Ethan Riffle

English 2

Ms. Lowe

December 5 2019

Teenage Loneliness

Teens of modern america are affected by many problems inflicted by society such as, Drug

abuse, Racism, sexism, xenophobia, and many more but I believe the most important problem

affecting the kids of america is loneliness. While loneliness doesn't seem like the most serious

problem affecting the teens of america, teen loneliness is a problem that's been in modern

america that is finally getting the attention it deserves. The reason I think teen loneliness the

most serious problem affecting the kids of america is because it seems to be influenced the most

by society.

Loneliness influences teens to stay inside and never meet new people, or exercise or do anything

except do nothing in their rooms. Teen Loneliness is a serious problem because its a toxic

lifestyle that sticks with people their whole lives and can drive them into manic deppresion,

obesity, and in the worst cases suicide. Many parts of society influence this behavior in teens. I

feel like social media is the main influence for teen loneliness, according to Kristen Rodgers

article from CNN “ US teens spend an average of more than seven hours per day on screen

media for entertainment.” This shows us how big of an influence social apps like snapchat,

instagram, twitter, and facebook have over the teens of america, and how they can shape teenage

minds into thinking there not good enough when comparing themselves to these rich beautiful
people. Or they get so caught up in these people's lives that they forget to live their own lives.

Another influence on teen loneliness is politics and segregation. Segregation mainly affects teen

minorities but it's still a major part in why teen loneliness/ depression is so high in modern

america. Other social problems also influence teen loneliness like for example depression can

influence you to take drugs like cocaine and meth and live a toxic lifestyle. Depression has been

on an increase through the years from 30% in 2012, to 38% in 2017 according to O'Donnell,

Jayne. “Teens Aren't Socializing in the Real World. And That's Making Them Super Lonely.”

USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 20 Mar. 2019,

www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2019/03/20/teen-loneliness-social-media-cell-phones-suici

de-isolation-gaming-cigna/3208845002/. I believe that depression rates wont stop rising until we

do something about it, and I believe there are a few solutions to depression in teens.

Solution number one is brought up by Ehmke, Rachel, and Child Mind Institute. “How Using

Social Media Affects Teenagers”Child Mind

Institute,childmind.org/article/how-using-social-media-affects-teenagers/. This solution is to

limit the amount of time we use on our phones this could help the teens of america because

without social media they could be doing things like going outside, working out, meeting friends,

and getting they help they need. The article also brings up that parents should spend more time

with their kids so that their kids don't feel ignored. The second solution I want to bring up is by

Gallagher, Michelle, et al. “Social Anxiety Symptoms and Suicidal Ideation in a Clinical Sample

of Early Adolescents: Examining Loneliness and Social Support as Longitudinal Mediators.”

SpringerLink, Springer US, 5 Jan. 2014, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10802-013-9844-7.

This solution tells doctors and family members to watch out for symptoms of anxiety and

depression. So that kids that are suffering from intense anxiety and depression can get the help

they need. This solution is a lot more direct than the first solution and I believe it to be a much

more effective solution, because it forces teens to get professional help from doctors and family

members. This solution also lets parents get closer to their children which is very important for a

growing teen.

So overall I feel like that teenage loneliness/ depression is a epidemic that is affecting all teens,

no matter what race or sex you are. I belive that it is a direct link to suicide rates and it wont stop

growing unless we do something about the deppresion epidemic in america. I also believe that

there are a few solutions to this epidemic. I think that the best solution is to get people suffering

from intense anxiety and depression medical and professional help. So that we can create a better

future for america.

Citations:

Ehmke, Rachel, and Child Mind Institute. “How Using Social Media Affects Teenagers”​Child

Mind Institute​,childmind.org/article/how-using-social-media-affects-teenagers/. This article talks

about the issue of loneliness and how wide of an influence social media has on teen loneliness.

Gallagher, Michelle, et al. “Social Anxiety Symptoms and Suicidal Ideation in a Clinical Sample

of Early Adolescents: Examining Loneliness and Social Support as Longitudinal Mediators.”

SpringerLink, Springer US, 5 Jan. 2014, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10802-013-9844-7.

O'Donnell, Jayne. “Teens Aren't Socializing in the Real World. And That's Making Them Super

Lonely.” ​USA Today​, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 20 Mar. 2019,

www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2019/03/20/teen-loneliness-social-media-cell-phones-suici

de-isolation-gaming-cigna/3208845002/​.