The impact of social media on young minds

Adison Moirangthem *

The rapid expansion of social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat in the 21st century has reshaped how young people communicate, learn, and form their identity. As of the latest data from Wikipedia, the top social media platforms by monthly active users (MAU) reflect the dominant role these networks play in global communication and interaction.

Leading the list is Facebook, with 3.07 billion MAUs, demonstrating its continued relevance despite growing competition. YouTube follows with 2.5 billion MAUs, highlighting the platform's importance in video consumption and content creation.

Instagram ranks third with 2 billion users, benefiting from its visual appeal and integration with Facebook’s ecosystem. TikTok, with 1.6 billion MAUs, has rapidly expanded its user base, driven by short-form video trends and cultural influence. Snapchat rounds out the top five with 850 million MAUs, maintaining a strong presence among younger demographics through ephemeral messa-ging and augmented reality features.

This data underscores the pivotal role these platforms play not only in entertainment but also in shaping social trends and influencing behaviors on a global scale. However, these platforms generate both positive and negative outcomes, influencing mental health, social skills, academic performance, and brain deve- lopment. In 2023, 95% of US teenagers reported using social media, with 35% saying they are online almost constantly (Pew Research).

This pervasive use underscores how deeply social media impacts adolescent behavior. While these platforms provide opportunities for education, creativity, and social connection, they also present risks that require intervention from parents, educators, and po-licy makers. This article explores the multifaceted effects of social media on young minds, backed by recent studies and expert sights, along with strategies for healthier engagement.

Social media provides access to valuable educational resources and learning opportunities. Platforms such as YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram offer tutorials, online courses, and academic discussions. For example, students can follow subject-specific hashtags or engage with educational influencers to explore diverse topics.

Research from Common Sense Media reveals that 40% of teenagers use YouTube to supplement their studies with tutorials in subjects such as mathematics and science. These platforms also encourage independent learning, enabling students to deepen their understanding outside the traditional classroom environment.

Social media allows adolescents to express them- selves and showcase their talents. Platforms like Tik-Tok, Instagram, and You- Tube empower users to create and share videos, art, and personal opinions. This fosters creativity and enables young people to explore their identities. Research shows that adoles- cents gain confidence through sharing their work and receiving feedback from peers and followers.

Such spaces not only nurture artistic expression but also provide adolescents with a sense of purpose and recognition, which can be essential during formative years. Adolescents rely on social media to maintain friendships, build new relationships, and join communities centered around shared interests. When face-to-face interactions are limited, online platforms offer avenues for connection and participation in social causes. These virtual communities can pro- vide support networks that help adolescents navigate anxiety, loneliness, or personal challenges by connecting them with others who share similar experiences.

While social media fosters connectivity, it can also contribute to mental health challenges. Multiple studies have identified a link between excessive social media use and higher rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem among adolescents. Social compa- rison—the tendency to measure oneself against idealized online portrayals —exacerbates these struggles.

A report by the US Surgeon General in 2023 found that the negative impact of social media is particularly severe among teenage girls, who often experience body image issues due to unattainable beauty standards.

Additionally, research from JAMA Psychiatry, a monthly peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Medical Association, shows that adolescents who spend more than three hours daily on social media are more likely to develop symptoms of anxiety and depression. The phenomenon of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) also contributes to emotional distress. Adolescents often feel compelled to stay connected constantly to avoid being left out of events or trends, resulting in heightened stress and emotional exhaustion.

Cyberbullying is a significant risk associated with social media. According to the Pew Research Center, 59% of US teenagers have experienced some form of online harassment. Unlike traditional bullying, cyber-bullying can persist beyond school hours, following victims into their private spaces and causing long-lasting psychological harm. Repeated exposure to negative comments or public shaming can lead to severe mental health issues, including suicidal ideation.

Academic Impact and Sleep Disruption

Social media’s impact on academic performance is another area of concern. Adolescents who frequently multitask between studying and scrolling through social media often experience reduced concentration and lower academic outcomes. Additionally, the National Sleep Foundation reports that 73% of teenagers use their phones before bed, disrupting their sleep cycles. Sleep deprivation impairs memory, focus, and cognitive performance, further hindering academic success.

Although social media connects people digitally, over reliance on virtual interactions can lead to social isolation. Adolescents may struggle to develop essential interpersonal skills, such as empathy and non-verbal communication, when most of their interactions occur online. The overuse of social media has been linked to difficulties in reading body language, maintaining eye contact, and engaging meaningfully in face-to-face conversations, which are crucial for building strong relationships.

Emerging research suggests that social media influences adolescent brain development. A longitudinal study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that frequent social media use increases adolescents’ sensitivity to social feedback.

