Abstract
This paper investigates the differences between online social media communities in children and adolescents when compared to the traditional face-to-face communities. Both avenues of communications are similar but different in many ways of enhancing the way children and adolescents relate to other people.
Introduction
The phenomena of Social Media erupted in the
Internet late in 2008, when Net Surfer‘s
joined social networks becoming, “joiners, spectators, and critics!”
[Kaplan & Haenlein 2009] January
2009, saw the inception of “Facebook,” beginning the erosion of
face-to-face interaction between family and friends. The advent of mobile
phones became widely accepted as the preferred source of communication amongst
young adults and teenagers. Face-to-face
communication became less important to users, as Social Media created immediate
access to friends at any time allowing users to stay abreast of friends’
activities and to post comments, good and bad, regardless of time or place. Since
the inception of online communication, It has been debated if these platforms
can be considered a “real community” when compared to the traditional
face-to-face meetings. [“Wellman & Gulia 1997.] Evidence comes from a 1998 survey of 39,211
visitors to the National Geographic Society Web site, that people’s interaction
online supplements their face-to-face and telephone communication without
increasing or decreasing it.” [Wellman, et,.al.] Children and adolescents have an attraction to
social media sites, such as Facebook can lead to arrested development and
mental health issued and open them to cyberbullying and identity theft.
Before the advent of the Internet, the tradition was to meet and, greet family and friends face-to-face. It is important to touch, smell and see the nuances of facial features, meaning a first impression could be made of people’s personality.
With online communication this first impression is not available making it difficult to assess the person you are communicating with.
Are they genuine in their identity, what has motivated them to friend you, for teenagers and young children it is extremely difficult to form any opinion due to their age! These age group in their naivety often fall victim to unscrupulous “friends” the incidences of grooming and bullying are highly published.
Teenagers search online for relationships, friendship, acceptance, and social support. Facebook is the largest, most popular source of online connections, with teenagers and young children the most vulnerable. There are many debates relating to “virtual social media transcending time and space sui generis,” contact between people in a face-to-face still much used with family and friends who live locally [Wellman & Gulia.] Whatever the overall reasoning for using either method, the reasoning is the same, to make contact with another person. On a social networking site, using Facebook as an example, personal data is protected by a password and antivirus programs to keep information safe. Unfortunately criminals have developed a format for “hacking” into data to use in criminal activities. When personal data on the home device is not protected by security an individual’s photographs and personal information can be copied and used in nefarious activities. In a face-to-face situation, it is less likely to fall prey to the theft of a personal identity thereby eliminating personal anxiety. In 2019, this once safety net is crumbling, as current media reported personal data is no longer safe from criminal elements. Personal privacy of identities is being exploited leaving users virtually powerless to maintain personal records.
Teenagers are an easy target for online trolls as they lack the psychological aspects of awareness when accepting a connection. There is no realisation of the inherent dangers that social media platforms have and how easily peer-pressure may affect them. They might have low self-esteem or other issues, and connect in the hope they will be appreciated by new friends, increasing self-worth.
Their reasoning is the same whether using Facebook or face-to-face with durability and consistency within each connection being transient [Jones 1997.] The creation of virtual online communities, such as: “Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and LinkedIn,” are defined as online communities! The article “How Using Social Media Affects Teenagers,” advises: “Experts say kids are growing up with more anxiety and less self-esteem,” with teenagers striving to gain a following of friends, the higher the number the more kudos the user feels important [Ehmke n.d.] Children under three years, have little comprehension of social media exposure, studies have found it is beneficial for them to watch television at this age. Since mobile phones became affordable, parents are allowing children screen time to play games, or watch a favourite video. This encourages creativity, develops social and communication skills and encourages problem-solving. It is especially beneficial when the parent is teaching children the etiquette of quality screen time [Raising Children 2019.] In some incident for many different reasons parents use online digital media as a babysitter with children by using online games or videos. This causes tantrums, extreme anxiety, and angry behaviour when the parent takes the device away. Indications show this can create an early intrusion to the child’s psychology and physical behaviour. A clear psychological indication in children of predictive behaviour to online activities in their future. “Children spend the most screen hours online per day, leading to deficiencies in their natural curiosity, self-control, and emotional stability.” [Schurgin O’Keeffe & Clarke-Pearson, 2011.] It’s a common occurrence to see a group of teenager’s texting on their phones while blindly walking along the street and not talking face-to-face with each other. Studies have indicated an increase in anxiety or depression in the high users of screen times versus low users. The outcome of this study showed neither group’s well-being is decreased. [Twenge & Campbell, 2018.]
Parents are finding children and teenagers are reluctant to give up screen time for recreation in the outdoors, playing outdoors sports or generally enjoying the carefree atmosphere of the sun, wind, and fresh air. They would prefer to continue online screen time plaining video games or watching their preferred websites.
A journal on “Exercising Self-Control,” focuses on competition between two opposing forces in adolescents. Indicating the “motivational force (impulse strength), versus children and teenagers capacity to control their impulses (self-control strength.)” [Schmeichel & Crowell’s 2016.]
