The Risky Reality of Media in Teen Lives

By: Collin Wang

Over the past twenty years, media has become an increasingly important aspect of teenagers' lives. With the invention of new technologies like smartphones and laptops, it is now easier than ever to immerse oneself in a different reality through a screen. From the moment they wake up to the moment they shut their eyes, teens are constantly immersed in media. Scrolling through social media platforms, streaming movies and television, messaging friends and family, and playing video games have all become powerful influences in a teen’s life. But is relying so heavily on media technology a welcome improvement? Constant engagement with media raises serious questions about how it shapes the development of the lives of adolescents. While it is undeniable that media has some positive impact, the negative effects heavily outweigh potential benefits. 

One of the most damaging effects of media is its connection to mental health problems in teens, especially when they use social media. Since there is an overwhelming volume of unrealistic standards on platforms like X, Instagram, and Snapchat, teenagers may feel inferior when comparing themselves to others. According to a study by the world-famous healthcare facility Mayo Clinic, “Certain content related to risk-taking, and negative posts or interactions on social media, have been linked with self-harm, and rarely, death” (Mayo Clinic Staff). Constant exposure to edited lifestyles, which is plentiful on social media platforms, makes many teens doubt their self-worth and identity. Additionally, overabundant use of social media driven by a desire for likes, comments, and follower counts can further increase the social pressure to look successful, and the mental burden in such a toxic environment can be overwhelming. Research by the United States Surgeon General’s Advisory found that “adolescents who spend more than three hours a day [on social media] face twice the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes,” suggesting that spending hours scrolling through others’ heavily altered content can leave youth feeling isolated and inadequate (“Social Media”). If left unaddressed, these problems can pose serious risks to a teen’s feelings of self-worth and outlook on life.

Beyond mental health, media can also create a cycle of addiction, which is especially dangerous for developing teens. The constant availability and stimulation of media make it exceptionally easy for them to fall into poor habits. “Zombie scrolling,” or the compulsive act of scrolling through social media platforms like TikTok without any intent, has become a significant issue. A study by the Pew Research Center found that “67% of teens say that they [have used] TikTok, with 16% of teens saying they use it almost constantly,” demonstrating the intensity and prevalence of teen media usage (Vogels et al.). Consistent use of media has begun to replace important aspects of everyday life, like sleep, school performance, and even physical tasks. As youth become more dependent on technology, they can find it increasingly difficult to focus without becoming bored and distracted. According to the Census Bureau’s 2016 National Survey for Children’s Health, “Young people who spent seven hours or more a day on screens were more easily distracted, less emotionally stable, and had more problems finishing tasks and making friends compared to those who spent just an hour a day on screens” (Heid). Over time, these excessive, healthy routines severely hinder the development of one’s attention span and critical thinking.

Another major issue for teens is the exposure to a range of dangers on the internet. Graphic and sexual content, online gambling, and cyberbullying are just a few of the many types of harmful content they may encounter.  The effects of this exposure can be both immediate and long-lasting. According to a group of University of Calgary researchers, “One in five children aged between 9 and 17 see unwanted sexual material online, and 25% of them reported experiencing extreme fear or distress,” revealing just how frequently seen and emotionally damaging explicit content can be (Madigan et al.). Online gambling is also becoming a progressively larger problem that is often disguised as harmless games, pop-ups, and apps that target teens. The Gambling Commission, an executive body of the United Kingdom Government, discovered that “just over a quarter of 11 to 17 year olds had spent their own money on any gambling activity in the twelve months” (“Young People”). Since legal forms of gambling, such as lootboxes in video games, lack strict regulation, they are becoming normalized and more accessible. In addition, cyberbullying is also a major risk that comes from the anonymous nature of media platforms. Teens are often targeted through private messages, comment sections, and group chats, with no escape from harassment. A recent study found that “17% of parents said their children had been a victim of cyberbullying. In some countries, that figure was as high as 37%” (Cook). Overall, these collections of internet dangers signify that new technologies must be treated with caution, especially for teens.

