EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON YOUTH

M. Junaid Ahmed, Umar Farooq, Hafiz Abdul Rehman, Waqar Naeem

Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of Gujrat

19011587-031@uog.edu.pk

Abstract: The research aims at presenting the implications of social media on youth. Over the last
20 years, rapid progress has been made in order to make the world more globalized. From
education to healthcare, from sports to fashion and from online buying to better communication,
it has been benefited in almost all fields. The youth has been associated with social media and it
has opened innumerable ways of prosperity for them. The research analyzes the effectiveness of
this tool in numerous spheres and provides the output of those finding in complete depth.

Keywords: Social Media, Youth, Social Commerce, Internet, Health, Tourism

1. Introduction:
Social media can be defined as a digital way of communication. It involves interactions on different
scales. They can be through text messages, images, videos, or audio and video calls.

As 21st century started, a group of students from Harvard university designed a chatting website
named Facebook that was meant to be used amongst the students of the institution. But it got
popularized soon and hence became prevalent amongst the people of all ages. Since then, there
have been a bunch of platforms that offer similar services with some diversity and provide users
the way to be globalized.

With the advancement of technology and availability of gadgets at a large scale, the role of social
media has been increased. The platforms that earlier started from the chatting websites have now
expanded their heritages to many spheres and are helping the people according to their needs.
There are chatting applications that allow people to send messages in the form of text, there are
applications that allow the users to send photos and videos. There are applications that make users
able to have their live streams and hence get fan following, confidence and earn living.
The most common social media sites are the ones that provide people with the ability of being
socialized using text messages. In this regard, WhatsApp, Viber and messenger by Facebook are
the prominent ones that allow users to have their conversations going through rapid
communication modes. Secondly, there are sites that provide users with the chance to demonstrate
their inner skills to the world and this way, they can get followers and cheers from all over the
globe. Facebook, Twitter and WeChat are some of the instances that are jam-packed with the
talented individuals exhibiting their flair. Thirdly, there are platforms that are more famous
because of visual communication than text. Pictures, videos and illustrations provide in depth view
to the people. Instagram and snapchat are the two apps commonly used among the youth for
sharing pictures and letting people impressed by their content. Fourth are the sites that primarily
focus on video streaming and visual content. YouTube that was first developed by three youngsters
and later sold to Google has the front-running role in video streaming sites. It provides users to
view all the videos in a blink of an eye at any time. Furthermore, it makes them have their own
channels through which they can show the hidden skills to the viewers.

Social media can either be used for online buying and selling. Businesses can benefit from it.
Amazon, and Alibaba are the two prominent platforms that provide the people access to products
at a large scale and also have impressive facilities of delivering them to the buyers. To put it in a
nutshell, social media is being used in almost all spheres of life today. Its roots have expanded and
have provided people with a digital world full of impressive features. All these sites are extensively
used by the youngsters. Talent gets promoted, creativity gets encouraged and this way, skillful
youth is having their careers developed through these platforms.

2. Literature Review:
Social media is widely used by the adolescence and youth. Starting from Facebook in 2003, it has
seen massive increase in its users who choose it for diverse purposes. It provides them with the
chances of showcasing their hidden skills to the world. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube,
Snapchat, and Tumbler all offer far reaching prospects to observe and choose them according to
their interest. From getting salaried to running businesses, from relishing impressive content to
presenting inner skills, from reading books, novels and interesting content to staying updated with
the happening events, it benefits each of its users in the best desired way. Where social media has
comprehensive and far-reaching impacts on youth, it is also being used in negative means. From
cyber bullying to online crimes and from hacking to data breaches, it also has some deleterious
impacts. (Akram & Kumar, 2017)

In modern time, social media has been used by young students during their studies. It enables them
to grasp different kinds of information from diverse sources. Students use it for enhancing their
knowledge and to understand the concealed secrets. Through several blogging sites, students also
polish their skills and showcase their potential by posting attractive content and hence, prove their
worth. Social media is not just fun, it enables youngsters to form collaborations with others and
this way, they can enrich their potential. Moreover, it allows them to share files easily that could
contain books, articles and informative videos. (Siddiqui & Singh, 2016)

On the contrary, social media is also affecting the youngsters in negative means. Ohio State
University’s research states that students who used social media in their study hours had lesser
grades than those who did not involve themselves in these activities. Furthermore, extensive and
unbalanced use of social media sites also leads to mental and psychological stress and this way, it
affects their learning and understanding skills. To be more precise, there are examples where
youngsters tangled themselves in online delinquencies just because of lack of knowledge and
information. Those who indulge in activities that are considered wicked by humanity are a big
threat not only for the person whom they are harassing, but also for themselves. (S, Kumar, &
Kumar, 2019)

