Impact of Social Media on Adolescence: Mapping Emerging Needs to Build Resilient Skills
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Method
3. Results
3.1. Self-Expression and Social Validation
3.2. Overestimation of Physical Appearance and Pursuit of Perfect Look
3.3. The Stress of Constant Networking to Remain Online and Its Consequences
3.4. Getting Involved and Supporting Each Other
3.5. Facing Cyberbullying or Models Inciting Self-Harm
4. Discussion
Author Contributions
Funding
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Search Research Articles from 2013 to 2023 Keywords: ‘Social Networking’, ‘Mental Disorders’, ‘Well-Being’, ‘Adolescents’, ‘Internet Addiction’, ‘Connectedness’ and ‘Bullying’ Bolean Operators (AND/OR): (1) ‘Perceptions/Attitudes/Views/Opinions’, (2) ‘Adolescents/Youth/Teenagers’, (3) ‘Social Media/Networks/Instagram/Facebook/Snapchat/Tiktok/Twitter’ & (4) ‘Mental Health/Well-Being/Anxiety/Depression/Self-Esteem’ | |||
---|---|---|---|
APA PsychInfo Documents Found: n = 53 | Web of Science Documents Found: n = 65 | Scopus Documents Found: n = 59 | PubMed Documents Found: n = 17 |
Elimination of overlaps = 117 | |||
AppraisaL N = 77 Exclusions for: quantitative studies &/OR internet usage not in social media &/OR COVID-19 framework = 57 → N = 20 Added from the references of the 20 selected articles = 5 | |||
Synthesis and Analysis N = 25 |
Thematic Categories | Summary Definition |
---|---|
Self-expression and social validation | Adolescents optimize the representation of themselves in social media and feedback from peers usually leads to profile modification. Expectations of validation and impulsive behaviour by publishing are very relevant variables in the study of psychological symptoms. |
Overestimation of physical appearance and pursuit of perfect look | The content in social media is predominantly image-based, so the look is very important, affecting girls significantly more. The ‘ideal figure’ can be especially damaging for people suffering from pre-existing eating-related pathologies. Anxiety regarding dependence on validation is also among the most studied factors. |
The stress of constant networking to remain online and its consequences | Social media activity dominates young people’s time management and becomes an essential element of everyday life. The idea of disconnecting induces fear, and the risk of social exclusion fuels compulsive use. There has been a reduction in the amount of satisfying time spent with relatives and peers. |
Getting involved and supporting each other | Networks can make a beneficial contribution to well-being by helping and getting involved. Online friendships correlate with psychological resilience variables against anxiety, such as perceived support. Also, there are initiatives that aim to promote positive mental health and overcoming fears about seeking professional help. |
Facing cyberbullying or models inciting self-harm | Cyberbullying, abusive language, and shaming cause a lot of panic attacks and chronic anxiety in this population. One of the riskiest aspects is the anonymity in which bullies can remain. Another aspect is that episodes are sustained over time. Moreover, exposure to harmful content is frequently described, including publications of self-harm procedures. |
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Falcón-Linares, C.; González-Yubero, S.; Mauri-Medrano, M.; Cardoso-Moreno, M.J. Impact of Social Media on Adolescence: Mapping Emerging Needs to Build Resilient Skills. Societies 2023, 13, 238. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13110238
Falcón-Linares C, González-Yubero S, Mauri-Medrano M, Cardoso-Moreno MJ. Impact of Social Media on Adolescence: Mapping Emerging Needs to Build Resilient Skills. Societies. 2023; 13(11):238. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13110238
Chicago/Turabian StyleFalcón-Linares, Carolina, Sara González-Yubero, Marta Mauri-Medrano, and María Jesús Cardoso-Moreno. 2023. "Impact of Social Media on Adolescence: Mapping Emerging Needs to Build Resilient Skills" Societies 13, no. 11: 238. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13110238