Some may argue that new media technologies have also benefited teens. For example, new tools on digital platforms have undoubtedly made life more efficient in some ways. Online marketplaces powered by media companies, like Facebook Marketplace, enable teenagers to purchase a wide range of items from the comfort of their own homes. Many important processes, such as learning about college options, finding a part-time job, and professional networking, have become more accessible via media platforms. In many ways, the integration of media in everyday life has led to a smoother and more efficient way of living. While these conveniences are irrefutable, overreliance on media technology also creates a multitude of problems that cannot be ignored. Privacy becomes a primary concern, especially when adolescents are affected. Many companies are selling data from online shoppers without their knowledge or consent, and laws protecting citizens are often nonexistent. Only a few states have privacy laws, such as the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA), and the existing legislation is full of loopholes. Kate Ruane, senior legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union, explains that “a lot of the provisions are business-model affirming. [VCDPA] essentially allows big data-gathering companies to continue doing what they have been doing” (Klosowski). Although teens are enjoying the conveniences that media platforms may provide, they are unknowingly being exploited by companies monetizing private information. In many cases, the long-term impacts outweigh the short-term convenience that new technologies might bring.

Another potential positive effect of media that some may bring up is that it can be an effective educational resource. The abundance of free information on media platforms such as YouTube could help students succeed in their academic careers, and many schools have already implemented digital learning systems into their curriculum. Apart from the internet, there are very few sources where one can find a vast range of very specific or niche information. However, with abundance comes a plethora of mistakes, as many websites and platforms online contain major errors. For example, emerging artificial intelligence is exceedingly confident in the accuracy of the content it generates, risking the spread of misinformation. Columnist Tom Scocca, discussing Google Gemini’s incompetence, exclaims that “not only does Google, the world’s preeminent index of information, tell its users that caramelizing onions takes ‘about 5 minutes’ – it pulls that information from an article whose entire point was to tell people exactly the opposite” (Scocca). The example reveals a deeper problem in online learning: many users, especially teenagers, do not have the skillset to identify any mistakes in digital sources. As a result, when incorrect information is confidently given, it can lead to confusion or worse – a belief in misinformation.

In conclusion, media is not inherently negative, but the way it is being used by teenagers today raises serious concerns. Future research could explore how screen time and content type directly affect adolescents’ brain development and behavior in depth to determine the best way to solve many of the current issues. Along with research, parents and other trusted adults in a teen’s life must try to help build awareness around media and promote media literacy. Schools can also emphasize working on critical thinking and attention span to foster children’s mental and emotional well-being. Ultimately, rather than being controlled by it, teenagers should learn how to use media effectively to support their well-being and navigate the growing digital world in a safe and intentional way.

References:

Cook, Sam. “Cyberbullying Data, Facts and Statistics for 2018 – 2024.” Comparitech, Comparitech, 10 Jan. 2024, www.comparitech.com/internet-providers/cyberbullying-statistics/. Accessed 19 May 2025.

Heid, Markham. “There’s Worrying New Research about Kids’ Screen Time and Their Mental Health.” TIME, 29 Oct. 2018, time.com/5437607/smartphones-teens-mental-health/. Accessed 20 May 2025.

Klosowski, Thorin. “The State of Consumer Data Privacy Laws in the US (and Why It Matters).” Wirecutter, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2021, www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/state-of-privacy-laws-in-us/. Accessed 20 May 2025.

Madigan, Sheri, et al. “The Prevalence of Unwanted Online Sexual Exposure and Solicitation among Youth: A Meta-Analysis.” Journal of Adolescent Health, vol. 63, no. 2, Aug. 2018, pp. 133–41, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.03.012. Accessed 21 May 2025.

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Teens and Social Media Use: What’s the Impact?” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 18 Jan. 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437. Accessed 19 May 2025.

Scocca, Tom. “Google’s Algorithm Is Lying to You about Onions and Blaming Me for It.” Gizmodo, 7 Mar. 2017, docs.google.com/document/d/1I1UYyAySVgKe0cXo3JN1grZiR4fZ5MPfHTWY6NK4qPM/edit?tab=t.0. Accessed 21 May 2025.

“Social Media and Teen Mental Health.” The Annie E. Casey Foundation, The Annie E. Casey Foundation, 10 Aug. 2023, www.aecf.org/blog/social-medias-concerning-effect-on-teen-mental-health. Accessed 19 May 2025.

Vogels, Emily A., et al. “Teens, Social Media and Technology 2022.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 10 Aug. 2022, www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/08/10/teens-social-media-and-technology-2022/. Accessed 19 May 2025.

“Young People and Gambling 2023: Official statistics” Gambling Commission, 16 Nov. 2023, www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/statistics-and-research/publication/young-people-and-gambling-2023. Accessed 19 May 2025.

4.13.2026