A lack of motivation to leave the screen and try other types of recreation is associated with the age of the child, and the amount of time they spend online. The younger the users the less likely they would be to understand the concept of self-control. Parents have a responsibility to teach the younger child how to control themselves. A teenager aware of their self-control, refuse to reduce their amount of screen time, in the endless and constant posting of comments to friends or unknown social contact. Teenagers often make poor decisions under pressure, stress or are seeking attention. Parents believe teenagers know right from wrong! The frontal cortex of their brain controls the impact of emotional arousal “hot” and “cold” situations. A hot arousal felt by the teenager invokes the possibility of a teenager taking risky or sensational-seeking behaviours without taking into account the consequences. While a cold situation made in “low emotional arousal” enable the teenager to make “well-reasoned and rational decisions.” [“A parent’s guide to why teens make bad decisions, 2019.] This is not to say it only happens in an online private space, to a lesser degree many teenagers in the public space have the same difficulties.
To better understand Social Media isolation we need to explore social networking popularity held by teenagers today. Facebook is social media’s largest website, followed closely by Twitter, Instagram and various gaming sites. YouTube offers a plethora of entertaining video clips, with cat videos being highly viewed. Blogging developed in the virtual world; such as: The Huffington Post, Boing Boing and Techcrunch. All offer exciting entertainment and communication to tantalise our teenagers of today. [Schurgin O’Keeffe & Clarke-Pearson, 2011.] In a clinical report published by the “American Academy of Paediatrics’, investigation into the impact of social media on children, teenagers, and families,” describes online screen time usage by children and teenagers can improve their communication, social connection and enhance motor skills.”
In 1996, mobile phones became available and affordable to the public; many parents provided young children and teenagers with a personal mobile phone to ensure they could contact their child and to enable a critic their online activities. [Lenhart 2009.]
Texting is the most common form of communication used online today. Platforms, such as; Messenger, What’s App and Snapchat gives quicker response to comments immediately rather than making a phone call or emailing the recipient. Texting is the new online language today, and participation in this activity continues the user’s emotional development and social skills which are continually happening. Children and teenager’s own self-regulation are limited at this age, leaving them vulnerable to being pressured into situations which they cannot understand.
They will be exposed to peer pressure, cyber-bullied by hate texting, being alienated and isolated by supposed friends. These situations often become volatile when nasty texting and disagreements happen between two or more friends. Cyberbullying is prevalent in social media, where the chosen victim has been selected without any apparent reason, and are intimidated relentlessly by nasty texts. The victim’s psychological health will deteriorate because of this experience leading to isolation, loneliness, and low self-esteem, often ending as self-hatred. In some cases, the constant bullying can lead to depression and the risk of suicide is increased because by the abuse. Although not all victim takes this last drastic step, many have sought re-assurance and counselling to work through their mental issues. [Harris Hyun, 2017.]
Social Media cannot be responsible for the psychological, and mental health issues, Facebook limits the age for user to thirteen or older. Research conducted by the “Kaiser Family Foundation,” in 2010, revealed 11–18 year-olds average eleven hours online daily are spent to follow their friends. It is typical for this age group to begin their day checking overnight messages before breakfast and again at night before sleeping. In this example, social media trumps the face-to-face space! Users are craving gratification, acceptance and self-worth from their online peers. Social media invitations notifications are sent to fun parties, with Facebook user relaying good news to friends, inducing them to “Like” all comments. An important aspect for online users, is the more visitors who like your page, the bigger kudos users receive.
The number of friends on the page is essential, most of whom the user will never meet, gives a feeling of gratification and euphoria with the number of friends they have accumulated. [Spies Shapiro & Margolin, 2019.]
For teenagers who are naturally shy and maybe introverted, social media offers a format they can use without being traumatised by meeting face-to-face meeting. A shy person can create a self-identity, and self-worth in the safety of their home to voice their views and be part of the Facebook community. [Sheldon, 2012.] The online community offers a safety aspect for the shy person without anxiety, when public space causes psychological issues in meeting face-to-face.
Conclusion:
The inception of electronic communication in the 1990s and 2000s on the Internet and Web provided new virtual space to connect instantly to acquaintances using online platforms and texting with a mobile phone. Thus changing people’s conception of “keeping in touch” by face-to-face space and contact by letters, phone, and get-togethers. While websites, such as, Facebook overran the traditional methods of communication with friends at the touch of a button, there was no significant change to people who continued to use the conventional method of face-to-face for many different reasons. In 2019, virtual online space and traditional face-to-face space have been merged by users as real communities. Mobile phone footage of an event in face-to-face space can now be downloaded on to the newer virtual space, making breaking news immediately available to the population.
An example of this was the recent shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand when the shooter streamed his ill intent from a face-to-face live as it was happened. Live streaming from mobile phones in a face-to-face space posted to Facebook and other platforms are inherently useful for many reasons. It’s not a symbiotic relationship, per say, as each space stands alone with the ability to complement communications of the world’s population faster than ever before. Both the virtual space and face-to-face space have their own positive and negative comparability.
The population usage of each gives the assumption both be considered as “real communities.”
