social WiFi Science
In today’s digital world, social media is a huge part of young people’s lives. Apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube have become more than just tools for communication — they are platforms where teenagers learn, express themselves, and build relationships. As someone in this age group, I see both the good and the bad sides of social media every day. It’s entertaining, useful, and even educational. But it can also be overwhelming, distracting, and harmful if we’re not careful. In this essay, I’ll explore the major ways social media is affecting youth — both positively and negatively — and why balance is so important.
Let’s start with the positives. Social media helps young people stay connected, especially when we’re apart from friends or family. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, for example, I used WhatsApp to stay in touch with classmates and teachers. It was one of the few things that made school-from-home feel less lonely. Even now, it’s easy to reach out to people, work on group projects, or share school updates — all in real time.
Social media also helps with learning. YouTube has thousands of educational videos, and Instagram pages often post quick facts or language tips. I’ve personally followed pages that post motivational content and life lessons that textbooks don’t teach. It’s a kind of learning that feels natural and engaging. Students today are lucky to have such easy access to knowledge outside the classroom.
Creativity is another area where social media shines. Whether someone is into photography, dancing, singing, or writing — platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and even blogs give youth a way to share their talent. Many teens have even built careers as content creators. It’s inspiring to see someone your age succeed just by sharing what they love online.
But it’s not all positive. One of the biggest issues is how social media affects mental health. When we scroll through perfectly edited photos or videos of people living “perfect” lives, we start comparing ourselves. It’s easy to forget that much of what we see is filtered or staged. This comparison can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression — especially when we feel like we don’t measure up.
There’s also the problem of screen addiction. I’ve had days when I said I’d use my phone for “just 10 minutes” and suddenly an hour disappeared. This affects sleep, homework, and even time with family. Many of my classmates complain about losing focus or getting headaches after too much scrolling. It’s a habit that’s hard to break, but necessary to control.
Cyberbullying is another serious issue. The internet gives people the power to say anything — often without consequences. Hurtful messages, rude comments, or even rumors can spread quickly and deeply affect a person’s confidence. Sadly, many teens have faced emotional stress from being bullied online. The damage can be long-lasting.
Privacy is another big concern. Young people often share photos, personal information, or even their location without realizing how risky it is. Strangers, hackers, or fake profiles can misuse that data. It’s scary, and many don’t learn this lesson until something goes wrong.
Let’s not forget misinformation. Social media spreads news fast — but not all of it is true. Fake news, conspiracy theories, and harmful challenges (like the “Blue Whale” or dangerous TikTok trends) can influence young people to make bad decisions. Without proper digital awareness, it’s easy to fall for misleading posts.
So, what’s the solution? I believe we don’t need to quit social media — we just need to use it wisely. Setting screen time limits, unfollowing negative accounts.
By: Sumaiya Muntasir Shanta
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