Social Media and Children: Too much of a good thing?

In today’s society it seems like we are constantly surrounded by new and ever-developing technology. For instance, at the desk I am sitting at I am surrounded by two computers, an iPhone XR, my desk phone, and a tablet. That is five different technological devices that are within arms reach of me as I type this post. This is also not including the keyboard that I am typing on, or the mouse that I use for the computers. To say that technology is everywhere, would be an understatement. This constant availability to technology can be a blessing and curse, especially for parents. Today it is rare to see a child without a tablet, or phone, in their hands. Some companies have gone so far to develop specialized tablets just for children.

So, how can this be good thing? Studies have shown that children who use technology at a young age have highly developed hand-eye coordination, better multitasking skills, and a quicker response time than children who do not have access to technology.

Below are a few more benefits of allowing children to have access to social media:

    1. Making Social Connections

Technology, social media in particular, allows for children to have a convenient way for them to connect with their peers and keep in touch with friends and family that they may, or may not, spend time with within the offline world. This mutual, constant availability can lead to the strengthening of these relationships – they have someone they can share their problems with and ask for advice, or just chat with if they’re feeling bored. Furthermore, they use social media to explore their interests and connect with their community, which helps them further develop existing relationships with like-minded peers.

2. A helpful tool for dealing with problems.

There are many ways in which children can communicate online while staying anonymous, i.e. joining Reddit. Shy children, who often feel socially awkward, might use this controlled environment to express themselves and speak their mind without the fear of negative offline consequences or of being stigmatized. This gradually leads to the development of higher self-esteem. On social media, it’s easier to find someone who’s got the same problems and with whom one can talk and be listened to. Reading about the experiences of children who are dealing with the same issues as you are is an invaluable basis for evaluating your own problems.

3. A useful resource in Education.

Students often use social media to share information about school assignments, as well as to organize their time in accordance with their homework. Facebook groups, for example, present a common mode of communication and for the exchange of ideas. There are even schools that embrace social media as a teaching tool and find that it’s a necessary resource in education. However, there are some disadvantages when it comes to using technology and social media in the context of education.

However, like most things in life, there is a such thing and too much. When access to technological devices, such as phones or tablets, is not properly managed, children can experience multiple levels of difficulties and side effects. Too much screen time has shown to impair their critical thinking skills, their ability to pay attention, or even impair their imagination.

Below are also some potential risks of Social Media:

   1. Social Media Addiction

All those likes, comments, pictures, texts, etc. can be overwhelming for children. As previously noted, children can reap many benefits from social media, especially in the area of socialization. On the other hand, constantly being online and on-call for friends can inevitably lead to sleep deprivation, which can cause further problems. It’s important not to become dependent on quick replies and a blizzard of instant messaging. If children are spending all that time on social media they’re probably neglecting other commitments at home and school. This also leaves them with less time for those necessary and irreplaceable face-to-face interactions with others.

2. The Burden of Comparisons with Idealized Depictions of Others.

Despite the upside of having a large amount of information available online regarding health and other issues, there’s clearly a downside. Much of what children might see on social media is a calculated and idealized picture someone is trying to present. Most people don’t post photos of themselves on Instagram when they’re sad or angry. You usually only see happy moments, such as them enjoying a party, or going to the movies with lots of friends, which seems to suggest they have a perfect, worry-free life. When children see the idealized life someone they follow on social media appears to be leading, they might ask, “What am I doing wrong?” and “Why is my life not like that?”, and feel like failures.

3. The Dangers of Cyber bullying

Improper use of social media and a lack of restraint in online interactions can lead to the development of behavior patterns that aren’t commonly a part of life in the offline world. Anonymity is a two-edged sword. On one hand, it can help children overcome shyness and social anxiety, but it can also stimulate unwanted reactions, such as hostile or aggressive online behavior, potentially lead to cyber bullying. Bullying and cyber bullying have some elements in common, such as aggression, power imbalance, and the repetition of this type of behavior.

Like all things, there is a good and a bad side. Depending on the parent, and the child, would determine how much of a good or bad thing the access to technology can be. The main thing that parents can do to maximize the benefits of technology with their children is to not only monitor how much their child uses technological devices, but also what they are using them for. Devices, such as a phone, or tablet, can be used to help educate the child in pretty much any subject if provided with the right software, or program. Technology isn’t going away. If anything, it is taking an even deeper root in our every day lives. Therefore, we might as well embrace it.