In our hyperconnected society, teenagers are constantly exposed to social media, for better or for worse. But do they really know how to avoid the harmful effects of this intensive use? A recent study provides surprising answers to this crucial question.
Increased Awareness Among Teenagers Regarding Social Media
Contrary to popular belief, teenagers have a keen awareness of the impacts of social media on their daily lives. An American study reveals that while negative online experiences are the main reason for their regulation, teenagers are also very vigilant about the repercussions on their schooling.
Young interviewees in the United States and Canada, conducted by Rutgers University – New Brunswick, show a surprising ability to manage their potential addiction to social media.
Voluntary Regulation Methods
Researchers explored different perspectives based on the age of the participants. They examined whether teenagers voluntarily stopped using social media apps, the methods employed to reduce their usage, and the motivations behind these choices.
Indeed, contrary to the “frictionless” environment that platforms seek to create to retain their attention, teenagers introduce small intentional friction. This includes actions like turning off notifications or limiting screen time.
Negative Effects on Mental and Physical Health
According to researcher Nikhila Natarajan, teenagers are increasingly aware of the negative effects of social media on their mental and physical health. Young people are attentive to the interconnected online and offline experiences that push them to think more deeply about the consequences of excessive social media use.
Measures Taken by Teenagers
The majority of teenagers surveyed say they use social media out of boredom or to pass the time. However, they take steps to reduce their usage. For example, Sonya, a 14-year-old, decided to ask her father to lock her phone after spending 18 hours on TikTok, highlighting a radical yet intentional method of regulating her screen time.
– Calling on parents to control smartphone use
– Using automatic reminders or calendars
– Stopping notifications during extracurricular activities
Keith, 16 years old, has blocked notifications on his phone during sports practices to avoid distractions.
Changes Inspired by Social Media
Against all odds, some teenagers are also changing their behavior after seeing trends on social media promoting a healthier lifestyle. These trends can encourage young people to reconsider their use of social platforms to improve their overall well-being.
Potential Impact on the Future
Much more mature than stereotypes suggest, teenagers already understand the impact of excessive social media use, especially on their studies. Fifteen-year-olds are aware that they risk not completing other tasks if they allow themselves to be absorbed by their favorite app. As for the 16-year-olds, they realize that their junior year grades are crucial for college admission, thus encouraging moderation in their online time.
Despite these personal efforts, the study highlights that social media companies still have a long way to go to better support teenagers. The work is far from over.
