In the past several decades there has been an exponential advancement of technology (e.g. personal use computers, wireless devices, etc.) including the widespread ease and accessibility to the Internet. It is highly common for young people to not only have cell phones and easy access to the Internet, but also their own email address, social media pages, personal social media handles, and more. It is common knowledge that teenagers are greatly influenced by their surroundings. While for centuries, this meant literal exposure physical surroundings nowadays this too must include exposure to virtual surroundings as well. Social media is an incredible tool. It can facilitate connections between people that are not in the same geographical location, disperse information; act as forum for marketing, and more. There are a variety of social media platforms some of which include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. A report published by Common Sense Media found that seventy-five percent of American teenagers have social media profiles. Regardless of the platform used, the exposure to societal norms via social media significantly impact teenagers.
The teenage brain is not yet fully developed. A teenager relies heavily on the amygdala (the area of the brain associated with impulses, emotions, aggression and instinctive behavior) when reacting to certain stimuli whereas an adult relies on the prefrontal cortex (the area of the brain that is involved in planning, self-control, and decision making) when reacting to the same stimuli. Hence, teenagers instinctively react emotionally to external stimuli, as this region of the brain is particularly sensitive during the adolescent years. The excitement and instant gratification that accompanies being active on social media (i.e. posting a photo and watching the number of likes increase), for some, could lead to an unhealthy, increasing desire, and/ or obsession with continuously maintaining an online presence.
Every teenager is different and will process and integrate the information he or she is exposed to via social media distinctly. While social media networking can expand a teenager’s social connections, it can also have an effect on a teen’s mental health. The Child Mind Institute asserts that excessive exposure to social media promotes anxiety, depression, and lowered self-esteem in teenagers. Additional examples of the reported effects of social media on teenagers could include any combination of the following:
Spending time on social media can help teenagers learn valuable technical skills. However, most teenagers are unable to effectively regulate their screen time. Hence, it can be very easy for teenagers to get sucked in social media and spend hours scrolling through various social media platforms.
Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know is in need of mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person for the long term. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Our admissions team is available to answer any general questions regarding mental health issues, treatment, and/or specific questions about the program at Pacific Teen Treatment and how we might be able to help your family. We can be reached by phone 24/7 at 800-531-5769. You can also contact us via email at info@pacifictrtc.com or through our contact form.
PTT provides treatment for the contemporary issues facing teenagers in today’s world utilizing a family focused and collaborative approach providing individualized care for teens and their families. Licensed by the State of California, Community Care Licensing Division #198209636
At a time when most residential programs are affiliated with large healthcare corporations or backed by private equity, Pacific Teen Treatment is proudly a private, family-owned operation.