Each with much the same issues within the confines of mental health issues, isolation, loneliness and low self-esteem in young children and teenagers of today who are looking for acceptance from their peers.
References
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Hi Robin, I enjoyed reading your paper particularly as you presented both sides of the argument into the effects of social networking on teens. In saying this I would have to agree with your overall point that social media generates more social anxiety and depression than it promotes inclusiveness, despite being the primary means by which teens communicate with one another.
There is always a performance of self going on that is closely scrutinised by peers which adds to anxiety. I thought it was an interesting point, though not one that I agreed with, that social media is good for shy people who don’t like being in public spaces – because for a shy person, social media magnifies the fear of the unknown.
I think we still have a lot to learn about the effects of social media on our mental health and how we can take better care of our relationships while continuing to use it as a communications medium. Social media should complement our real world relationships, not be central to them.
Great essay with some very thought-provoking content.
Thanks Jacqueline for your comments, having second thoughts about “shy people and social media magnification of the fear of the unknown.” I do agree with you in hindsight, if they are shy in face-to-face meetings then social media would seem frightening as they would not respond to the contact as they would in face-to-face which does have some safety attached.
As an introverted person I have to say I agree with your initial comment about social media being useful for shy people. I like the security and anonymity whilst being able to participate in a community.
Hi Robin, Thanks for your insight into this social media phenomenon and the impact it has on the kids of today. A couple of questions for you to consider. The whole digital revolution seemed to sweep in overnight and is continually evolving every year as people get more connected.
1. Do you think that our schools are proactive enough to meet these challenges head on? Or are we all dealing with the whole thing on the fly? Are there enough resources for the teachers to be able to handle and deal with online bullying issues?
2. Are the sporting organisations that our kids play with outside school equipped with how to deal with the scrutiny of social media platforms?
I understand that there are many negative impacts that social media can play with this generation, but sometimes I think we use the negative implications as an excuse to blame social media for everything that is going wrong with our kids. Maybe, it is just bad parenting? Maybe this is a generalisation, but like anything, its all about open communication with our kids and being upfront with the issues that relate to online bullying and trolling and . all things social media.
On the other hand, I see it as being a great thing as well as long as we can manage how our kids use it. One of the advantages that I see also is that social media enables people to have the opportunity to be connected with a world of people that we would not have been able to connect with if it wasn’t for things like Facebook and Twitter and even messaging apps like WhatsApp.
What is certain is that as a society we need to learn and be involved with our kids so we can understand what kids are faced with. Thanks for your thoughts again. I hope I can provide some extra discussion for you also.
Cheers,
Luki
Hello Luki
I think you are right about the digital revolution sweeping in overnight, its only sixteen years since Web2.0 became available to the public. I believe it has overwhelmed many parents and teachers whose primary objective is the welfare, safety and education of children under their care. Whether it be parent or teachers, I have a daughter who teaches Grade 4 children in a private school and she has a big problem with the children bringing their phones into class. The rules are that the phones stays in their bag all day, but she has no control or punishment to make this happen. Bullying is extremely difficult to deal with in school as the children know the teacher can’t do anything to them other than a suspension from school. Teachers aren’t respected today as a figure of authority, I personally believe parents don’t have enough time with their children due to both parent working. In my paper I concentrated on social media due to the low word count,I have read where young children using social media at around the age of two are often further advanced in socialising with other children than children who have not used social media. I am quite passionate about this subject and appreciate the further information you have supplied as I will after this unit write an essay on the subject encompassing more information. You are correct when saying society needs to become more aware of what today’s kids are dealing with. Thanks Robin
Hi Robin,
I often think about what my life would have been like growing up in the 80’s if phones were around back then. Maybe I also would have been indoors more often as well? It was a life when my mother didn’t work either so this would have changed the parameters again. I was pretty social back then so I would imagine I too would be protective of my phone and be always connected to it. It was a much simpler world back then. I think maybe its time we put it in the curriculum at a school level as young as possible. After all, that’s what we are studying currently as adults right?
Hello Robin. As a millennial, I’ve grown to be almost completely dependant on social media, and I’m grateful for its presence in my life. As a parent though, it terrifies me, for many of the reasons you’ve identified. My children (9 and 6) both have iPads and use them to communicate with their school fiends through iMessage and FaceTime, although they are not currently connected to any form of social network. Thinking about Luki’s question about schools, I would say that – in my family’s case – our school is very proactive. The students are given devices from the earliest grades, and taught to communicate with students and staff online, while also learning the importance of internet safety. In this respect, I think these students are learning valuable skills on how online communication should take place, which they will (hopefully) be able to transfer into real-life skills when they eventually make their way to Facebook and Instagram. Ultimately, we know that social media isn’t going away, and as a society we have a responsibility to the younger generation to ensure that the tools are in place to help them navigate these sites safely. I am – often times against the grain – a believer in the argument that children should be exposed to online environments early on in a safe way, such as in the classroom. It is, after all, far better to be educated about the risks than thrown in the deep end when they’re old enough to create their own accounts.
