Social media networks have been with us for almost half a century. Since the first experiments with early online communities in the Seventies, they have evolved and spread worldwide as global platforms. Along the way, they have changed names and shapes. Still, at their core, we are attracted to them because they fulfill the fundamental human need for connection, self-expression, entertainment, and information. Their ongoing popularity stems from the way they mirror real-world social interactions. And while they offer real-life opportunities, they also hide risks and dangers.
Social media: how it all started
Early online communities started to appear as soon as the Internet was around. Born in 1979, Usenet was one of the earliest forms of social networking, allowing users to post messages in threaded discussions across various topics. Only a little later, BBS (Bulletin Board Systems) started to spread as online places where users could share files, messages, and discuss topics. BBS were the precursors of modern social networks. One decade later, in 1997, the first actual social network site, SixDegrees, allowed users to create profiles, connect with friends, and post content. Shortly after, between 1997 and 2003, it was the turn of Friendster, MySpace, and LinkedIn.
Modern platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are the products of the 2000s, and they’re here to stay.
Why are people attracted to social networks?
We are attracted to social networks for several reasons. First, they satisfy a deep psychological need for connection, enabling people to maintain long-distance relationships or find new friends. Social networks allow people to find like-minded individuals with shared interests or causes, fostering a sense of belonging.
Another strong motivation is that they offer a way for self-expression and identity. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok allow users to present their lives, opinions, and creativity uniquely, helping them shape and control their public image. The likes, comments, and shares provide instant feedback, reinforcing behaviour and offering validation from peers. On the same token, platforms like LinkedIn help users network for jobs, collaborations, and business opportunities. Influencers and businesses use social networks to build their brand, promote products, and engage with audiences.
Lastly, social networks make it easy to access news, entertainment, and educational content tailored to personal preferences. Users can follow influencers, celebrities, and trends, feeling connected to the latest movements in culture, fashion, and entertainment. Social media also satisfies the need to stay updated on friends, news, and current trends, driven by the fear of missing out (FOMO) on essential events or discussions.
The hidden risks of social media
Social networking is part of our lives. We have our real lives and one or more online personas showing different aspects of ourselves. As we warn kids about the dangers of life, it is more and more critical that we educate them on using social media safely.
Cyber-bullying and harassment
Social media platforms make it easy for bullies to target individuals online, often anonymously. Cyberbullying can take the form of abusive comments, spreading false information, or exclusion from groups. 20-40% of teens have experienced cyberbullying in some form, with rates varying by region and country. In the U.S., about 37% of teens between 12-17 have been bullied online. Girls are more likely to be victims of cyberbullying compared to boys, especially on social media. About 40% of girls report being harassed online, compared to 25% of boys. Girls are also more likely to experience emotional forms of bullying, such as spreading rumours or exclusion, while boys are more likely to encounter direct aggression like threats. This can lead to significant emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and, in extreme cases, self-harm or suicidal ideation.
What you can do about it:
- Open Communication: Encourage open conversations about online experiences and remind children they can come to you if they are being bullied or harassed.
- Monitor Online Activity: Use parental controls or monitoring tools to supervise children’s online behaviour, but ensure this is balanced with respect for privacy.
- Report and Block: Teach children how to report and block bullies on social media platforms and to use privacy settings to restrict who can contact them.
- Build Resilience: Educators can introduce anti-bullying programs that teach empathy, kindness, and how to respond to online bullying.
Mental health issues
On social media, users tend to promote an ideal self-image. Continuous exposure to unrealistic standards of beauty, success, or happiness portrayed on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. 88% of girls and 65% of boys say they compare themselves to images they see on social media. A study published in the journal Body Image found that one in three adolescent girls feel worse about their bodies after scrolling through Instagram, and 45% of teens report feeling “overwhelmed” by the pressure to look perfect on social media. Increased risks of anxiety, depression, and body image issues are common, particularly among teenagers. A 2019 study from the American Psychological Association found that heavy social media use correlates with a 13-66% increase in reports of depression and anxiety in adolescents.
What you can do about it:
- Encourage Balanced Usage: Set screen time limits to avoid excessive use of social media, which can negatively impact mental health.
- Foster Positive Body Image: Parents and educators can promote healthy conversations about body image and media literacy, explaining that what people post online is often curated or edited.
- Mental Health Check-ins: Regularly check in with teenagers about their emotional well-being and encourage them to share how social media makes them feel.
- Promote Offline Activities: Encourage participation in offline activities, such as sports, arts, or volunteering, to build self-esteem and reduce reliance on social media for validation.
Privacy violations
Social media is involved in 53% of online fraud cases. In 2022, over 95,000 people in the U.S. reported losing money to scams that began on social media, amounting to $1.2 billion in losses. Young adults aged 18-29 are the most affected by social media scams. 44% of scam victims in this age group report being approached through social media. Teenagers may unknowingly share personal information such as their location, photos, or private details, making them vulnerable to identity theft or other forms of exploitation. 30% of online fraud victims report identity theft that began on social media, often due to oversharing personal information or falling for phishing schemes. Common types of scams are romance scams, investment scams, and phishing attacks.
What you can do about it:
- Teach Privacy Awareness: Educate children on the importance of protecting personal information (e.g., location, photos, contact details) and the dangers of oversharing.
- Use Privacy Settings: Show them how to adjust privacy settings on social media platforms so that only trusted people can view their profiles or contact them.
- Explain Data Risks: Discuss how their data can be used by companies or malicious actors, reinforcing the need to think before sharing.
