Risks and Opportunities of Social Media for Adolescents

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The Internet permeates all aspects of people’s activity today, being an indispensable component of professional and social lives. In this regard, social media networks have become one of the primary characteristics of the 21st-century Internet. The access to unimpaired communication has attracted the intense of adolescents, for whom social media presence has become a matter of paramount importance. While such networks demonstrate evident advantages, their use is also associated with certain risks, which range from minor to highly serious. The aim of this essay is to analyze the risks and opportunities, which emerge for adolescents using social media in the 21st century.

Self-expression is a recognized need for a modern person, which is universally established and acknowledged by Maslow’s pyramid. According to Eleuteri et al. (2017), social media has become an essential means of self-expression and identity building for adolescents. Young people have access to global communication, allowing them to extend their range of acquaintances and find like-minded people. This aspect is especially important for those who live in small, remote communities where certain groups may be ostracized for their views and lifestyle.

For example, Eleuteri et al. (2017) refer to social media as one of the most important means of self-identification for adolescents willing to explore and accept their sexuality. This way, adolescents feel prompted to become more sociable and open in terms of their personalities, positively affecting their mental health. Recognition, support, and acknowledgment

Nevertheless, the range of social media users is not limited to kind, understanding people who provide support to others. Eleuteri et al. (2017) discuss important risk factors, which follow social media presence. Adolescents, who freely explore their interests, personalities, and sexuality online, may face intense cyberbullying, entailing dire clinical consequences in some cases. In addition, social media networks often occupy a considerable portion of their users’ time.

As a result, the implications may include dissocialized behavior and failures in other aspects of one’s life, including studies, thus damaging their relationships with peers and families. Social media does require considerable effort, making it one of the easiest and, therefore, desirable means of pastime. Finally, the Internet, including social networks, often possess graphic content not suitable for It is essential to consider these risks, as they may leave a lasting impact on the course of a person’s future life.

In conclusion, social media is deeply embedded in the contemporary lifestyle, which is especially true for the youth. Its influence is undeniable, and the Internet has largely become a necessity rather than a privilege. Social media presents positive opportunities for teenagers, who can utilize its immense potential in terms of self-realization. Accordingly, the Internet may help them overcome the negative influence of their immediate environment. However, excessive exposure to social media may lead to negative developments in the form of cyberbullying and poor socialization. Overall, it is essential to maintain the right balance, which would allow teenagers to maximize the benefits of social media while alleviating the unnecessary risks caused by excessive self-disclosure.

Reference

Eleuteri, S., Saladino, V., & Verrastro, V. (2017). Identity, relationships, sexuality, and risky behaviors of adolescents in the context of social media. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 32(3-4), 354–365. Web.

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