Hello Tracey
A lot of the research I looked at on this topic states the benefits of starting children from two years does help their communication skills immensely. Usually starting with childrens games and/or videos such as “Pepper Pig” as great learning aides. This is especially beneficial if a parent is a major participant in the experience. I’m a grandmother of four kids: 21 and 17 years old who have had access to Facebook and the like, in fact, my 21 year old at 15 took her phone into class and when it rang she answered it then and there. Subsequently the phone was taken by the teacher until home time. The other two aged 5 and 10 are on limited time with the internet and strictly supervised by their parents. What I have seen is the oldest who have accessed the social media pages from an earlier age have grown up learning the importance and pitfall of the internet. With the younger two without any mobile devices now have the excitement of getting a treat, I believe in the long run this will affect the way they come to understand and use the internet in their teenaged years. Social Media is here to stay and is a very good communication tool and I agree adults must educate children to be prepared for all risks associated with social media.
Thanks Robin
I agree, the way we set them up in their developing years will impact greatly on how they come to view the online world when they’re older. I’m glad the research is starting to support my own parenting theories now! One less thing I’m doing wrong!
Hi Tracey
I don’t think you are doing anything wrong. Bringing up children can be the hardest job in the world and being a grandmother myself, I know why there is no “How to be a Parent!” taught in schools. You have the right idea on working with your children on social media.
Kind Regards
Robin
Hi Robin
Interesting paper with some great points made – both for and against.
Like Tracey, I am also a millennial and entered my teenage years with social media being normal practice. The phenomenon continues to grow with more and more users signings up for it and being built more and more into our daily regimes. For example, in my workplace, communication through facebook groups with internal and external stakeholders has become normal given the efficiency of communication it can provide and us expecting more and more things to be provided immediately. I for one find these to be extremely beneficial as it means I can access and provide information very quickly without it being a lengthy tasks that in turn means I can produce more work in the hours. Do you think in terms of teenage use of the platforms, it could be a matter of teaching responsible use in terms of privacy, the need for social skills to build meaningful relationships, communication skills for the workplace etc?
Hi Krystal
I can see the benefits of using Facebook groups in a workplace, in fact, its a great idea as the response time would be quicker than plowing through all the emails received in a day. I thinks also the workforce would definitely benefit from this communication which could lead to satisfying and lasting relationships amongst workmates. I no talking romance, rather a working friendship and support in the workplace especially when it becomes really busy. There is already a dedicated group able to pitch-in and get the work done on time. You have given me another avenue to research from a different angle.
Hello Krystal
I’m a grandmother who is quite envious of millennials as there was no social media in my younger days of working, emails were quite unique when the value of the almost instant receipt and reply become the “thing” in the office. Because it was a novelty emails were being send to anyone and everyone for the whole day and it became very chaotic and time consuming. Facebook in the workplace is a great communicator in the workplace.
Not only teenagers but all users need to take their privacy very seriously, I have retired from work now, but when canvassing applicants for job interviews we always check to see if they had a Facebook account. From this we could form an opinion of the person before we had met them and there were many discounted because of a comment or image that was consider inappropriate for the job they applied for. For instance, my granddaughter aged 17 at the time changed her status on Facebook to “married” and only change it back to single when I explained to her if the interviewer saw this on her Facebook account, they may discount her because she was married. Their reasoning could be a simple as “she may become pregnant” and not be able to continue her contract. Some private information should be kept for a face-to-face meeting after a few month communication with someone on social media.
I believe in social media as an excellent format to be able to form relationship (work wise or romantically), keeping in mind not everyone needs to know your private business especially within the workplace. I unfortunately in my job for a big company inadvertently responded to joke email from another male employee and click the button for “send to all” with a rude comment to him. Yes, you guessed it everyone in the whole office received a copy including the CEO. I didn’t get into any major trouble over this error, but had to put up with the ridicule for near on a month.
Hi Robin
I 100% agree that we do need to maintain some privacy on platforms and not “air dirty laundry”.
With respect to your comments on what type of information we present in our profiles, I touch on some of these points in my paper if you are interested: https://networkconference.netstudies.org/2019Open/2019/04/24/impression-management-and-self-presentation-techniques-allow-profile-owners-to-present-a-professional-identity-on-linkedin-improving-the-perception-of-their-professional-character/
Hi Robin,
As a parent, this is something that I have always been cornered with because I know that social media has impacted my own mental health in terms of anxiety. I am currently on a Facebook hiatus because of how it makes me feel socially. My daughter also has issues with anxiety but because it was apparent prior to her having any kind of account we were able to have very frank discussions about it. She doesn’t use Facebook at all (apparently that’s for old people according to her friends!) and most use is Instagram. Fortunately, her age helps as she was quite late to the party and I enforced strict rules around access until she was 14, but 14 doesn’t make you less susceptible to feelings of comparison and inclusivity.
“A shy person can create a self-identity, and self-worth in the safety of their home to voice their views and be part of the Facebook community. [Sheldon, 2012.]” I enjoyed this take in your paper. My daughter is also an introvert that doesn’t feel comfortable with new people, sometimes people that she has always known, but Instagram helps her maintain connection with her peers from her home environment which she prefers.
Thanks for a thought-provoking paper.
