Controversies Concerning The Youth Participation In Social Media

The internet can be either a place of contentment or a dangerous place, especially for kids who may struggle with communication. Nearly two-thirds of teens say social media makes them feel more connected to what is happening in their friends' lives, reported by the Pew Research Center. According to Common Sense Media, teenagers now spend up to nine hours a day on various screen devices. Social media has increased interest into young children and adolescents lives. Over the past few decades, concerns have raised about the negative approach social media brings. The exposure to media violence, media substance abuse, cyberbullying, sexual promiscuity and sexual initiations are all risk to young children and adolescents. Social media sites such as Myspace, Facebook and Twitter have attracted millions of users. These users have integrated these social networks into their daily lives. In this paper, I will review several key controversies concerning the youth participation in social media. I will begin by sharing a story about myself and how I became a victim of social media

Most teens who instigate bullying through social media view it as a safe form of bullying. They think that there will be no consequences for their actions, because the interaction is not face to face. Although the people who instigate bullying may not face consequences, the same as not true for the victims of cyberbullying. Bullying is a serious problem, one that can cause depression, anxiety and extreme cases of suicide among the victim. Young children and adolescents are the most common victims and perpetrators. In most cases, children turn to cyberbullying out of boredom, a sense of authorization over others, an effort to ease the psychological impact of personal difficulties or a retaliation on his or her past experience. (Floros, Georgios)