The Social Media Epidemic

Did you know 87% of all teens as of 2022 have an iPhone[mfn] I don’t remember where I go this information from . . . but I thought it’d be more honestly [/mfn]? The average teenager spends seven hours and twenty-two minutes on their phones a day, the majority of this time is being spent on social media. Personally, I spend about 4 hours on average a day. Although phones can be useful resources, when they’re as overused as they are they start to have a negative impact on the user. 50% of Gen Z admits to using social media on the daily[mfn] you know you’re one of them, don’t lie [/mfn]. Studies have proven that consistent usage of social media; especially on this scale, can lead to anxiety, depression, sleep problems, social isolation, and more [mfn] This is common knowledge, personally I have anxiety and self-esteem issues, which I know gets triggered sometimes by social media usage, yet I still use it daily[/mfn]. No wonder 42% of Gen Z has been diagnosed with a mental health condition, depression and anxiety being the top two. You may want to keep this in mind the next time you get home from school or work and spend the next two hours of your life scrolling. I’ve seen many ads, about taking a break from social media, while scrolling but just ignore them. 

Did you know a whopping 88% of women admit to comparing themselves to the women they see on social media? Constantly comparing yourself to others has been proven to trigger self-doubt, self-esteem issues, and overall leads to the mental health issues I’ve mentioned above[mfn] Trust me I learned this lesson the hard way! (As mentioned above.) [/mfn]. Keep in mind HALF of our youth admits to using social media on the daily[mfn] I’m guilty of this [/mfn]. 

What used to be a fun activity to do with friends has turned into an epidemic. Not only is social media affecting the majority of women’s views on themselves, it’s setting unrealistic beauty standards, with our youth as the target. These “standards” have triggered a major change. Children are starting to dress and act older, twelve year olds aren’t playing at the playground anymore, instead, they are focusing on doing things to make people like them such as illegal substances, wearing makeup at young ages, dressing older, and social media trends[mfn] And example of this are TikTok dances, there are many that are provocative / have provocative language in the songs, yet children are singing along and dancing to them [/mfn]. I know this isn’t all of them, but it’s enough to make a noticeable difference. Children are starving themselves to look like the girls they see on the internet, yet no one is doing anything to change this. I remember while I was growing up I would look in the mirror and wonder why I didn’t look like the girls I’d see online. Today I wish someone had told me that they didn’t matter. With social media comes the filters and lies. It’s so easy for people to promote things online people do it all the time, when in reality they have never used the product before or its not what made them look the way they do[mfn] Their lips aren’t big because fo the product, it’s filler. They aren’t skinny because of that pill, it’s because of the gym, etc. [/mfn]

Cyberbullying is happening every day yet nothing is getting done until it’s too late. Did you know one-fifth of bullying occurs through social media? It’s one thing exposing ourselves to this toxicity but children are getting exposed to these things at such young ages, while their brains are still developing .I already know most people will not give up social media[mfn] Sadly (although I’m not sad) myself included[/mfn], which is understandable because the apps are highly addictive. Some good news is there are ways to make social media usage healthier. Please take these three pieces of advice going forward.

 1. While using social media you should always remember what you’re seeing isn’t real. The pictures are highly edited and posed, what may look like the perfect person or family has faults, just like the rest of us. The person in that diet commercial was a hired actor, meaning that they never even used what they’re promoting. They don’t know how these things will actually make you feel, they’re just in it for the money. 

2. Pay attention to how what you’re looking at makes you feel. If you’re looking at a post and it makes you feel bad about yourself it’s better to unfollow the account. Remind yourself you’re perfect just the way you are, rather than wishing you were someone else[mfn] You’re better off learning this sooner rather than later [/mfn]. Everyone is unique in their own way and it’s not worth downing yourself because you don’t look like someone else. Everyone has their insecurities, even if they’re good at hiding them[mfn]Even the Kardashians![/mfn]. 

3. Limit the amount of time you spend on social media daily. I know that when you’re scrolling it’s very easy to lose track of time, but it’s important that your whole life isn’t spent on social media. With the several hours average[mfn] . . . this makes me feel better about my four hours daily . . . [/mfn] spent on social media people can make plans with friends, start up a side hustle, work out, and more. Time is a virtue and how you spend it can affect you as a person drastically.

At the end of the day Social Media usage probably isn’t going to lessen anytime soon, I know I’m going to continue using it. I love being able to scroll through Facebook and see the memories I’ve made with family and friends, especially those I don’t get to see very often. I know everyone agrees that the feeling you get when someone likes or comments something nice on your post is addictive. Keeping all of these things in mind spending time with your friends and family as well as taking time for the things you love is important. So instead of staying on your phone go outside to take a walk, go do something with friends, go talk to your mom about her week, or just go do what you love doing! These things may not feel important but they are, you never know what you have until it’s gone. You’re more likely to regret not doing something more than doing it, so make time to do things and explore. It’s an important part of growing up. I’m graduating at the end of the year and if I could go back and have myself put my phone down, and enjoy things in the moment I would. But I can’t, so you should instead. 

Featured Image: “Instagram and other Social Media Apps” by Jason A. Howie is licensed under CC BY 2.0.