HEALTH

Navigating Social Media's Ups and Downs for Teens Post-Pandemic

Fri Aug 15 2025

A Lifeline with Challenges

Teens have been glued to social media more than ever since the pandemic. It's been a lifeline for many, especially those who feel left out or need help. But it's not all good news. Social media can also be a source of stress, anxiety, and even bullying.

The Pandemic's Role

The pandemic made things worse. It pushed teens online for school, fun, and staying in touch. But not everyone had the same experience. Those with fewer resources faced bigger challenges, like not having access to good internet or devices. This digital divide made things unfair.

What Can Be Done?

Everyone has a role to play:

  • Parents and Teachers: Help teens use social media safely.
  • Tech Companies: Ensure their platforms are safe for young people.
  • Doctors: Check on teens' social media use as part of their health care.
  • Governments: Make rules that protect teens online.

The Bigger Picture

It's not just about fixing problems. It's about making social media a better place for teens. This is important for their mental health and well-being. If we don't act now, we could see a whole generation struggling with these issues. We need to make sure everyone has a fair chance in the digital world.

questions

    What if the 'like' button was replaced with a 'this might give you anxiety' button?
    Could the increased use of social media among adolescents be a deliberate strategy by tech companies to create a more dependent and vulnerable generation?
    What empirical evidence supports the claim that social media is a lifeline for marginalized teens, and how can this evidence be used to inform policy decisions?

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