Social Media, the Harsh Truth

Think about it. When was the last time you picked up your cell phone today? What did you do
when you checked it? I want you to take a second to open your phone and look at some of your
screen. Have you downloaded some of the popular apps such as Facebook, Instagram,
Snapchat, Twitter, or Tik Tok?

I know that most of the time when I pick up my phone, it is not because I have received an
exciting notification, but because I am bored and it’s a habit. When I open my phone, I find
myself aimlessly scrolling through Facebook or Instagram. Do you do the same? How much of
your free time is spent on your screen or scrolling through social media?

Social Media Epidemic Among Teens

Social media and technology addiction is a major issue among adults and children alike, but the
age group that is being affected most of all are teens. As a teenager, whenever I heard
someone bring up the topic of social media or cell phone addiction, I rolled my eyes and tuned
them out because I had convinced myself that I was above it all. I didn’t have an addiction, even
though I spent hours on my phone, and so I didn’t need to hear about it AGAIN. The fact is that
social media and smartphone usage are truly the cigarettes of today and the ones who are most
vulnerable are our teens— our children, siblings, family, neighbors and friends.

As of 2019, teens (ages 12-18) spent an average of 7 and ½ hours in front of a screen that
wasn’t used for school or homework. That’s almost a third of a day spent staring at a screen!
Among the most popular activities for teens on their phones was watching videos, playing
games, and scrolling or posting on social media.

So many teens search for validation, acceptance and popularity through posting pictures and
videos on their social media accounts. Social media can be a tool and a space for us to connect
and remain in touch with family, friends, peers and with smartphones we are able to have
instant and constant communication at our fingertips. However, researchers and professionals
are now warning that screen use among adolescents is linked to depression and suicide.

The Unfortunate Reality

Molly Russell was a 14-year-old girl who, to her parents and others, seemed happy and content.
She had an exciting and full life ahead of her. Unfortunately, Molly took her own life just days
before her birthday. Her parents knew that she used Instagram, but after she passed, they
looked through her account and found that she was following and looking at content that
promoted self-harm, depression, and glorified suicide. Her parents are convinced that
Instagram helped kill their daughter.

There are thousands of stories, like Molly’s, of teens and even tweens (ages 8-12) who have
attempted or completed self-harm or suicide because of bullying, trends, popularity, or mental
health problems that stem from social media. Our teens, with their hours of time on social
media, are feeling the need to compare themselves to others. They base their popularity and
worth on followers, friends, likes, shares, or streaks and unfortunately, it is a never-ending
rabbit hole that only leads to insecurity, sadness, self-harm and in some extreme cases, death.

A Hero and Advocate

A person cannot talk about teens combating social media without mentioning an advocate and
giant in the community. Collin Kartchner is a father and public-speaker whose campaign is
about raising awareness to the harmful effects social media and screen time have on our
children, especially our teenagers. As a crusader for good, he traveled around the country
speaking to parents, teens, tweens and professionals, sharing stories, experiences, data, and
understanding. He had a mission to #Savethekids and share the negative effects of social media
and how we can all turn it in to something that we can use for good. Collin tragically and
suddenly passed away of natural causes at the end of last year and many grieved his death, but
his legacy and beliefs live on and he continues to change and save lives.

A Call To Change

It might sound simple, but it is easier said than done. We need to put the phones down, delete
or limit our time on social media and focus on the people who are important and the now that
is happening in front of us. Parents can and need to be aware of the harmful effects of social
media and manage the time their children spend on their screens. They need to take their
children’s and teen’s phones away, put their own phones down, and spend quality time,
express love, and be engaged. Teens can recognize that social media can be a platform for good
and positivity. They can set limits to screen time and work to have more face-to-face
interactions. We can all make a difference and in the words of Collin Kartchner, “…change starts
small, with one or two voices that become five or six”.