Cheers
MJ
Hello Mary
Thank you for your reply to my paper, mental health is a big issue for me as I suffer with depression in the past when I was much younger and there was no social media. Writing and researching this paper has completely changed my mind on social media and although there are problems, such as, cyber-bulling, harassment and nastiness, I now believe social media definitely has an advantage in communications.
It is extremely difficult for introverted personalities in a face-to-face environment, my ten-year-old grandson is introverted even in a family situation. At the moment his parents only allow him two hours a week on social media and he is quite happy to communicate with people in what he considers a “safe place.”
Hi Robyn
It’s funny – although I sometimes struggle with aspects of social media because I know it can inflame my personal issues, your statement about your grandson just reminded me of the Hygge social media pages I belong to that really give me a sense of peace and belonging. It really is down to self-management. Or perhaps I need someone to enforce a two-hour rule 😉
Cheers
MJ
Hi Mary
I actually disagree with my son not allowing my grandson more social media time, his is ten and with responsible parenting on social media he will be able to talk with his school friends about what they had played or watched. It’s important for him to have a sense of belonging to the rest of the children at school. Only time will tell I guess.
Hi Robin,
Very good paper, one that explores both ends of the the debate in truly informed ways.
As someone who is just outside the millennial age group, being born in 1997, it is quite interesting as I experienced social media from the beginning and new nothing else but social media. It is interesting yet concerning to see social media become such a growing part of not only personal lives but also workplaces. Although it adds a level of ease in many situations it is undoubtedly having a negative impact on many things. But it is also interesting to wonder if this will ever change? As many people are beginning to acknowledge the negative impacts of social media, I am curious to see if this acknowledgment will shift the ways in which social media is utilised and the impacts it has on individuals and their mental state.
Hi Tafadzwa
Thank you for your comments, I believe social media is at a stage where people and developers are beginning to realise the pitfall of some social media apps and hopefully are working toward including safety issues in new media as it is developed. Social media as we know it now is really only 16 years old, not really a long time and now the hype is over from the early days, I think many people are coming to terms with keeping their privacy and identities as much as possible away from criminal elements. While mental health is a major issue today there are many reasons for it and as social media becomes more intuitive of the health aspects, I’m sure this will be address and controlled in time.
Hi Robin thank you for providing such a comprehensive account of the more negative and damaging sides of social media on the mental health of children and teenagers.
We seem to all be of varying ages and experienced social media from different occasions in our lives. I did not grow up with it, being a Gen X’er myself although believe me there were at the time other things that we found to be anxious or depressed about. However, now being someone who is uses social a fair amount I really can sympathise with how it can have a detrimental affect on our children from making them feeling unworthy, unimportant or not good enough to the hatred of cyberbullying and the devastating affects that has on youth.
However like Luki I believe that there are positives that we need to look towards, this is focusing on making sure our laws and governments are taking a stand on this and increasing the penalties for cyberbullying in particular and I believe this is now happening. As well as support for victims of crime and investment in preventative action. Which leads on to proper education within school, parents and the kids themselves.
I discovered this site https://www.esafety.gov.au that I imagine is being used already by schools and parents.
My son is four and we are very much aware of the power of screen time and it’s not a great sight sometimes when the iPad needs to go away. However, I also think that some of the games he plays are a great education tool and good for his motor skills. Frankly they are growing up in a world of coding and online technologies that are based around virtual and AI and much of these early understanding, delivered and monitored in the right way can also help with further education down the years to come.
We also need as Tracey mentioned, to maybe look at this as not the enemy but treat it as something to embrace and discover from a young age, normalise but educate concurrently. I had a look to see if there were any sites or blogs discussing the positive aspects of social media on youth and found a couple that were at least looking to focus on how we can help teens etc. make the most of what they find online, whether that is social or on websites and other forums. I found this blog which I wouldn’t say is full proof but is helping to support parents and teens with some further guidance
https://www.familyorbit.com/blog/.
I’m sure there are many more as well online, I know that in our family it will be conversations that I have early on with my son and I expect that the school I send him also has a program for teaching online awareness.
Hello Stephanie
You are correct when you say those of us who didn’t grow up with social media certainly had a lot things to be anxious about. I can remember being bullied at school and was involved in an incident which was horrible. Social Media is definitely here to stay and as the initial hype over the last sixteen years starts to settle down it will become more structured and as you say, the government must become more involved to curb the cyberbullying, trolling and identity theft. I would like to see also that developers of new social media platforms are required to stick to a code of practice to eliminate these unscrupulous people being able to get away with these ideas.
After my research I do advocate time on social media for young children as you indicated it is a learning tool and that is confirmed in my research. Who knows what social media will be like in the next five years and our children need to be up-to-speed with it to be employed and safe using it. I have two male grandchildren 5 & 10 who are limited to no TV or social media anything until the weekend then they are allowed 2 hours of TV and an hour on social media over two days. I worry they will fall behind through not learning the in’s and out’s of social media. The way you are teaching your little boy will be a huge benefit in time to come. He will probably end up teaching you the new stuff. Kind Regards Robin
Hey Robin!