This heightened sensitivity can promote compulsive checking behavior as users become dependent on social validation through likes and comments. While this responsiveness can help adolescents navigate social environments, it also makes them more susceptible to peer pressure and anxiety.

According to data after long term studies on adolescents, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill report adolescents’ habitual checking of social media is linked with subsequent changes in how their brains respond to the world around them. It highlights the extent of social media’s impact:

1) 78% of teens check their devices at least once every hour.
2) 35% of adolescents use at least one platform almost constantly.
3) Adolescents aged 12–13 who engage with social media more than 15 times daily show increased emotional sensitivity to peer feedback, potentially affecting their behavioral development.

Parents play an essential role in cultivating healthy social media habits. Tools like Apple’s Screen Time, Google’s Family Link, and Microsoft’s Family Safety enable parents to set screen time limits, monitor usage, and block inappropriate content.

These tools also help parents engage in meaningful conversations about responsible online behavior. Experts recommend a collaborative approach—where parents set boundaries with their children rather than imposing strict rules—to foster trust and long-term adherence to digital hygiene practices.

Governments must also implement safeguards to protect young users. The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), enacted in 2023, mandates the regulation of harmful content and misinformation on social media platforms. Some platforms, like Instagram, have introduced “Take a Break” reminders to reduce excessive use. Ensuring that algorithms prioritize user well-being over engagement metrics is essential to mitigating the addictive nature of these platforms.

The study conducted by the Center for Digital Thriving at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Indiana University, and Co- mmon Sense Media explores the multifaceted pressures experienced by American teenagers, with one in four adolescents reporting active struggles with burnout.

The findings reveal that many teens are not consistently engaging in healthy self-care practices, such as sufficient sleep, exercise, and time outdoors, further exacerbating their stress levels.

1) Future Planning – 56% of teens feel compelled to map out their future paths, including education, careers, and relationships.
2) Achievement – 53% report pressure to excel academically and professionally, striving for recognition in honors courses, grades, and part-time jobs.
3) Appearance – 51% feel the need to conform to societal beauty standards and trends.
4) Social Life – 44% are concerned about maintaining an active social presence through interactions and events.
5) Friendship – 41% struggle to stay responsive and available to friends, particularly through digital communication.
6) Activism – 32% experience pressure to remain informed about social issues or engage in activism to effect change.

Social media platforms, including TikTok, Insta-gram, and Snapchat, amplify these pressures, with nearly 80% of respondents stating that these platforms increase the pressure to present an idealized self-image. However, social media is also viewed as a relief mechanism, with 39-53% of teens reporting that it reduces specific pressures.

The report highlights disparities in the impact of pressures across demographic groups, with girls, nonbinary youth, and LGBTQ+ teens experiencing higher levels of stress than boys and cisgender, non-LGBTQ+ teens. Additionally, gaming emerges as a significant outlet, with nearly 80% of teens playing games socially, and one in four citing it as a coping mechanism for stress relief.

The study underscores the correlation between self-care practices and reduced burnout, noting that teens who engage in regular physical activity and sufficient sleep report lower stress levels. Alarmingly, a notable portion of teens neglect these practices; approximately 9% did not sleep for seven or more hours on any night in the previous week, and 13% did not engage in at least one hour of physical activity.

These findings call attention to the importance of supporting teens in balancing societal expectations with healthy routines, fostering resilience, and promoting mental well-being through family, educational, and community interventions.

Social media’s impact on the youth of Manipur manifests across mental health, academic performance, cultural values, and inter- personal relationships. Excessive use contributes to anxiety, depression, and body image issues, as adolescents are exposed to idealized lifestyles and experience cyberbullying. Such mental health challenges impair focus, disrupt sleep, and diminish academic performance, with students often distracted by notifications and social comparisons.

Additionally, over-reliance on virtual connections weakens face-to-face social skills and family interactions, contributing to superficial relationships. Cultural erosion is also evident, as global trends dilute traditional Manipuri values and reduce interest in indigenous art and literature.

Moreover, peer pressure on these platforms can promote risky behaviors, while exposure to misinformation and polarizing content disrupts social cohesion. Addressing these concerns requires fostering digital literacy, encouraging a healthy balance between online and offline activities, and promoting cultural awareness to mitigate these negative influences on youth well-being and development.

The impact of social media on young minds is complex, offering both opportunities and challenges. While it provides platforms for education, creativity, and social interaction, it also introduces risks to mental health, academic performance, and social skills. As research continues to reveal the long-term effects of social media, it becomes clear that promoting responsible use is essential.

Parents, educators, policymakers, and platforms must collaborate to create environments that prioritize adolescent well-being. With thoughtful intervention, young people can harness the benefits of social media while mitigating its negative consequences, ensuring they grow into healthy and resilient adults in an increasingly digital world.