Recently, Australia has banned social media usage for children under 16. This includes Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. As a result, controversy has since erupted with tech firms, youth activists and teenagers from across the globe protesting against this ban.
When asked by NBC News, many European teenagers responded to the groundbreaking news. Some people went strongly against the ban, saying social media is a part of a teenager’s life, and that it’s a daily necessity. Others argued that it was necessary to prevent excessive online usage and the dangers of social media from reaching children.
This raised the question: What are the benefits and drawbacks of using social media as a teenager in this digital age?
When asked this question, Bridgewater-Raritan High School freshman Samir Rangwalla gave their take.
“I believe that some teenagers use social media excessively, but others use it in moderation. It is bad when used incorrectly, but can help if used the right way,” he said.
Additionally, when asked about what his life would look like without social media, he addressed what social media has done for him.
“Social media use, such as watching YouTube, helped me get ahead intellectually, and certainly made a difference,” he said.
Moreover, freshman Vrisaan Raina, who has over a 1000,000 YouTube subscribers as a content creator, provided some insightful comments.
“I feel access to social media is too easy for teenagers because of how constantly a majority of teens are misusing [social media]. I have worked and profited off social media as a monetized YouTuber. Revenue for all creators is dictated in a simple way—how to get a consumer most addicted to your content,” he said.
When asked about social media in general, Raina said it had positive effects, including creative growth and access to inclusive communities. However, it also came with numerous negative effects, such as imposter syndrome, fear of missing out and early exposure to mature content.
His response was similar to many other teenagers, in that social media certainly boasts a positive effect with its educational platforms and communication benefits. However, it also has a dark side, and if used incorrectly can negatively affect teenagers and their mental health.
According to the Pew Research Center, about four-in-ten teens (38%) say they have felt overwhelmed by the drama they see on social media, while roughly three-in-ten (31%) say it’s made them feel excluded by their friends.
Additionally, when using social media, teenagers have little to no control over their data privacy, which is contained by the companies. Nonetheless, only 20% of teenagers express extreme concern for this, while 44% of teenagers hold little to no concerns.
Overall, this ban raises important questions about how social media influences our lives. While it is a great tool for connecting, learning and entertainment, it also brings challenges like drama, privacy risks and added stress. So what do you think: Would you survive without it, or is it too much a part of daily life to give up?
