The Four Downfalls: Negative Effects of Social Media

Social media has quickly become an all-consuming part of adolescent’s lives. While it can seem like a fun, harmless place to share photos and interact with others, there is a growing concern of its impacts. New studies are highlighting the negative effects of social media associated with mental health, vulnerability, sleep, and suicide.

Negative Effects of Social Media

There are many ways in which social media can result in negative effects on adolescents including the following:
 

  • Time Management

 
Scrolling through social media for a few minutes can quickly turn into hours. Normal tasks for teenagers typically require some form of concentration such as homework. The constant disruption of social media is actually making attention issues worse and reducing learning and performance.
 

  • Sleep Disturbances

 
Statistics show that over half of adolescents scroll through their phones before going to sleep. As a result, these teens are averaging an hour less of sleep at night compared to their peers who are not getting on their phones before bed. It’s not simply the light from electronic devices that is making it difficult for teens to fall asleep, but also the stress and anxiety of the content on social media.
 

  • Decreased Self-esteem

 
It is so easy to live in a world of comparison on social media. This is especially true for teen girls who are constantly comparing themselves to other girls, models, or photoshopped images. This comparison can leave girls feeling less confident and negatively impact their self-esteem.
 

  • Social isolation

 
Interacting face-to-face is a lot different than interacting behind the screen. Recent studies have found a correlation between excessive social media use and perceived social isolation. Teens use social media believing it’s what connects them to others, when in fact it takes them out of the present moment and their life. This, in turn, makes them feel more isolated.

Identifying the Problem

No matter how it may seem, technology is not the problem. We are. The interactivity that draws adolescents in is what creates the addictive behaviors towards social media and produces negative effects. As a parent it is important that you identify when your teen is becoming too engulfed in their devices and address the problem immediately before more negative consequences occur.

Trails Carolina can help

Trails Carolina is a wilderness therapy program that helps teens ages 10-17 who are struggling with behavioral and emotional issues. This program uses adventure-based therapy to help students gain a new sense of self-awareness, confidence, and independence. The skills they learn throughout the wilderness program offer long-term benefits towards their ability to successfully self-navigate in the real world. By removing teens from their fast-paced environment into a safe, nurturing, and peaceful environment, they are able to focus on improving and reflecting upon their behavior. Trails Carolina gives students the tools they need to lead happy and healthy lives. We can help your family today!
Contact us at 800-975-7303
 

Avatar of Jeremy Whitworth

Jeremy Whitworth

As Executive Director at Trails Carolina, a leading wilderness therapy program for youth and teens, I oversee operations and collaborate with our leadership team. Since 2022, I've also hosted the Common Ground Podcast for parents: https://trailscarolina.com/common-ground-podcast/ With a background in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education, I've managed adventure-based therapeutic programs across the US and Canada. My experiences in competitive athletics and adventure sports have honed my leadership, risk assessment, and decision-making skills, which I apply to running a successful business like Trails Carolina.

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Trails saved my daughter’s life. Amanda is an amazing human and a brilliant therapist. I am so grateful to her, Science Steve, and the other wonderful people who could reach my daughter at a time when I could not.

Margot Lowman August 2022

Great life changing experience for our son. After becoming addicted to gaming during covid he was very depressed. At Trails he experienced the wilderness, Science Steve, learning survival skills and top notch therapy and support etc… I highly recommend! This gave our son and our family a renewed family bond full of love and excitement about his bright future.

Winnifred Wilson July 2022

 

Outstanding clinical work and superb staff! There’s a great culture at this company and it shows with how they engage with families/clients.

Kristin Brace June 2022

 

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