Do You Think Teens Should Have Social Media?

Social Media and Teens: The Positives and Negatives

This article explores the positives and negatives of social media in teens’ lives. Technology has advanced significantly over the past 15–20 years, with artificial intelligence (AI) gaining major traction around 2010. While technology offers many opportunities, it can also interrupt time spent with real-life friends and reduce physical activity.

However, today’s teens are growing up in a world where opportunities to meet others outside of school or the Internet are becoming increasingly rare. Social media, therefore, can play an important role in teens’ lives by providing opportunities for self-expression, creativity, exploring different interests, and building confidence.

Pros of Social Media

Social media can be a powerful platform that connects teens to the digital world. It allows them to share their interests and experiences with each other and makes meeting new people easier than ever before. By staying connected online, teens can build strong friendships and maintain relationships even when in-person interactions are limited.

Cons of Social Media

However, social media can also have negative effects on teens. It can lower mental health by contributing to issues like cyberbullying, depression, anxiety, lack of sleep, and exposure to harmful content. These challenges show that while social media can connect teens, it also carries risks that need careful management.

Student Opinions

Haddassah Dohner: “I think teens can have social media; it would just be limited. The older you get, the more privileges you have with it.”

Lauren Hambleton: “No, because there can be bad content.”

Logan Rittenhouse: “No, unless they are responsible enough (like me).”

Kal Brown: “No, because you can post something and regret it later.”

Ava Wiegand: “Some social media apps like YouTube are fine, but other apps can be harmful to teens’ mental health.”

Luke Spangler: “No, because there can be inappropriate reels.”

Max Brown: “I think they can, but they should get it in high school.”

Bristol Hirstein: “I don’t think it matters as long as they are responsible for it.”

Dalyah Knapp: “Yes, as long as they are responsible and trustworthy.”

Adley Wesner: “No, because there is cyberbullying.”

Brylie Prina: “I don’t think they should, even if they are responsible enough. It can put pressure on the child to make bad decisions.”

William Sauder: “No, because it can become addicting and teens’ average screen time will go up.”