Why do teens use social media? Social media sites can offer real positives for teens who are growing, developing and changing every day — searching for connection to their peers in the current digital age. It gives them a space to freely share their thoughts and interests. Another benefit of social media is that it allows teens to express themselves. They can try on different identities and interests, without the pressure of being perfect in real life. Teens can also access valuable information online through connections with people who have expertise in various fields. Your teen may also learn valuable life skills and lessons from social media platforms, such as how to communicate respectfully with peers. 

A study that was completed during the COVID-19 pandemic found that access to video chat features on social media was associated with reduced feelings of loneliness and greater social connectedness among teenagers. The study also found a connection between the video chat feature and a lower likelihood of depressive symptoms. 

6 ways teens can benefit from social media

• Building friendships and staying in touch 

Social media can allow teens to remain in contact with their friends from different schools they attended when they were younger. The same may apply to teens who have moved to different states and want to stay in touch with friends. 

• Finding support or peer groups 

Your teen may use social media to locate support communities where they can connect with peers who share similar identities. This helps them to feel less lonely and receive emotional support from friends online. 

• Learning through educational or engaging content 

Collaborative learning through social platforms can provide your teen with access to information and resources. In addition, teens may use humorous content to cope with stressful times — like during the pandemic, for example. 

• Creating art or expressing themselves 

If your teen finds a new hobby or interest on social media, it might encourage them to learn a new activity. Art, writing and movement are all forms of expression that allow your teen to showcase who they are, sometimes with symbols, songs, gestures or colors. Similarly, platforms created specifically for artistic expression may boost your teen’s creativity, through getting inspired by peers. 

• Receiving positive encouragement online 

Encouragement from online communities can inspire your teen to keep working hard or making progress at a job, hobby or other skill they’re good at. Being able to share work online allows people to reach a much larger audience than if it were only shared in person. 

• Developing digital skills and online presence 

Your teen may find a real interest in the business side of social media. This could be marketing, advertising, product placement or even being a brand representative online. Regardless of what your teen is interested in, social media provides a large database for your teen to learn, explore, and create a personal brand they want to identify with. 

How these benefits support healthy growth 

Social media platforms’ ability to enhance adolescents’ creativity and help them build community with one another can not only help teens feel understood by others but can also increase their self-confidence. 

Of course, social media comes with drawbacks, including the effects of excessive use. As parents of young adults, it’s important to be aware of the risks of social media to help your teen learn how to use social media responsibly and safely. 

Your teen looks to you first as a role model for responsible technology use. By consistently promoting balanced screen use and encouraging open conversations surrounding media platforms, you are modeling healthy choices to your teen. 

Lightfully can help teens improve their mental health beyond social media 

Are you wondering more about how social media may affect your teen’s life? Our licensed clinicians can support your teen’s mental well-being beyond the effects of social media. We use an approach called Precision Care Model (PCM) that combines the most effective aspects of several evidence-based techniques to ensure that each client gets the personalized treatment experience they deserve. 

All our treatment options consist of evidence-based, data-driven, and whole-person-centered care provided by compassionate experts who understand both the benefits and potential harm of social media. 

Contact us today to learn more. Lightfully Teen’s personalized support can encourage your teen to use social media in a more balanced and thoughtful way.