Social media can significantly impact loneliness and isolation in teens. It does provide a platform for connection, but it can make feelings of isolation worse. Teens compare their lives to the lives they learn about on social media, and this can cause feelings of inadequacy. The relationships that develop online are not genuine relationships. Social media makes teens feel as if they are missing out on something, and this makes them lonelier. These teens need face-to-face interactions.
Negative Effects of Social Media on Loneliness
- Teens may compare their “real lives” to the perfect lives of others, and they feel inadequate.
- Teens have a fear of missing out. They see peers post about social events, activities, or gatherings that they are not part of, and they feel left out, isolated and not connected.
- Social media interactions are less personal and meaningful. These connections may not provide them with emotional support.
- Social media can lead to cyberbullying which leads to loneliness and anxiety. Teens can feel socially rejected leading to emotional stress.
How to Combat loneliness and build connections among the youth you work with.
Combating loneliness and isolation in teens requires those working with these youth to provide emotional support, promoting healthy habits and providing opportunities for teens to express themselves and feel value. You can help them develop skills and resilience needed to build self-worth.
ARISE Online Life Skills Facilitator Training teaches staff how to engage the group in interactive group discussions where the youth truly learn about each other and begin to see what they have in common with one another. These lessons increase group participation and improve the communication skills of the youth. When youth know how to communicate in a positive way, they build real friendships with real people that they see daily. The training stresses that each youth has something to contribute, and they are valued.
Order any ARISE life skills lessons for any age youth you work with and take the ARISE Online Life Skills Facilitator Training and you will be helping the youth combat the problem of loneliness and isolation caused by social media.