I was surprised too see some similarities between your paper and mine in exposing the addictive qualities of social media.
In my paper I wrote;
“Researchers found that the way a person’s brain reacted while scrolling through their Facebook feed was similar to the affects one would expect to see in people with gambling addiction or someone who had recently taken a dose of cocaine (Turel, He, Xue, Xiao & Bechara, 2014). In reference to this study, Dr. Tarah Emrani, a psychologist a NYU Logane Health said that Facebook likes and comments activate the same parts of the brain that opioids effect. Each positive comment or like activates a person’s neurological reward system and releases dopamine, a chemical responsible for pleasure seeking. People experience this chemical typically when they eat food they enjoy, engage in sex or use other substances , including cocaine (Ciaccia, 2019). This pleasure-seeking, social validation feedback loop users experience while interacting with Facebook has led to individuals seeking out those who share common interests and has inadvertently created a system where people will shield themselves from those who disagree (Del Vicario, Bessi & Zollo, 2016).”
– (https://networkconference.netstudies.org/2019Open/2019/04/22/online-communities-echo-chambers-and-the-anti-vaccine-movement/)
I was wondering what your thoughts were on this? It can be shown that social media effects the same way that Coaine or gambling does. Do social media giants have a responsibility to try and protect children from this?
Maybe release a kid version of each app that enforces time limits and disables itself when that limit is reached.
Hi David,
I found your comment about Facebook … le[ading] to individuals seeking out those who share common interests and has inadvertently created a system where people will shield themselves from those who disagree interesting, in that, isn’t that what we all do in our everyday lives?
We join groups and clubs, attend functions, socialize with like minded people and all the while we try minimize our exposure to those people we may find disagreeable.
I do not believe that social media has created our desire to interact with or avoid people; it has simply provided a different space for us to do these things in. We all have people in our lives we want to avoid, which we will do with varying levels of success and we may like to think that by using social media sites we can avoid them completely. However, the reality is that social media comes with its own politics and set of rules that we need to learn and adhere to.
While acknowledging the limitations of their study, Yee, Bailenson, Urbanek, Chang, & Merget, (2007) determined that “findings support our hypothesis that our social interactions in online virtual environments, such as Second Life, are governed by the same social norms as social interactions in the physical world.”
The world of social media is a very different place, but it is so very much the same.
Vivian
Yee, N., Bailenson, J. N., Urbanek, M., Chang, F., & Merget, D., (2007). The unbearable likeness of being digital: The persistence of nonverbal social norms in online virtual environments. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 10(1), pp.115-121. doi:10.1089/cpb.2006.9984
David
I have just read your paper referring to dopamine that gives a euphoric boost to the brain and this is definitely apparent with social media, for instance: I am an avid online shopper with Kogan and whenever an advertisement arises I can’t resist the temptation to buy a product from them especially is it has Free Delivery.
When it comes to children, the younger they are the more likely their parents will be scrutinising what they see on social media. I am more worried with the groups from 10 to 16, this is the age where peer pressure begins and parent aren’t always made aware of cyber-bulling, harassment through social media of their child. I stated in my answer to your paper these social media giants do have a responsibility to protect children from all forms of abuse. Children need to be protected from this behaviour and your idea of a kid version of each app would be a great place to start. Especially on a time limit this could be tailored to the age group and I’m sure this will help parents immensely taking away the tantrums that often happen now when the device is taken away. A time limited app with a countdown to turn it off would be a great benefit as a teaching tool.
Hey Robin,
Thanks for the reply. I had a bit of an online shopping addiction at one point myself, haha.
I don’t have any children yet but I know a number of people who do and they all share the same fears when it comes to social media and especially now that kids are using it younger and younger.
I think a child version of each app would be a great start. But my biggest concern is whether long term exposure to screens has any negative neurological effects on children while their brains are still developing.
Hi David
That’s an interest point, I haven’t seen any research of this yet? Some of the research I did read indicated social media is a good learning tool and children from the age of two benefit the most. I believe some children will suffer with addition similar to smoking or drugs and we know both of these are very unhealthy for the brain. If parents are aware of too much screen time I would hope they manage it to a reasonable amount per week. It is important for children to feel they are the same with other children and not left out by not being allowed social media time at all.
Hi Robin,
You quote an interesting point: “Children spend the most screen hours online per day, leading to deficiencies in their natural curiosity, self-control, and emotional stability.” Do you know how Schurgin O’Keeffe & Clarke-Pearson arrived at this conclusion? I wonder how many parents and teachers out there have observed this to be the case in their children’s situation?
“Parents are finding children and teenagers are reluctant to give up screen time for recreation in the outdoors, playing outdoors sports or generally enjoying the carefree atmosphere of the sun, wind, and fresh air. They would prefer to continue online screen time plaining video games or watching their preferred websites.” Did you arrive at this point from a specific research article, or is this your own observation? What do you think the reasons are behind children and teenagers preferring screen time over outdoor time? Do you think the lack of outdoor activities for children and teenagers in certain areas/communities play a part?
