessive use. Ensuring that algorithms prioritize user well-being over engagement metrics is essential to mitigating the addictive nature of these platforms.
The study conducted by the Center for Digital Thriving at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Indiana University, and Co- mmon Sense Media explores the multifaceted pressures experienced by American teenagers, with one in four adolescents reporting active struggles with burnout.
The findings reveal that many teens are not consistently engaging in healthy self-care practices, such as sufficient sleep, exercise, and time outdoors, further exacerbating their stress levels.
1) Future Planning – 56% of teens feel compelled to map out their future paths, including education, careers, and relationships.
2) Achievement – 53% report pressure to excel academically and professionally, striving for recognition in honors courses, grades, and part-time jobs.
3) Appearance – 51% feel the need to conform to societal beauty standards and trends.
4) Social Life – 44% are concerned about maintaining an active social presence through interactions and events.
5) Friendship – 41% struggle to stay responsive and available to friends, particularly through digital communication.
6) Activism – 32% experience pressure to remain informed about social issues or engage in activism to effect change.
Social media platforms, including TikTok, Insta-gram, and Snapchat, amplify these pressures, with nearly 80% of respondents stating that these platforms increase the pressure to present an idealized self-image. However, social media is also viewed as a relief mechanism, with 39-53% of teens reporting that it reduces specific pressures.
The report highlights disparities in the impact of pressures across demographic groups, with girls, nonbinary youth, and LGBTQ+ teens experiencing higher levels of stress than boys and cisgender, non-LGBTQ+ teens. Additionally, gaming emerges as a significant outlet, with nearly 80% of teens playing games socially, and one in four citing it as a coping mechanism for stress relief.
The study underscores the correlation between self-care practices and reduced burnout, noting that teens who engage in regular physical activity and sufficient sleep report lower stress levels. Alarmingly, a notable portion of teens neglect these practices; approximately 9% did not sleep for seven or more hours on any night in the previous week, and 13% did not engage in at least one hour of physical activity. These findings call attention to the importance of supporting teens in balancing societal expectations with healthy routines, fostering resilience, and promoting mental well-being through family, educational, and community interventions.
Social media’s impact on the youth of Manipur manifests across mental health, academic performance, cultural values, and inter- personal relationships. Excessive use contributes to anxiety, depression, and body image issues, as adolescents are exposed to idealized lifestyles and experience cyberbullying. Such mental health challenges impair focus, disrupt sleep, and diminish academic performance, with students often distracted by notifications and social comparisons.
Additionally, over-reliance on virtual connections weakens face-to-face social skills and family interactions, contributing to superficial relationships. Cultural erosion is also evident, as global trends dilute traditional Manipuri values and reduce interest in indigenous art and literature. Moreover, peer pressure on these platforms can promote risky behaviors, while exposure to misinformation and polarizing content disrupts social cohesion. Addressing these concerns requires fostering digital literacy, encouraging a healthy balance between online and offline activities, and promoting cultural awareness to mitigate these negative influences on youth well-being and development.
The impact of social media on young minds is complex, offering both opportunities and challenges. While it provides platforms for education, creativity, and social interaction, it also introduces risks to mental health, academic performance, and social skills. As research continues to reveal the long-term effects of social media, it becomes clear that promoting responsible use is essential.
Parents, educators, policymakers, and platforms must collaborate to create environments that prioritize adolescent well-being. With thoughtful intervention, young people can harness the benefits of social media while mitigating its negative consequences, ensuring they grow into healthy and resilient adults in an increasingly digital world.