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By Bosun Aiyedun
In today’s interconnected world, social media platforms have become an integral part of children’s lives, shaping their perceptions, behaviors, and interactions with the world around them. While social media offers numerous benefits, it also poses significant challenges and risks to children’s well-being and development. This article explores the multifaceted impact of social media on children, drawing on recent research and expert insights to provide a comprehensive understanding of this complex issue.
Divesting of Humanity and Anti-Social Behaviours:
According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health in 2021, prolonged exposure to social media can divest children of their humanity, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. The curated and filtered content on social media platforms can create a distorted sense of reality, fostering a culture of comparison and competition among children.
Furthermore, recent research from the Journal of Adolescent Health in 2020 suggests that social media encourages anti-social behaviours, such as disconnection and superficiality. Children are bombarded with fake, materialistic, and comparative content, which can lead to a prioritization of popularity and likes over genuine human connections.
Entitlement and Instant Gratification:
Recent studies, including one published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry in 2022, have highlighted the role of social media in promoting entitlement and instant gratification among children. The instantaneous nature of social media removes the process of connecting on a personal level, leading to impatience and a lack of resilience among children.
Moreover, according to research from the Journal of Developmental Psychology in 2021, social media fosters a culture of indulgence and instant gratification, eroding children’s ability to delay gratification and cope with adversity.
Erosion of Creativity and Resilience:
Recent findings from the Journal of Educational Psychology in 2021 suggest that social media can hinder children’s creativity and resilience. The constant exposure to curated content and instant entertainment deprives children of the opportunity to experience boredom and engage in creative pursuits.
Additionally, according to a study published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology in 2020, social media’s emphasis on perfection and instant validation can create a fear of failure among children, leading to a decline in resilience and coping skills.
Impact on Mental Health:
Recent research, including a study from the Journal of Abnormal Psychology in 2022, has highlighted the detrimental impact of social media on children’s mental health. The pressure to maintain a curated online persona, coupled with the prevalence of cyberbullying and online harassment, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among children.
Furthermore, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology in 2021, excessive social media use has been linked to poor sleep quality and decreased overall well-being among children.
Conclusion:
The impact of social media on children is complex and multifaceted, with both positive and negative implications. While social media offers unprecedented opportunities for communication, collaboration, and creativity, it also poses significant risks to children’s mental health, social development, and well-being. Understanding the various ways in which social media can influence children and implementing strategies to promote responsible digital citizenship, parents, educators, and policymakers can help children navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively.
Aiyedun, writes from Dublin and can be reached via [email protected]