In 2023, on average, teenagers spent about 4.8 hours daily on social media, according to Statista Research Department. This statistic has continued to rise in recent years among teenagers everywhere. 

  There are many things that occur in the mind of a high school student:

  Is my outfit good enough? 

  Does my hair look okay? 

  What will I have for lunch? 

  When can I go back to bed?

  But most of all, you’ll see them looking for that notification. 

  This notification might say that they’ve received a new follower or someone has liked their post. These types of messages release dopamine, which is the main chemical in addiction. When we open our phones, it’s a constant gamble (like a slot machine), and we are addicted to the constant connectivity we know we rely on. This connection is different; it has become a compulsive over distraction in teens’ everyday lives

  “Social media plays a major role in how teens connect, express themselves, and build community. It offers support and access to new ideas, but it has also intensified social pressure and comparison. Many students describe feeling both more connected and more overwhelmed.” Counselor Shondra Carpenter said.

  According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, up to 95% of teens ages 13-17 are on social media, not only intensifying social pressures and the idea of connection but also opening the door for many other sources of toxicity.

  “[Social Media] increase[s] anxiety tied to comparison, pressure to be always on [social media], distraction from school or sleep, cyberbullying, and exposure to unrealistic or misleading content,” Carpenter said.

  This impact has become more noticeable for the students themselves, who have started to recognize the negativity.

  “I think it’s a big part of so many people’s lives, and it just takes a toll on everybody,” Junior Emersyn Ervin said.

  These impacts have significantly affected high school students, their education, and self-perception.

  “I think it makes youth mental health a lot worse. Especially the self-image people have [of] themselves, and the idea they have of other people.” Ervin said.

  Although the negatives are extreme, there are still many positives to consider.

  “I see social media as a tool; its impact really depends on how it’s used.”   “[It helps people to] find supportive communities, creative outlets, stay connected with friends and family, and opportunities for activism,” Carpenter said.

  “I have witnessed small businesses getting more recognition because of social media,” senior Layla Vidal said.

  While social media holds many negative stigmas, some believe that social media’s negativity can change in the future.

  “By getting rid of negativity around the world of social media, I think it can be used in a much more effective way,” Vidal said.