Agrima Bhutani

Social Media and Teenagers' Wellbeing

Started Aug. 21, 2023

Abstract or project description

RQ: In what ways do social media algorithms affect social media addiction, sleep disruption, and lost focus among teenagers? Abstract Social media has become an integral part of teenage life, with 95% of teens reporting daily usage. Recent research suggests that excessive social media use may negatively impact teenagers' mental health and well-being. This paper reviews studies on how social media algorithms, designed to maximize engagement, may contribute to issues such as addiction, poor sleep, and limited attention span in teenagers. To examine teenagers’ social media usage and perceived impacts on well-being, we conducted a survey with 114 teenagers aged 13-17. Results indicate that the habit-forming nature of social media platforms can lead to teenage addiction, and late-night social media use disrupts healthy sleep patterns. Additionally, constant notifications and engagement-based algorithms make it difficult for teenagers to focus on schoolwork and other important tasks. Understanding these impacts is vital for empowering teenagers, parents, educators, and policymakers to make informed choices about social media use and to advocate for safer digital spaces that protect teenage well-being.