Although social media has become a major influence on today’s teens, its effects are not always favorable. Many adults and teens believe social media is a contributing factor to violent conduct, with some even seeing it as a primary cause, according to a nationwide youth poll. Teenagers who are worried about violence, however, may turn to social media and spend more time there. In this sense, social media serves as a platform that offers teenagers two things: new risk factors and a haven from violent situations. Furthermore, the rapid evolution of online interactions has brought unique challenges, such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and the rise of addictive behaviors, all of which can influence youth behavior both online and offline. This article examines how teenagers’ offline behavior and views are impacted by social media information to offer fresh perspectives for the safety of adolescents.
Social Media and Youth Cybercrime
- Increase in Online Bullying
Teenagers are becoming a major target of cyberbullying on social media. This type of bullying can have negative emotional effects, such as making them feel bad about themselves or having low self-esteem, and things like exclusion, teasing, or gossip often happen online. Unlike traditional bullying, which may occur in a schoolyard or a physical space, cyberbullying can follow teenagers into their homes, making it relentless and inescapable. Victims often feel helpless as the bullying is visible to a broad audience, increasing feelings of shame and isolation. Social media algorithms can exacerbate the issue by amplifying harmful content through shares or likes, further entrenching the victim’s distress. Because social media is so public and so widely used by teenagers, bullying can make them very vulnerable, leading to long-term psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, and even suicidal tendencies. - Concerns About Data Protection
Many teenagers post personal information on social media without thinking about what might happen. This makes it easier for cybercriminals to take advantage of them. Personal details such as birthdates, addresses, or even photos can serve as critical entry points for malicious activities like fraud and identity theft. Hackers can manipulate this information to access bank accounts, apply for credit cards, or impersonate victims online. Additionally, teenagers often fail to review privacy settings on their accounts, making their profiles accessible to strangers. The use of third-party apps linked to social media accounts further increases vulnerabilities, as these apps can harvest user data without explicit consent. Even harmless posts, such as tagging a location, can be exploited by criminals, highlighting the urgent need for digital literacy and awareness about the dangers of oversharing online. - Social Media and Phishing
Scams like phishing are also a big problem for teenagers. These scams trick people into providing personal information by sending fake accounts, fake links, or fake events to people on social media. Many phishing scams target teens through messages that appear to come from trusted sources, such as friends, brands, or influencers they follow. These scams often exploit curiosity or urgency, such as fake giveaways or warnings about account security, to manipulate users into clicking malicious links. Once these links are accessed, malware can be installed on devices, compromising sensitive data. Unfortunately, this information is often used for identity theft, which can cause a lot of problems for the victims, including financial losses and reputational damage. Educating teenagers on recognizing suspicious messages and verifying sources is crucial in reducing the effectiveness of such scams. - Teens’ Digital Identity
The way teens build their online identity on social media can also make them targets for online scams. Criminals can take the information they share and use it to deceive or manipulate others. Teens often project idealized versions of themselves online, sharing personal achievements, routines, or interests without realizing how this information could be misused. For example, fraudsters might use a teen’s interests to craft personalized scams, making them appear more convincing. Moreover, digital footprints, such as comments or shared posts, can expose vulnerabilities or reveal private details. It’s essential for teens to learn how to behave responsibly online and better manage their digital identity to avoid these kinds of problems. Promoting safe online practices, such as limiting the amount of personal information shared and regularly updating privacy settings, can empower teens to navigate social media securely (Gadenne and Olajide, 2023).
The Link Between Social Media Addiction and Youth Violence
Social media addiction is closely linked to increased violent behavior in adolescents, which is also closely related to problematic Internet use (PIU). PIU refers to a state in which adolescents are unable to self-regulate their Internet use and suffer social and psychological difficulties due to excessive use. One reason for this link is the way social media platforms are designed to capture and hold users’ attention through algorithms that prioritize engagement. These algorithms often push sensational, emotionally charged, or violent content to maximize interaction, exposing teens to material that may normalize aggression or desensitize them to violence. Studies have shown that adolescents with PIU exhibit negative psychological characteristics such as impulsivity, depression, and aggression, which increase the likelihood of violent behavior. The lack of face-to-face interaction further exacerbates these issues, as teens may struggle with social skills and emotional regulation. In particular, adolescents who are frequently exposed to violent online content are more likely to commit copycat violence, mimicking behaviors they see as acceptable or effective. Moreover, the anonymity provided by the internet can embolden adolescents to engage in hostile behaviors they would otherwise avoid. In fact, the aggression of PIU adolescents was nearly twice as high as that of general adolescents, underscoring the urgent need to address this growing issue through targeted interventions and increased awareness (Gansner, 2017).
How should we use social media?
Social media can be beneficial when used in ways that promote young people’s well-being, such as building and maintaining friendships and receiving social support when times are tough. These platforms provide spaces where young people can share experiences, seek advice, and feel less isolated, especially during challenging times like adolescence. This is one of the primary benefits of social media: fostering meaningful social connections that can bolster self-esteem and emotional resilience. Other potential benefits include learning and discovery—teenagers can explore new interests, access educational resources, or stay updated on global events. Exploring and confirming one’s own identity is also important, and social media can help young people find people who are similar to them in terms of interests and identities. For instance, young people who may be socially marginalized, including sexual minority youth, often find supportive communities online that validate their experiences and provide a sense of belonging. However, the more deeply young people become involved in social media, the greater their exposure to risks, such as cyberbullying, misinformation, and harmful content. Therefore, it is crucial to manage young people’s social media use by setting healthy boundaries, teaching them to critically assess online content, and encouraging balance between virtual and real-life interactions. To mitigate these risks, strategies such as limiting exposure to violent content, promoting psychological wellbeing, and providing comprehensive media literacy education are vital. These approaches equip young people with the tools they need to navigate digital spaces safely and responsibly, maximizing the benefits of social media while minimizing its harms (Abdullah, 2023).
Conclusion
Social media serves as both a valuable resource and a significant challenge in the lives of young people. On one hand, it enables teenagers to connect with friends, explore their identities, and discover new interests, fostering personal growth and offering support, particularly for marginalized groups seeking acceptance and community. These positive aspects can play a pivotal role in their emotional and social development. However, the risks associated with excessive social media use cannot be overlooked. Problematic Internet use (PIU) often leads to psychological issues such as impulsivity, depression, and aggression, exacerbating the link between social media and youth violence.
The darker side of social media includes challenges like cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and addiction-related problems, which can harm young people’s well-being. To mitigate these risks while maximizing the benefits, a collaborative approach is essential. Managing social media use, limiting exposure to violent content, and promoting media literacy are critical strategies. Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to provide psychological support and implement safe usage practices. By balancing opportunities with safeguards, young people can navigate the digital environment responsibly, unlocking the full potential of social media while minimizing its harms.
References
Abdullah, M., 2023. How to Protect Teens From the Risks of Social Media. [online] Greater Good. Available at: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_protect_teens_from_the_risks_of_social_media [Accessed 30 November 2024].
Gadenne, V., and Olajide, P., 2023. Under the influence: how harmful is social media to children and young people? [online] Crest Advisory. Available at: https://www.crestadvisory.com/post/under-the-influence-how-harmful-is-social-media [Accessed 23 November 2024].
Gansner, M., 2017. ‘The Internet Made Me Do It’-Social Media and Potential for Violence in Adolescents. [online] Psychiatric Times. Available at: https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/-internet-made-me-do-itsocial-media-and-potential-violence-adolescents [Accessed 30 November 2024].
