By Sadie Pattik

Social media has revolutionized the modern world. It has changed the way we work, go to school, and even speak to family and friends. There is always a tiny lens looking into our lives, every day, documenting where we are, what we do, and how. Snapchat, Instagram, and even Facebook have dominated the social aspect of our lives–but, most obviously, the way teenagers interact with one another. Watching the way that teenagers use social media and the way it affects their lives is simultaneously obsessive, heartbroken, excited, anxious, and angry.

When assessing how social media impacts teenagers' everyday lives, it is evident that constantly being on our phones, talking through texts and Snapchats, distracts us and disrupts our sleep. It also consistently exposes teenagers to bullying, rumor spreading, and unrealistic views of people’s lives that lead to self-doubt and lowering self-esteem. A 2019 study showed that teens who spend more than three hours a day on their phones and social media combined are more susceptible to mental health issues. Other studies have also connected the use of social media is linked to mental health problems like depression and high levels of anxiety. Older adolescents who use social media passively, such as scrolling through other people’s photos, report declines in life satisfaction.

Constantly looking at how other people are living their lives, just from a simple post on Instagram or Facebook, is proven to lower self-esteem and make not only teenagers but adults as well believe that other people’s lives are happier than their own. However, when teenagers spend more time out with their friends, they are less likely to feel this way.

So, how can parents, and even teenagers, limit their time on social media? How can people prevent the negative effects of social media? Setting limits on social media and not allowing it to interfere with their activities, sleep, meals, or homework is the first step, as well as trying to limit the amount of time you spend on your phone during your bedtime routine.