Within recent years, the way we view socialization and human connection has been drastically changed with the introduction of social media. Apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat provide us with outlets to connect with friends and family and document various moments of our lives. While these are all positive factors that come from the usage of social platforms, we must consider its’ downsides as well. Many negative outcomes can arise from social media usage and can affect anyone vulnerable to it, from adults to the pre-teens. How well has our society, or more specifically, our generation, adapted to the social networking world so far? Maybe not so well. 

According to a four-year study from Common Sense Census, the percentage of teens, ages 13-18, who had their own smartphone went from 67% in 2015 to 84% in 2019. This solidifies that the number of teenagers with access to social media is rapidly increasing. But is this a good thing? A 2019 study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found the rate of individuals reporting symptoms consistent with major depression over the past year increased 52 percent in teens – and cited the rise of social media and smartphone use as a main cause. Another statistic that further adds on to the argument that we’d all be better off limiting the time we spend scrolling the “For You” page on TikTok and instead using it to read one of those dusty, old books.  

While these negative statistics are some to be considered before you spend all day scrolling on Instagram, social media is not, and has not been, all bad. Social networking sites have provided users a more efficient to receive news, helps in building fostering and building relationships, and exemplified this year especially, provided teens with an outlet to voice their advocacy regarding various social issues. It can even be argued that social media is nothing more than an echo chamber for our society, and if it doesn’t reflect a well-functioning society, well, then that’s something WE need to address. 

Over the past decade, it’s clear to see that social media has transformed societal views on communication and socialization. Yet, it remains undiscovered if this has led to more setbacks or benefits as far as the growth of our society, and our mental health overall. Regardless of the side you take, though, one thing to remember, is to keep your phone at least 20-28 inches while using it, to prevent digital eye strain.