If you ask most adults about social media, you’ll probably hear the same thing:
“It’s destroying your generation.”
Social media is often blamed for low self esteem, anxiety, and mental health struggles among teenagers. While there is no doubt that social media can have negative effects, recent research suggests that the relationship may be more complicated than many people think.
A 2021 study published in the Journal of Communication followed 387 adolescents and examined how social media use affected their self esteem throughout the day. Researchers found that for the majority of teens, social media had little to no impact on self esteem. However, a smaller group experienced positive effects, while another group experienced negative effects. In other words, social media does not affect everyone the same way.
This finding is important because it challenges the idea that social media is either completely good or completely bad. Instead, it suggests that the impact depends on the individual and how they use it.
Think about two different students.
One student uses social media to stay connected with friends, celebrate accomplishments, and find supportive communities. For them, social media may increase confidence and strengthen relationships.
Another student constantly compares themselves to influencers, athletes, or classmates. They may focus on likes, followers, and unrealistic standards. For them, social media may lower self esteem and create feelings of insecurity.
The platform is the same. The experience is different.
This idea connects directly to the theme of Choices Over Consequences. While we cannot always control what appears on our screens, we can control many of the choices we make online. We choose who we follow. We choose what content we engage with. We choose how much time we spend scrolling and whether we compare ourselves to others.
Small choices can have a significant impact over time.
If social media leaves you feeling motivated, connected, and supported, it may be serving a positive role in your life. If it consistently leaves you feeling stressed, inadequate, or unhappy, it may be time to rethink how you use it.
The question is not whether social media is good or bad.
The better question is: How is social media affecting you personally?
Understanding that answer may be one of the most important digital choices you make.
Source: Communication Studies Valkenburg et al., “Social Media Use and Adolescents’ Self Esteem: Heading for a Person Specific Media Effects Paradigm” (2021).
Choices Over Consequences 