Assignment Task:
175 words each
Post 1:
Media exerts broad influence on youth, but the most consequential area is identity formation, particularly around body image and self-worth. Adolescents rely heavily on external validation during this developmental stage, and image-centric platforms (e.g., Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat) amplify appearance-driven social comparison. Research consistently shows that exposure to idealized imagery correlates with reduced self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and internalization of unrealistic beauty norms among teens (Fardouly & Vartanian, 2016). This influence is especially strong for adolescent girls, but boys are increasingly affected through fitness and "masculinity" content.
Given these risks, targeted restrictions and filters are appropriate, but they must be practical and developmentally balanced. For example, age-gating mechanisms should be tied to verified identity rather than self-reported birthdates, and platforms should deploy stricter algorithms to reduce exposure to harmful content categories (e.g., pro-thinness, hypersexualized imagery, extreme fitness). Parents could implement device-level content filters, time-of-day access controls, and co-viewing or discussion routines that normalize critical evaluation of media messages. The emphasis should be on graduated autonomy, not blanket prohibition.
However, there are genuine challenges and negative effects to restricting youth media use. Overly aggressive controls may produce psychological reactance, leading adolescents to circumvent controls, hide behavior, or develop strained parent-child dynamics. Restrictions can also hinder digital literacy development, reduce social belonging, and impede participation in peer culture-a key element of healthy adolescent psychosocial development. Excessive limitation can disadvantage children academically as well, given that many school assignments rely on digital access. Need Assignment Help?
References:
Fardouly, J., & Vartanian, L. R. (2016). Social media and body image concerns: Current research and future directions. Current Opinion in Psychology, 9, 1-5.
Odgers, C. L., & Jensen, M. R. (2020). Annual Research Review: Adolescents' digital technology use and mental health-A theoretical framework and systematic review. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 61(3), 236-259.
Post 2:
Greetings Class and Professor,
I believe there should be reasonable restrictions and filters to limit children's and teens' exposure to certain types of media content. Adolescents' brains are still developing, especially in areas related to emotional regulation and social behavior, which makes them more vulnerable to harmful online material such as graphic violence, sexualized content, or extreme political viewpoints. Research shows that frequent social media use may be associated with changes in emotional processing and increase in anxiety and depression among young people when it's not managed properly, which suggests a need for some form of structured limits and protective measures. (NCBI)
To make these restrictions effective, parents and schools could implement age-appropriate content filters, require parental consent before access, and use digital wellbeing tools that alert families to excessive screen time or unhealthy habits.
Educators might also incorporate digital citizenship lessons into school curriculum, so students learn how to think critically and navigate online spaces safely. Encouraging regular conversations between parents and teens about what they see online can further reinforce healthy habits and reduce the likelihood of risk exposure.
However, limiting access to social media and the internet isn't without challenges. Too-strict rules could isolate teen socially, since so much of their peer communication happens online, and parents risk pushing teens to hide their online behavior rather than talk openly about it. At the same time, smartphone connectivity offers clear benefits. It can help young people stay connected with friends and family, explore educational content, and find supportive communities around shared interests, identities, and hobbies. Many teens report that social media helps them feel connected and creative, even if they also acknowledge negative effects like sleep disruption or drama. (Pew Research Center)
Overall, a balanced approach that combines thoughtful restrictions, education, and open communication can help protect youth while still allowing them to benefit from technology.
References:
Pew Research Center. (2025). Teens, social media, and mental health. Pew research Center.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023). Social media use and adolescent mental health. National Center for Biotechnology Information.