Using social media can often become a risk for adolescents even more than adults realize.
Cyberbullying refers to using digital media to communicate false, embarrassing or hostile information about another person and it is the most common risk for all teens (Lenhart, 2007). Cyberbullying can happen to anyone and often causes psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, isolation and even suicide (Hinduja & Patchin, 2010).
20% of teens have sent or posted nude or semi-nude photos or videos of themselves online (National Campaign to Treat and Prevent Unplanned Pregnancy, 2008). This phenomenon is known as sexting. Many such images or videos get distributed rapidly online and can incur felony child pornography charges as well as school suspensions and emotional distress for the victims (Lenhart, 2009).
‘Facebook depression’ is a new term that refers to depression that develops as a result of children and teens spending a lot of time on social media sites and begin to experience depression as a result. When teens compare themselves to photos of others and the illusion of others’ better lives, they can experience decreased self-esteem and depression. Depression, in turn, puts these children at risk for social isolation and seeking help from risky online websites and blogs that may promote unhealthy coping mechanisms including substance use, unsafe sex, or self-destructive behaviors.
Many children and adolescents do not understand the fact that everything they do online leaves a ‘digital footprint’. This can hurt their future reputation, hurt their job or college application and follow them forever.
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