The Price That Comes Along With Social Media and Mental Health

Abstract

This paper examines the negative effects social media has on the mental health of adolescents. The consequences of constant use of social media platforms can result in Depression, Anxiety, Narcissism, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Internet Addiction, etc. In today's society, the popularity of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and other platforms leave adolescents feeling a constant need to to socialize online. Parents should closely monitor the amount of time their children spend on their smartphones or other devices. Too much time spent on social media reduces face-to-face interactions which results in the lack of social skills. If the proper parental supervision is not enforced to this younger generation, the future will be run by people with robotic behaviors. There is already evidence of people becoming extremely self-absorbed. There will be a major disassociation between people if this continues which will result in lack of sympathy and empathy toward others if this epidemic is disregarded.