Problem:
While today, things like social media are a part of most of our daily lives, it can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on teenage (and child) development. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), an estimated 4.9 billion people worldwide were expected to use social media in 2023. Many of today's children are growing up alongside the continued rise of technology and new devices that are being introduced everyday. And while a lot of the internet and social media can be great for introducing new ideas, learning new things, and overall fun entertainment. There are a lot of factors that make this a slippery slope for many. During adolescent development, certain regions of the brain dealing with desire for attention and peer acceptance become more sensitive. As well as having a looser grip on self-control, which can lead teens to make decisions they might not otherwise. Comparison and the impact social media has on self-esteem has led to the development of many things like body dysmorphia and the rise of youth getting cosmetic procedures. The impact on self-esteem and the amount of comparison can lead to unrealistic body standards and eating disorders. And according to one of our textbook PowerPoints this week, recent studies found that approximately 23% of university students can be classified as "smartphone-addicted" (Ch 1, slide 39). This can affect adolescent attention spans, sleep routines, and contribute to anxiety, depression, and overall stress. Need Assignment Help?