Hi Lana
I looked into Schurgin O’Keefe and Clark Pearson regarding stats for screen time and looked into their reference list. The information they have written and I have paraphrased comes from the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project. I read through Pew’s website and the only mention of research on screen time is a telephone poll they conducted. This is what is on Pew’s site about time on social media:
During the last 5 years, the number of preadolescents and adolescents using such sites has increased dramatically. According to a recent poll, 22% of teenagers log on to their favorite social media site more than 10 times a day, and more than half of adolescents log on to a social media site more than once a day.2 Seventy-five percent of teenagers now own cell phones, and 25% use them for social media, 54% use them for texting, and 24% use them for instant messaging.3 Thus, a large part of this generation’s social and emotional development is occurring while on the Internet and on cell phones. As to the reluctance to give up screen time, it is part research and personal knowledge I observed when my two older grandkids were teenagers. The eldest at 15 could watch TV, Snapchat or Facebook with her friends, play a game on her mobile phone all at the same time and still fight with her brother. Unbelievable at 17 she had a major car accident broke her back in two places and had to be cut out of the car and she scream at the rescues “Where is my phone!” Then in hospital she was taking selfies of herself, I still can’t get over this. Talk about addition! As to my take on children preferring screen time rather than outdoors, I believe they become addicted not to the screen but to a constant need to keep in touch with all their friends around the age of 13 – 17, this is just my own opinion. Many parent ensure their children play an outdoor sport or a different activity, but we still see the provable phone being used rather than look at the scenery or the activities taking place. If they are in an isolated area where internet is difficult, perhaps it would be easier to get them outdoor as they can stare at a blank screen for too long. I have two younger grandkids 5 – 10, whose parents are very strict and there is no TV or screen time on social media for either until the weekend and then only one hour a day each for TV and no social media for the 5 year-old and two hours on the iPad for the 10 year-old. They have a playground in their backyard and spend a lot of time playing there with friends. I feel this is a bit to harsh as they are missing out on so much learning on the good and evil parts of social media.
Hi Robin,
Thanks so much for sharing your personal experience on this topic. I’m so sorry to read that your granddaughter had a terrible car accident! I hope that she has recovered well since. It’s so interesting you say she asked the rescuers for her phone and posted selfies while she was in hospital. I wonder what her main motivations were (there’s absolutely no need for you to share this personal information, I’m just thinking out loud). I’m not much of an SNS user, but I’ve seen quite a few social media posts with people posting selfies from their hospital beds, so it’s an interesting discussion point. I agree with your point – “I believe they become addicted not to the screen but to a constant need to keep in touch with all their friends”. Of course young people use screen time for other things like playing games and watching films too, but I agree that one of the main reasons they stay glued to their screens is to keep in touch with all their friends. And I guess compared to the typically smaller group of ‘offline’ friends, ‘online’ friends can be in the hundreds or even thousands. With all those friends to manage, their regular status updates, and seemingly endless newsfeeds to scroll through, that can take up quite a lot of time!
Hi Lana
My granddaughter is fine now the accident was about five years ago, the back is fixed but the phone panic is still happening. She has been caught driving and texting by the police. It fascinates me how people just can’t resist checking every message on the phone regardless of where they are, or what they are doing.
I’m glad she’s fine now Robin!
I like how you said “phone panic” – that really hits the nail on the head! I know I’ve personally been guilty of phone panic too – getting an irrational fear (and I say irrational because panicking that you’ve lost a phone that can be blocked, replaced and restored isn’t quite as rational a reaction as say, for example, panicking that you’ve lost your car keys when you’re in the middle of nowhere and unreachable) that I’ve lost my phone and my body going into panic mode because of it (the heart flutters and sinking stomach feeling). It seems so crazy how we’ve built such a dependence towards our devices, yet when you think about it, I guess it’s because so much of our daily lives revolve around our devices these days – emails, social media, appointments, browsing, games, apps, etc. I think we need to be able to create a healthy line for ourselves between screen time and real-world time. It seems like in a lot of cases as you say, the lines are blurred and you see people checking their phones regardless of who they’re with, where they are or what they’re doing.
Hi Robin,
Your paper was an interesting read with some insightful ideas. I agree that with online communication it is hard to ‘read’ a person’s face. It is said that more than 90% of human communication is made up of body language alone! When we see a persons face we are able to see their expressions and hear the tone of their voice – making it easier to interpret the person’s feelings.
I agree that teenagers are an easy target for online trolls. Prior to social media children didn’t interact with each other outside of the normal school / play hours. Today they can be accessed at all hours of the day, making it very hard for bullied children to escape the constant contact.
As a parent myself I am acutely aware of the issues related to screen time, as you mention: “Parents are finding children and teenagers are reluctant to give up screen time for recreation in the outdoors”. I noticed this with my kids so I drastically reduced their screen time and encouraged them to go outside or play with their toys. After a bit of complaining they found their imagination again, and it was a delight to see them create their own games and fun rather than just stare at a screen.
I agree that the age of a child influences their notion of self control – it is a skill I’m trying to teach my children. We are living in a digital driven world, which is hard to escape, so rather than try to ban my kids from online use I am trying to teach them self control, limits and boundaries and self regulation. It’s hard!