There is also a need for parents to keep an eye on the activities of their children and teens. As
social media allows liberty to its users, there are suspicions that they might indulge themselves in
immoral or unlawful activities. For this, proper guidance and teaching is necessary and it should
be started from home. The motive of positivity could only be achieved if youngsters have the
understanding of good and bad. (Clinical Report—The Impact of Social Media on, 2011)

A number of youngsters comprises of those who are homeless, below the poverty line or
confronting with severe circumstances. For them, social media proves to be a blessing in disguise
and enables them in various ways to form their career in a positive environment. They are the ones
who go through the worst conditions including torture, harassment and violence, and social media
provides them the platform to raise their issues, shape their personalities and be prepared for a
successful future. (Rice & Barman, 2013)
Rise of online platforms has also granted a number of freedoms to the youngsters. They are free
to express their views regarding ongoing proceedings and can also criticize the ruthless policies of
government. hence, it promotes and protects democratic values and helps to shape a system based
on mutual understanding. It also keeps some checks and balances on these freedoms and stops
people from indulging in any unlawful debate or any proceeding that is against the sovereignty of
state. (Zeitel-Bank, 2014)

One of the shady deals of social media is unavailability of authenticity, trouble of diverse ideas,
increase in nudity and threat to moral conducts. If not looked properly, social media can prove to
be caustic for smooth run of societal system. Immoral and offensive content can lead to mental
stress and this way, it can affect many of the spheres of human life. Cybercrimes are another
negative outcome of this medium. (Shabir, Mahmood, & Safdar, 2014)

As the medium links the people from all parts of the world together, they exchange the good and
cherishing traditions and opt to apply them in their daily routines. In eastern portion, the youngsters
tend to follow the western styles of dressing and speaking. Gaze at the linguistics and you will be
amazed that youngsters from Asian continent try to adopt the Britain or American style of
speaking. All it happens because of Social media. Youngsters listen to the influencers of west and
effort to implement it. Same goes with the dressing and other domains of life. (Sawyer & Chen,
2012)

Looking at the pros of this global integrator, one can glean the rise in tourist activities across the
globe. Social media has benefited brands and tourist management companies to showcase their
enchanting sites to the people and get their attention towards them. This way, tourist activities
increase and revenue is generated, that helps to build a strong economy. There are countries such
as Singapore where a large number of GDP is managed by having tourist activities. Travelers who
have been on these delightful spots, share the beautiful scenes with their loved ones and urge more
people to visit those places. (Zeng, 2014)

On the other hand, the deal also encourages businesses to provide the best view of their products
to the tourists. In modern times, people look towards online markets and sellers and this proves to
be an appealing chance for businesses to sell their products. Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube all
can be integrated to get people’s attentions towards a specific brand. (Daniel Leung, 2013)
E commerce has also got a boost with the increment of social media’s influence. Online markets
such as Amazon, Alibaba and EBAY are getting more traffic by having advertisement on social
sites. Additionally, it also strengthens the system of online transactions and provides trustworthy
mechanism for smooth business administration. Some of the sites including Facebook are also
focusing on their own currency for the transactions taking place through them. (Linda, 2010)

Health of teens and youth is one of the major concerns in modern times and use of social sites on
a large scale also escalates it. Mental stress is dropping adolescents in dismal situation where they
found themselves in loneliness and disappear. Furthermore, excessive use also leads to
psychological pressure and disconnects the individual from outer world and hence stops him from
learning and acquiring new stuff. (Deborah Richards, 2015)

3. Research Methodology
In this research, we have used qualitative method of research in the form of questionnaire. The
research provides the selected people with the questionnaire that has to be filled. The questionnaire
has been utilized as Likert scale "strongly agreed, agreed, neutral, disagreed and strongly
disagreed". After collecting the primary data, we have used “SPSS” software (Statistical Package
for the Social Sciences) to measure its descriptive statistics. The selected people have been
categorized according to age and gender.

3.1. Sample Size

In this research, 151 people have been selected for the survey. In these 151 people, 56.3% are male
and remaining 43.7% are female respondents.

3.2. Data Collection Tool Questionnaire

In this research, we have designed a questionnaire and then created a form on google. We have
used fifteen (15) questions for this research. Due to the current situation of coronavirus, we were
not able to collect data from individuals by going in front of them. Then we have decided to spread
link of questionnaire “https://forms.gle/scKevjU1u6BynvNQ9” in people through WhatsApp and
Gmail instead of going outside in this pandemic. Later on, the collected data was analyzed by
software “SPSS 21” for data processing and calculation.
4. Results and Discussions
In results and discussions, we will discuss graphical analysis and statistical analysis of this
research. We have used software “SPSS” version 21 to draw graphs and frequencies table.

