By Maren Dale
How much social media is too much for a teen? No one knows for sure, but the issue of social media addiction has many people concerned. One study, published in 2016, not only showed that 59% of parents believe their teens are addicted to their mobile devices, but 50% of teens themselves believe they are addicted. That in and of itself is alarming. However, consider that this now eight-year-old research was done prior to the widespread adoption of other more sophisticated platforms, like TikTok.
TikTok is a social media app that curates short-form videos for users and is now one of the most popular platforms used by teens 13-17 years old. It has the potential to be particularly addictive due to its computer algorithm, which allows it to analyze user behavior and curate content to match user interests—whether that’s viewing, mentioning or “liking” dance videos, study tips or acts of violence. (Plus, the opportunity to scroll never ends, so no cues exist that remind teens to stop and move on to a different activity.)
Concerns don’t just span roles and ages, nor are they confined to specific groups. At a time in history when differing beliefs are causing painful divisions within the nation, people across the political spectrum are coming together in unwavering agreement—social media is harming children and teens and something must be done. As of June, the bipartisan “Protecting Kids on Social Media” bill was pending, which would establish guidelines for social media, including banning children under age 13 from having accounts.
Read the full story in the NASW Social Work Advocates magazine.
