The impact of
social media on children, youth and families, calls "Facebook
depression" is one of the risk factors that can affect young people with
excessive exposure to social media. Facebook depression is a disorder that
results from establishing a presence on social networking sites, spend a great
deal of time on these sites and then feel accepted among peers online. Similar
to a depression in the offline world due to lack of acceptance, Facebook
depression is anxiety and withdrawal, as well as causing a tendency towards
engaging in risky activities, such as drug abuse, unsafe sex or
self-destructive behaviors.
The study found
that the interaction between these teenagers have on social networking is on
the rise log with 22% of teens on their favorite social networking sites more
than 10 times a day. With 75% of teenagers owning mobile phones, the study
says, "A large part of this generation's social and emotional development
occurs while on the internet and on mobile phones." Along with Facebook
depression, other risks of increased exposure to social media include cyber
bullying, sexting and exposure to inappropriate content.
There are many
things parents can do to limit these risks. Firstly, no children under the age
of 13 on Facebook at all. When your children old enough to begin to create
engaging more independent line, constant communication with them to know their
online activity habits, setting to use a good example of how social media and
setting ground rules are all ways to make the Internet safer to make.
Before you
cancel unplug all computers in your home and your internet service, the study
also highlights the benefits of social media interaction including, develop
feelings of a teenager from the self, the expansion of online connections and
opportunities for community involvement.
