Some teens are also cyberbullied online, causing them to feel self-conscious and isolated from society. Although social media has its downsides, there are definitely some benefits. For example, news and information can be easily shared and spread through blogs, videos, and other sources. In some cases, social media has helped keep teenagers out of danger, and protected them. Additionally, social media can help maintain relationships with people, who live far away or right around the corner. There are many ways to use social media, however these uses can be both advantageous and harmful.
Teenagers of the 21st century are becoming more connected with the digital side of the world, but some have become so attached to the screens of their devices that they seem unable to let go. The results of a survey conducted at Eastern Regional High School show that forty percent of the students surveyed check social media over twenty times a day. Additionally, CNN conducted a study to find out why some teenagers were checking their social media accounts nearly a hundred times a day. As a result, thirteen-year-olds and their social media accounts were analyzed by a group of experts. Robert Faris, who is a sociologist and worked on the …show more content…
Through this closely knit society online, news and information spreads rapidly like a wildfire. From updates about the latest break-up to breaking news about politics, social media is where it all begins. As soon as one person shares a post, many others immediately begin sharing that same post, and the process continues over and over again like a cycle. Many teenagers use this method to gain attention and publicity. For example, if someone is having a party at their house, then they will post an invite or update their status to alert everyone that they should attend the party. In addition, the host of the party may tell their close friends to do the same thing. Soon enough, nearly hundreds of people will have seen the post, regardless of their location or relation to the person who originally posted the item. In a shocking discovery, research has shown that social media has cut down teenage pregnancies and drinking rates to record lows. According to the statistics gathered from this study, teenagers are so entertained by the apps, games, and other entertainment on their phones, that they prefer to remain in the comfort of their home, rather than go to a party, where they could easily get drunk. Social media has also drawn people closer together. As Sharon Sobel, who is the librarian and media specialist at Eastern