Students Share Mixed Impressions of Social Media

Every teenager can share their lives in many ways, including social media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat have become a part of teenagers' daily lives. Social media has become more than a source of entertainment; it has become a place where teens can express themselves. 

For many teens, social media has helped them stay in touch with friends, find passions, and express themselves. These platforms have become more popular over the years. “Social media is a space where I feel like I can be myself; I feel like I could be myself and don’t have to fit in,” says Freshman Liana Sheppard. 

Social media is also a place where teens can talk to people if they are needed. “I feel like [social media makes] it easier for others to connect as there would [always] be somebody out there to reach out to,” Sheppard said. 

Through these platforms, teens have found many ways to stay connected with their friends. “Social media has made me feel more connected with my friends: When I moved to Nutley, I was still able to connect with my old friends,” Sheppard said. 

While these platforms offer many positive opportunities, there are dozens of risks for teens. For many, teens have experienced many different mood changes. “I often notice that the [amount] of time I spend on social media makes me feel drained and more moody,”  Freshman Alma Warshavsky said. 

Beyond the different mood changes, teens have faced a lot of stress because of social media. “I think that social media [has] created a sense of stress because it makes teens want to always stay on top of trends, which takes a lot of effort to do,” Warshavsky said. 

Nutley High School Counselor Lauren Birnbaum said she has noticed “students in classrooms and hallways using their phones more than ever before.”

Birnbaum feels that students using social media more often deprive themselves of physical social interactions with others. “Teenagers who are consistently on their phones and using social media can frequently substitute face-to-face interactions with their screen,” Birnbaum said.  

Nonetheless, there are various methods which can help teens protect themselves online. “Teenagers should use privacy settings and only connect with other users that they know and trust. They should also adhere to the ‘think before you post’ mindset and not overshare personal information. Additionally, any concerning content should be discussed with a trusted adult in addition to blocking or reporting the post/poster,” Birnbaum said. 

Birnaum shared a story about a student’s journey with social media at a recent panel. “An NHS alumni shared advice, noting the negative impact social media had on him. Since deleting social media apps from his phone, he shared he has felt significantly more productive and has increased his connection to others. He now strongly recommends that other teens consider deleting the apps as well,” she said. 

Social media is a great way for teenagers to express themselves and find a safe community. However, it can also be a dangerous and hurtful way for teens to expose themselves. The pressure of following trends and maintaining a perfect image can lead to low self-esteem, stress, and anxiety, and social media can be a big contributor.