Social media supports teens’ social lives in tough times

So far this month social networks have brought me a great benefit. It has helped me connect with others, learn new things, and more. Given the Covid restrictions and with many of my friends currently in other schools, it can be difficult trying to keep in touch with everyone and get together due to busy lives. However, apps like Houseparty and Snapchat have helped me connect with friends that I might not otherwise keep up with. Most people my age are on social media, which makes it easy to stay in touch.

Connecting with friends is even more important right now given that Covid is restricting everyone’s life. For example, during the middle of the term we were usually all away from home, visiting each other, meeting in groups. None of this is possible, but at least we can have some form of social life through social media. Without social media, I think many teens would feel extremely lonely in this time of covidual restrictions. Locked up earlier this year, stuck at home for weeks, I certainly would have struggled without him. I used to chat with my friends through Houseparty etc. late into the night and at least have fun with them that way.

Social networks become a rich source of news and information.  : Teen shares her experience on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic

The second plus point for me is that apps like Instagram and TikTok are helpful for keeping track of sports news and scores in areas like soccer, tennis, or any other sport you want to follow. Every time I enter social networks there will always be results or news that, as a great sports fan, I find interesting.

It can also keep you up-to-date with general world news, which I also think helps given how important it is to be aware of current affairs.

Several of these social media apps are also useful for finding new information on certain topics that would aid your general knowledge or help with research assignments and projects.

Providing opportunities to share experiences: Teen shares her experience on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic

The last positive point is that certain applications like TikTok allow me to share experiences with my brother and sister. They’re younger than me, but it’s an app that we all use, so it gives us something in common to chat and laugh about.

Turning now to the more negative sides of social media that I may have experienced in the last month.

Teens understand the risks of social media

Before I continue with this, let me briefly dive into the stereotypical image that some older generation people may have about social media, for example that social media is a bad or possibly dangerous place. I do not agree with this opinion, as to date I have never had serious negative experiences like cyberbullying or something else. Also, I think the younger generation is very aware of risks, we are all taught to be aware of them and how to deal with them and there are many helpful resources if you need help (like Internet Matters!). Of course it can still happen, but I think it is not as common as people think.

I’d say the only negativities I’ve experienced so far in the last month would be when the team I support loses at soccer. Most likely, my colleagues will send me text messages saying how bad my computer is.

The verdict on the role of adolescents on social media during the pandemic

Overall, looking at both sides of social media and the current circumstances of the COVID world, I think that social media has been extremely positive for me and people my age. Especially since it helps you connect when you can’t meet friends in person.