Social media – Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, and the others – has been blamed for a series of issues lately.
It is said to cause addiction, depression, to move youngsters away from real life, and expose them to a series of risks, ranging from bullying to fake news and such.
While these are all true, there is no denying that social media also has positive effects on life, especially on that of teens, helping them grow to become better Facebook wives living happily with their Instagram husbands.
Here’s how.
Social media unites like-minded people
Joining thematic groups on Facebook and participating in Twitter streams presents their users with a constant stream of like-minded people.
Their updates and messages can not only motivate inspire the participants but also reduce their feeling of isolation.
This doesn’t work the same for adults and teenagers, though – studies have shown that, while the likes of Facebook and Twitter make adults feel lonelier, they have the opposite effect on teens.
When teens find their niche on social networks, one study shows, they become more extroverted, and their self-esteem can also grow.
Besides, they get the chance to improve their social skills, and not only online, but in real life too, making them better communicators overall.
Social media can strengthen friendships
Aside from our families, our friends are the most important people in our lives. And this is especially true for teens – friends are the people who they often confide in more than they do in their parents.
When their friendships are healthy, they feel more empowered and connected, not to mention that they feel accepted – and these are very important at their age. And social media can help these friendships be maintained.
A 2012 study conducted by Common Sense Media has shown that more than half of the teens interviewed consider that social media has improved their friendships, and only 4% found that it hurts them.
Besides, almost a third of all respondents believed that it has made them more outgoing and confident.
Social media helps teens express themselves
Last but not least, social media offers teens a voice, a medium through which they can express themselves. No matter if their passion is singing, writing, drawing or even game development, they can share their talents through a series of channels today.
And by finding a way to express themselves, teens improve their self-confidence, too, research has shown.
This can make them more pleased with themselves, boosting their overall happiness.
Besides, they can reach out to people with similar passions for guidance, encouragement, and (constructive) criticism