Introduction
The life of a modern student is much different from what it used to be 20 years ago. With the rise of social media and the appearance of modern gadgets such as laptops, computers, and smartphones, many young men and women are far more attached to the World Wide Web than they would like to admit. This often generates conflicts with parents, who see this trend as an unhealthy addiction that affects studies and social development (Simeon 1). Even though social media is a useful tool for communication and staying in touch with friends, research shows that its overuse is potentially detrimental to one’s relationships, health, studies, and social skills.
How Much Time Teens Spend is a Day Using Media?
It is common knowledge that children, teens, and students spend a lot of time on the Internet. Social media is rarely used for studying – students access it to enjoy the chat, listen to music, play some games, and so on. According to research made by Common Sense Media, teens and young adults spend around 9 hours a day on social media (Wallace 1). That is a lot of time, especially considering that doctors do not recommend spending more than 45 minutes a day in front of a monitor (Beasley 1).
Causes
There are many reasons why teenagers are so immersed in social media. The main reason why it is so widespread is the availability of gadgets and the Internet to the general populace. Many households have computers, and practically everyone has a smartphone. This makes access to the social media much easier – students can reach it from home, at school, or while riding a bus. However, there is a more sinister reason for social media abuse – Internet addiction. Time flies quickly when one uses the Internet. It is full of interesting games, music, and pictures. It is the reason why so many young minds become hooked up to this source of fun and pleasure (Elgan 1).
Is it that Bad?
Some argue that constant exposure to Social Media is not an entirely bad thing. With the Internet being a hub for information, the constant desire to remain online results in increased awareness of the events at home and around the world. Many students use social media while studying, effectively multitasking, and successfully doing both without much trouble. Lastly, finding new friends online enables teens to build a vast and expansive web of social contacts they would never have otherwise. Social Media connects people all around the world, no matter the distance (Agrawal 1).
Consequences
Despite this, the cons of increased use of the Internet and social media far outweigh the pros. Socialization on the Internet is much different from socialization in real life. Many students that overindulge in Social Media are known to have problems connecting to people outside of it. Internet addiction is common, and it makes students the waste time they could have spent studying or practicing. Lastly, overuse of the Internet may result in numerous health problems, ranging from scoliosis to vision impairment and mental disorders (“Are Social Networking Sites Good for Our Society?” par. 3).
Conclusions
Real-life always has priority over the virtual landscape, and not the other way around. Social Media can be used for business, leisure, and study. However, too much exposure causes many problems for teens and students, affecting their studies, health, and social skills. One must always be mindful and aware of the dangers posed by the Internet.
Works Cited
Agrawal, Aj. It’s not All Bad: The Social Good of Social Media. Web.
Are Social Networking Sites Good for Our Society? 2016. Web.
Beasley, Richard. Health Threat from Computer Use. Web.
Elgan, Mike. Social Media Addiction is a Bigger Problem than you Think. Web.
Simeon, Diana. Technology: Parents Take Control. Web.
Wallace, Kelly. Teens spend a ‘Mind-Boggling’ 9 Hours a Day using Media, Report Says. Web.