Exposure to inappropriate content
Social media can expose youth to harmful or inappropriate content, including violence, drug use, and sexually explicit material. This can influence their behaviour or perspectives in unhealthy ways and desensitize them to issues like violence or addiction. On the same line, doomscrolling (or doomsurfing) is the habit of continuously scrolling through negative or distressing news on social media or news websites, often for extended periods, despite the emotional toll it takes. People engage in doomscrolling during crises, such as natural disasters, political unrest, or the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the desire to stay informed. Still, it can contribute to anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness.
What you can do about it:
- Install Content Filters: Use content filters or parental control software to restrict access to inappropriate material.
- Age-Appropriate Platforms: Ensure children use social media platforms appropriate for their age, as most have minimum age requirements.
- Educate on Responsible Use: Teach children how to avoid or report inappropriate content, and ensure they understand the difference between safe and harmful media.
Addiction and time management issues
Social media platforms are designed to be engaging and habit-forming. Excessive use can lead to addiction, causing teenagers to spend hours online. 70% of adolescents say they check social media multiple times a day, often leading to disrupted sleep. Poor sleep quality has been linked to an increase in depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. It can disturb academic performance, sleep, and physical activity, contributing to psychological and physical health issues.
What you can do about it:
- Set Usage Limits: Create screen time rules, including time spent on social media. Encourage taking regular breaks and having screen-free time zones, like during meals or before bed.
- Model Healthy Habits: Parents and educators should model balanced social media use to set a good example for young people.
- Encourage Alternative Activities: Promote involvement in hobbies, sports, or social groups to prevent reliance on social media as the primary source of entertainment.
Peer pressure and social comparison
Teenagers often feel pressure to present a perfect image of their lives online. The fear of missing out (FOMO) and constant comparison with peers can increase stress and feelings of inadequacy. This can lead to social anxiety, lower self-confidence, and even risky behaviour to gain approval from their social circle.
What you can do about it:
- Foster Critical Thinking: Encourage children to think critically about what they see on social media and to recognize that people often present an idealized version of their lives.
- Focus on Self-Worth: Reinforce that their worth isn’t based on likes, comments, or followers, and promote self-confidence through personal accomplishments and offline relationships.
- Discuss FOMO: Have open conversations about FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and remind teens that it’s okay to take breaks from social media.
Online predators and grooming
Social media makes it easier for predators to approach teenagers, sometimes posing as friends or peers. Grooming involves gaining trust to exploit or manipulate a young person for sexual purposes. This can result in exploitation, coercion, and significant psychological trauma.
What you can do about it:
- Monitor Online Friends: Be aware of who children are interacting with online and encourage them to only connect with people they know in real life.
- Warn About Stranger Danger: Teach children not to share personal information with strangers online and to be cautious when receiving friend requests from unknown people.
- Use Monitoring Tools: Parental control tools can help track communication to ensure safety, but balance this with trust-building.
- Safe Communication: Encourage children to talk to a trusted adult if they receive inappropriate messages or feel uncomfortable online.
Misinformation and Disinformation
Teenagers are often exposed to fake news, conspiracy theories, and misinformation on social media. Without critical thinking skills, they may be unable to distinguish fact from fiction. This can lead to a distorted worldview, incorrect beliefs, and increased polarization of opinions.
What you can do about it:
- Teach Media Literacy: Educate students on evaluating the credibility of online information, spot fake news, and think critically before believing or sharing content.
- Fact-Checking Resources: Provide access to reliable fact-checking websites and tools to help them verify what they see online.
- Discuss Current Events: Encourage healthy discussions about current events and world issues in the classroom or home to help students build informed perspectives.
Data exploitation and manipulation
Social media companies collect vast amounts of data about their users. This data can be used for targeted advertising or manipulated to influence decisions, opinions, and behaviour. Youth may unknowingly be subjected to manipulative marketing, harmful behavioral nudges, or even political influence.
What you can do about it:
- Explain Data Privacy: Educate children about how companies and apps collect and use personal data, reinforcing the importance of privacy settings and data sharing consent.
- Encourage App Review: Teach children to read the privacy policies of apps and understand what kind of data they are sharing before installing.
- Limit Personal Sharing: Instill caution in children about sharing personal details like location, age, or school name online.
Sexting and revenge porn
Teens may share intimate images or videos through social media. If these are shared non-consensually, it can result in public humiliation and legal consequences. The emotional and reputational damage can be profound, with long-lasting psychological effects.
What you can do about it:
- Open Communication About Sexting: Have honest, age-appropriate conversations about the dangers of sexting and the permanence of digital content.
- Teach Consent and Respect: Reinforce the importance of respect and consent in online interactions, and that it’s never okay to share someone else’s private images.
- Legal Awareness: Educators should inform students of the legal consequences of sharing explicit images, and schools can have policies in place to address such incidents.
Radicalization and extremism
Some social media platforms can expose teenagers to radical ideologies, hate speech, or extremist groups who may attempt to recruit or indoctrinate vulnerable youth. This can lead to the adoption of extremist beliefs, social isolation, and participation in harmful or illegal activities.
What you can do about it:
- Foster Open Dialogue: Encourage discussions about political, religious, or ideological topics to allow children to form well-rounded views instead of seeking extreme opinions online.
- Monitor Online Communities: Be aware of what online communities children are involved in, and provide alternative resources if they are exposed to radical or extremist content.
- Encourage Diverse Perspectives: Promote understanding of different cultures, opinions, and worldviews to reduce the appeal of extreme or harmful ideologies.
By promoting education, fostering open communication, and setting clear boundaries, parents and educators can mitigate many of the risks posed by social media and create a safer, healthier environment for young people online. You wouldn’t send your kids out in the real world unprepared: do the same online.