Regards,
Andrea
Thats great Andrea, I’m glad to hear you had success with the reduction of screen time. We are just embarking on some more stricter rules in our household while at the same time also educating and will be interesting to see how this progresses over time, my son is only 4 so self control is not really something they are good at yet but you have to start somewhere!
Hi Stephanie,
Any age is great to learn! I think it’s so important to teach them boundaries and moderation. I’m also (trying) to lead by example, so if I tell my kids they can’t play with their Ipad I also put my phone away and don’t look at my laptop. It’s tough because I work from home and am a writer/graphic designer so all my work is done on a computer! But I find it helps me connect with the kids and do fun things with them.
Hi Andrea
Thanks for your comment, it is hard today to give your children a well-round upbringing there is so much going on at such a fast pace. I’m please to read your children are enjoying making up their own games outdoors. Social media is a permanent fixture in our lives and it takes up a lot of time in our day.
With you teaching the social media etiquette along with the pitfalls will benefit your children immensely.
Hi Robin,
Thanks for your comment! It’s tough because they are the first generation of children to really grow up with social media and a digital influence. As a parent, I’m just winging it! There are no long term studies or books on the effects of so much screen time, you just do what you think is right.
Hi Robin,
As a parent of three daughters aged 17-23 your paper was quite topical. The issue of increased depression and anxiety in youth is very real. The audience for an individuals anxiety and depression is significantly increased compared with previous generations, making the perceived consequences exacerbated. I do not believe it is the hours spent on the phone rather the content within which is the cause of the increase anxiety. In previous generations someone might have just as addictive behaviour towards reading or modelling building. This reading behaviour in women was spoken about in much the same way as we are talking about social media now, a dangerous pursuit, haha. I am not saying your argument is not real, just that we should critically analyse how we are assessing modern technology and its consequences.
Hi Meryl
That is a good point you make on its the content on social media not screen time that causes the problems. Depression and anxiety is such a broad subject and before the Internet and social media became available, depression and anxiety happened but just wasn’t recognised as harmful. I intend to write a much larger paper on this subject, and appreciate everyone’s comments to research allowing me to write more than 2000 words.
Hi Robin
I like how you have presented both sides of this issue in your paper and have made some valid points in your argument.
In your paper, you have mentioned that “…parents use online digital media as a babysitter with children by using online games or videos. This causes tantrums, extreme anxiety, and angry behaviour when the parent takes the device away”. I can certainly attest to this pseudo-parenting style, Robin.
A recent incident at a friend’s home with her 18-month-old daughter left me speechless. The toddler was given the mobile phone with a popular animated programme to watch when she had awakened from her nap. The child who barely speaks a word, not only knows how to swipe the screen to watch her favourite content, but also tapped the screen to skip the ads without any prompting from my 14-year-old daughter. Furthermore, the toddler continued watching and giggled at the appropriate moments of humour, but when it came time for her meal, she threw a tantrum and refused to eat when her mum removed the phone from her grasp. I was told that it is challenging because she rarely spends time playing with any of her toys, puzzles, or games that lack similar stimulation from interactive media, and she has to be taken outside to play in the sandbox, or her mum has to find something else to distract her attention away from the phone.
My friend acknowledges that it is a worrying behaviour, however, she agreed that banning technology will not resolve the issue since there are numerous benefits of exposure to technology too, but limiting her daughter’s screen time would be best until she is at least two, and thereafter, boundaries will need to be introduced incrementally.
Experts argue that whilst touchscreens can benefit toddlers, it is important to also be prudent when choosing apps. Studies have demonstrated that “Children can learn through play on a touchscreen app, and transfer that learning to the real world” (https://theconversation.com/touchscreens-can-benefit-toddlers-but-its-worth-choosing-your-childs-apps-wisely-108567).
On the other hand, research has identified specific drawbacks of the impact of technology and screentime on children’s health. Whilst obesity is a concern, vision is another. According to an article in the Conversation, since the introduction of the smartphone in 2007, there has been a dramatic increase in children’s visual problems. It has been argued that “While the device itself does not emit harmful radiation, it requires the user to read its screen at a distance of 20 cm rather than the normal distance of 45 cm to 50 cm. It has been suggested that this close distance boosts the risk of developing myopia by eight times, especially if both parents are myopic”. Furthermore, “Ambient lighting also plays a role because the use of fluorescents, such as in classrooms, also promotes myopia. When a tablet is used in such an environment, the effect is multiplied tenfold” (https://theconversation.com/too-much-screen-time-linked-to-an-epidemic-of-myopia-among-young-people-111599).
When it comes to children and teenagers, the research is conflicting; experts warn that “excessive screen time is a potential red flag for anxiety, depression and attention issues among children and teens” and that content is key in determining this (https://theconversation.com/new-findings-add-twist-to-screen-time-limit-debate-105717).
Therefore, I agree that recreational screen time needs to be restricted to prevent “obesity and for promoting sleep, physical fitness, and cognitive, social and emotional development” (https://theconversation.com/why-screen-time-for-babies-children-and-adolescents-needs-to-be-limited-110630).