Adolescence is a common time for
experimentation and exploration with new technologies. A 2017 report revealed
that 93% of teenagers use social media. Many parents are becoming concerned
about the addictive capabilities of these platforms and how they can negatively
influence their children's behavior. The issue of addiction to social media
needs to be taken more seriously and addressed comprehensively.
The first step in combating this
growing problem is to recognize the signs of addiction. These include
preoccupation with the platform, constantly checking it for new content,
excessive browsing, and spending large amounts of time on the platform each
day. Addicts may become irritable or moody if kept away from their device for
too long, or display a lack of interest in their lives outside of the platform.
Furthermore, social media addiction can cause significant problems in the
physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of adolescents.
The next step is to understand
the causes of social media addiction. The most common of these include a need
for acceptance and popularity, feeling of reward, and lack of parental
supervision. Teenagers are very impressionable and can rely on social media for
validation. This often leads to them becoming addicted to the platform because
of the positive feedback they receive. Additionally, many modern devices have
sophisticated systems of reward and penalty, and teenagers can become addicted
to achieving higher levels within the platform, or even to simply winning likes
and followers. Finally, many parents are not aware of the addictive
capabilities of these platforms, thereby creating an environment that allows
the addictive behavior to happen.
Finally, in order to address social media addiction in adolescents, parents and teachers must educate them about the dangers of these platforms. Parents should ensure that computers and phones are not used in bedrooms, limit the number of hours their teenagers spend on the platform, and actively monitor their screen time.
It is also
equally important for parents to emphasize the importance of social experiences
in real life, and to encourage their children to engage in other activities
such as sports, debates, etc. At the same time, teachers should teach media
literacy classes and support research and reflection by the students.
Overall, while social media platforms can be beneficial, they can also lead to addiction in adolescents if they are not used in a healthy manner. Parents and teachers must be aware of the warning signs and take appropriate preventive measures to ensure the safe use of these platforms. With more education and awareness, the issues of social media addiction can be addressed and controlled.
