PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Social media can be both a blessing and a curse.
On one hand, it helps teens connect with others who share their interests and establish their identities. On the other hand, it poses significant risks.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a neurosurgeon and host of the Chasing Life podcast, points out that teenagers have grown up with social media as an integral part of their lives. For many, it defines their entire world.
Gupta explains that teen brains are still developing, particularly areas responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and judgment.
“This makes teens more susceptible to seeking instant gratification and spending more time on social media,” said Gupta.
Gupta says the social media platforms are designed to captivate users, including adults, with algorithms that continually feed engaging content, encouraging endless scrolling.
To help keep teens safe, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Hallegere Murthy advises parents to establish a family media plan.
This plan should include setting healthy technology boundaries, creating tech-free zones to promote in-person interactions, modeling responsible social media behavior, and educating children about the risks and benefits of various apps.
Additionally, parents should explain reporting options for cyberbullying, online abuse and exploitation.
“Living without social media doesn’t seem plausible nowadays, but living with it in a healthy way seems to be something we can all seem to do,” said Gupta.
The concern about social media overuse by teens even prompted Murthy to urge congress to require warning labels on apps, citing the threat social media poses to children.