Ryder Talan Rivero

ENG 110C

Op-Ed Essay

April 1, 2025

“The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media and Its Effects on Teenagers”

Social media is completely intertwined with the lives of teens these days. It opens up so many opportunities to connect and express themselves, but it also brings some real challenges that can affect mental health and overall well-being. As a parent and educator, I believe it’s important to explore how social media influences teenagers, particularly in areas like school, relationships, and day-to-day life. I’ve personally witnessed these challenges firsthand while trying to balance my own online presence and its effects. 

Social media can be a mixed blessing when it comes to schoolwork. On one hand, platforms like Twitter and Instagram can make collaboration and sharing study materials easier. However, the constant notifications and the lure of scrolling can seriously disrupt focus when it’s time to study. Research has indicated that excessive time spent on social media can lead to lower grades and diminished concentration in class.

 From my own experience, Instagram and Twitter initially helped me connect with classmates and swap study tips. But it wasn’t long before the constant buzzing from my phone and the temptation to scroll became too distracting. I found myself staying up late trying to juggle both my studies and my social media, and it really began to affect my mental health. I started sacrificing important study time just to chase likes and comments, which only added to my stress. The fear of missing out (FOMO) led me to prioritize social media over my academic responsibilities, creating a cycle of procrastination and guilt. A recent article from Mayo Clinic pointed out that “social media use may be linked to changes in the developing brain” that can influence emotional learning and behavior. This emphasizes how essential it is to understand the impact of social media on both academic performance and mental health. 

Social media has changed how teens interact with one another. It offers a fantastic way to build connections and maintain friendships no matter the distance, while also encouraging support networks. However, this online interaction can often come at the expense of real-life communication, leaving many teens feeling isolated even when they’re connected online. 

In my case, while I felt a sense of connection online, I often felt lonely in person. The pressure to curate a perfect online persona made me anxious, and I realized my face-to-face interactions were dwindling as I spent more time focused on my phone. It seemed like my device had become an extension of myself, always within arm’s reach, demanding attention even during social gatherings. I’d be with friends, yet my mind was elsewhere, scrolling through feeds instead of truly engaging. It was as if my phone had taken over, pulling me away from the moments we could have genuinely shared. Have you ever noticed how social media can make us conscious? It’s always about those perfect posts that look amazing but can mess with our heads. Yale Medicine mentions, “Teens who spend more time scrolling are more likely to feel lonely.” It’s a pretty tangled web when it comes to how we interact online and how we feel emotionally. 

Social media isn’t just about keeping up with school or making friends; it influences so many aspects of a teen’s life. Constantly seeing those flawless lifestyles can lead to feelings of inadequacy and even anxiety. Research has shown that heavy social media use is tied to increased rates of depression among teens, particularly when they’re endlessly comparing themselves to influencers or celebrities. 

And let’s be real, social media can be SUPER addictive. Many teens find themselves checking their accounts over and over, which disrupts their sleep, keeps them from getting active, and contributes to a more sedentary lifestyle. This, in turn, can worsen mental health issues. An article from WHO emphasizes that “parents need to be aware of how social media could affect their kids’ mental health,” emphasizing the critical role of awareness and intervention. 

On the flip side, we can’t ignore the benefits of social media, either. It’s a great way to connect and express who you are, but it’s essential to be mindful. Striking a balance between online presence and genuine, face-to-face interactions is key. I’ve experienced the downsides of too much screen time myself; isolation, anxiety, and even depression can sneak in. That’s why us teens and parents need to monitor how much time they’re spending glued to their screens. Setting some limits on screen time can make a big difference in making sure that social media boosts rather than harms their mental health and overall happiness.

Encouraging teens to engage with social media thoughtfully can help them enjoy the upsides while steering clear of the downsides. By promoting awareness of their screen time and suggesting breaks from devices, we can guide young people toward healthier relationships with technology. Eventually, we want social media to be a tool for connection and personal growth, not a source of stress and distraction. A balanced approach will enable teens to navigate the online world more effectively and enjoy the benefits of social media, while keeping their mental health in check. 

Furthermore, while social media certainly has its perks, it’s critical to approach it with intention. By acknowledging the risks and establishing some boundaries, we can help teens strike a healthier balance with technology. This balance will enhance their performance both in school and in their social lives, while also supporting their mental well-being. As we continue to explore this digital age, let’s prioritize mental health for our youth and steer them toward using social media in ways that enrich their lives instead of making them more challenging.

Works Cited

How to help your teen navigate social media. (2025). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437

World. (2024, September 25). Teens, screens and mental health. Who.int; World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/25-09-2024-teens–screens-and-mental-health

Katella, K. (2024, June 17). How Social Media Affects Your Teen’s Mental Health: A Parent’s Guide. Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/social-media-teen-mental-health-a-parents-guide

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