4.1. Graphical Analysis

In graphical analysis we have drawn two pie charts. First pie chart describes the ratio of
respondents’ gender and second pie chart related to use of social media.

4.1.1. Pie Chart

Table 1 Frequencies of Gender

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Percent
Male 85 56.3 56.3
Female 66 43.7 100.0
Total 151 100.0

Figure 1 Pie Chart of Gender

The graph shows that in this study total 151 people participated in which 85 are male respondents
and remaining 66 are female.

Table 2 Do you use social media?

Cumulative
Frequency Percent Percent
Yes 140 92.7 92.7
No 2 1.3 94.0

Occasionally 9 6.0 100.0

Total 151 100.0

Figure 2 Do you use social media?

The graph shows the result of the question related to use of social media. We can see that most of
the people uses social media. Among 151 people, 140 people use social media while 2 people said
they do not use social and the remaining 9 respondents occasionally use social media.
4.2. Statistical Analysis
In statistical analysis, we have analyzed collected data in software “SPSS 21” for processing and
calculation.

4.2.1. Descriptive Statistics

4.2.2. Frequencies

Table 3 Age

Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid 15.00 1 .7 .7
17.00 8 5.3 6.0
18.00 20 13.2 19.2
19.00 37 24.5 43.7
20.00 31 20.5 64.2
21.00 16 10.6 74.8
22.00 18 11.9 86.8
23.00 19 12.6 99.3
24.00 1 .7 100.0
Total 151 100.0

Interpretation:
The table shows that the youngsters having age 19 years are maximum (24.5%) in sample
population. While the people having age 20 years are 20.5% in sample population. The youngsters
having age between 18-23 years are maximum in sample population.

Table 4 Do you agree with the proclamation that social media

provides learning opportunities?

Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid SD 3 2.0 2.0
D 3 2.0 4.0
N 10 6.6 10.6
A 71 47.0 57.6
SA 64 42.4 100.0
Total 151 100.0

Interpretation:
The study shows that maximum people (47% agree and 42.4% are strongly agree) with the
proclamation that social media provides learning opportunities. Only 6.6% people did not answer
the question while 2% strongly disagreed and also 2% disagreed with that proclamation.
 Table 5 Does social media provide people with the chance to
show their hidden skills to the world?

Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid SD 3 2.0 2.0
D 3 2.0 4.0
N 9 6.0 9.9
A 81 53.6 63.6
SA 55 36.4 100.0
Total 151 100.0
Interpretation:
The study shows that maximum people are agree that social media provides them to show their
hidden skills to the world.

Table 6 People use social media for entertainment, do you agree?

Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid SD 4 2.6 2.6
D 5 3.3 6.0
N 16 10.6 16.6
A 81 53.6 70.2
SA 45 29.8 100.0
Total 151 100.0
Interpretation:
The study shows that maximum people are agree that mostly people use social media for
entertainment.

Table 7 Does social media help people to acquire a job?

Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid SD 4 2.6 2.6
D 11 7.3 9.9
N 17 11.3 21.2
A 92 60.9 82.1
SA 27 17.9 100.0
Total 151 100.0
Interpretation:
The study shows that maximum people are agree with the statement that social media help people
to acquire a job.
 Table 8 Excessive use of social media leads to mental
and psychological stress, is it right?

Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid SD 3 2.0 2.0
D 2 1.3 3.3
N 11 7.3 10.6
A 57 37.7 48.3
SA 78 51.7 100.0
Total 151 100.0
Interpretation:
The study shows that maximum people are agree that excessive use of social media leads to mental
and psychological stress.

Table 9 Is social media extensively used for having

communication with friends and families?

Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid SD 2 1.3 1.3
D 7 4.6 6.0
N 20 13.2 19.2
A 74 49.0 68.2
SA 48 31.8 100.0
Total 151 100.0
Interpretation:
The study shows that maximum people are agree that social media is extensively used for having
communication with friends and families.

Table 10 Social media helps brands to advertise their products

and get the public interested in them.

Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid SD 2 1.3 1.3
D 3 2.0 3.3
N 8 5.3 8.6
A 88 58.3 66.9
SA 50 33.1 100.0
Total 151 100.0
Interpretation:
The study shows that maximum people are agree that social media helps brands to advertise their
products and get the public interested in them.
 Table 11 People prefer to buy products after watching advertisements on social media.

Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid SD 2 1.3 1.3
D 5 3.3 4.6
N 42 27.8 32.5
A 85 56.3 88.7
SA 17 11.3 100.0
Total 151 100.0
Interpretation:
The study shows that 56.3% people agree and 11.3% are strongly agree with the statement that
mostly people prefer to buy products after watching advertisement on social media. While 27.8%
did not answer the question and 3.3% disagree and 1.3% strongly disagreed with the statement.

Table 12 Social media helps people to adopt the decent moral,

social and cultural values of other countries.

Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid SD 2 1.3 1.3
D 6 4.0 5.3
N 30 19.9 25.2
A 83 55.0 80.1
SA 30 19.9 100.0
Total 151 100.0
Interpretation:
The study shows that maximum people are agree with the question related to adopt the decent
moral, social and cultural values of other countries through social media. Only 4% people
disagreed and 1.3% strongly disagreed with the statement while 19.9% did not answer the question.

Table 13 Is social media making the world more globalized?

Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid SD 2 1.3 1.3
D 6 4.0 5.3
N 17 11.3 16.6
A 74 49.0 65.6
SA 52 34.4 100.0
Total 151 100.0
Interpretation:
The study shows that 49% people agree and 34.4% are strongly agree related to the question that
social media is making the world more globalized. Maximum people are agreed with this
statement. Only 4% people disagreed and 1.3% strongly disagreed with the statement while 11.3%
did not answer the question.
 Table 14 Is social media a source of spreading news speedily?

Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid SD 4 2.6 2.6
D 2 1.3 4.0
N 2 1.3 5.3
A 53 35.1 40.4
SA 90 59.6 100.0
Total 151 100.0
Interpretation:
The study shows that that maximum people in which 35.1% agreed and 59.6% are strongly agreed
related to the question that social media is a source of spreading news speedily.

Table 15 Do you think social media effects e-learning?

Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid SD 3 2.0 2.0
D 8 5.3 7.3
N 28 18.5 25.8
A 89 58.9 84.8
SA 23 15.2 100.0
Total 151 100.0
Interpretation:
The question related to effects of social media on e-learning, mostly people are agreed that social
media effects e-learning. Only 2% strongly disagreed and 5.3% disagree with question while
18.5% people did not answer the question.

Table 16 Social media is helping students during

pandemic to carry on their studies.

Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid SD 8 5.3 5.3
D 11 7.3 12.6
N 9 6.0 18.5
A 62 41.1 59.6
SA 61 40.4 100.0
Total 151 100.0
Interpretation:
The study shows that maximum people are agree that social is helping students during pandemic
to carry on their studies. Only 6% people did not answer the question. And 7.3% people disagreed
while 5.3% people strongly disagreed with question.
 Table 17 Is social media having negative impacts on your studies?

Frequency Percent Cumulative Percent

Valid SD 6 4.0 4.0
D 27 17.9 21.9
N 32 21.2 43.0
A 50 33.1 76.2
SA 36 23.8 100.0
Total 151 100.0
Interpretation:
The study shows that 33.1% people agreed and 23.8% people are strongly agreed with the question.
Only 4% strongly disagreed and 17.9% people are disagreed while 21.2% people did not answer
the question. It means maximum people are agree with the question. And social media is having
negative impacts on studies.

5. Conclusion
To conclude, social media benefits in both positive and negative means. It does not force an
individual to get addicted to a specific feature, brand or idea, but rather provides him with all the
things and lets him choose the desired one. Interest based content and preferred advertisement are
there to make people crazy about certain products. To put in a nutshell, social media retains the
flexibility and urges people to enhance it according to their taste.
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 Appendix
Survey Questionnaire
Name:
Age: Gender:
Sr. Questions SD D N A SA
No.
1 Do you use social media?
2 Do you agree with the proclamation that social media provides
learning opportunities?
3 Does social media provide people with the chance to show their
hidden skills to the world?
4 People use social media for entertainment, do you agree?
5 Does Social media help people to acquire a job?
6 Excessive use of social media leads to mental and psychological
stress, is it right?
7 Is Social media extensively used for having communication with
friends and families?
8 Social media helps brands to advertise their products and get the
public interested in them.
9 People prefer to buy products after watching advertisements on
social media.
10 Social media helps people to adopt the decent moral, social and
cultural values of other countries.
11 Is social media making the world more globalized?
12 Is social media a source of spreading news speedily?
13 Do you think social media effects e-learning?
14 Social media is helping students during pandemic to carry on
their studies.
15 Is social media having negative impacts on your studies?