The Influence of Social Media on Teenagers

By:
Prince Jhiro Santiago

This study aims to explore how social media influences teenagers, both positively and negatively. On one
hand, social media provides opportunities for learning, global connectivity, and creative expression. On
the other hand, excessive use can lead to issues such as cyberbullying, low self-esteem, addiction, and
mental health challenges. Understanding these effects is essential for parents, educators, and policymakers
to help guide teenagers toward healthy social media habits.

By analyzing these specific effects, this study aims to provide insights into how social media shapes
teenage experiences. The findings will help parents, educators, and policymakers develop strategies to
promote responsible social media usage and minimize its negative impacts.

Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

This study is grounded in several theories that explain the influence of social media on teenagers:

1. Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1977)

This theory suggests that individuals learn behaviors, attitudes, and emotional responses through
observation and interaction with others. Teenagers are exposed to various social media content that can
shape their self-perception, behaviors, and decision-making. Positive role models can encourage healthy
habits, while exposure to negative influences, such as cyberbullying or unrealistic beauty standards, can
have detrimental effects.

2. Uses and Gratifications Theory (Blumler & Katz, 1974)

This theory explains why and how people use media to satisfy their needs. Teenagers may turn to social
media for entertainment, social interaction, self-expression, or information. Understanding these
motivations helps in identifying both the benefits and risks associated with social media use.

3. The Cultivation Theory (Gerbner & Gross, 1976)

This theory states that prolonged exposure to media content can shape individuals' perceptions of reality.
For teenagers, continuous engagement with social media can influence their views on relationships,
self-worth, and societal norms, sometimes leading to unrealistic expectations and comparisons.
4. Theories of Digital Addiction (Griffiths, 1995)

This framework explores how excessive social media use can lead to compulsive behaviors similar to
addiction. Social media platforms are designed to maximize engagement, and some teenagers may
struggle with overuse, leading to negative consequences such as anxiety, sleep deprivation, and reduced
academic performance.

Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework of this study illustrates the relationship between social media usage and its
effects on teenagers.

Independent Variable:

Social Media Usage (Time spent, platforms used, purpose of use)

Peer Influence
Educational Awareness
Individual Psychological Traits
Dependent Variables (Effects on Teenagers):

1. Positive Effects:
Enhanced Learning Opportunities
Increased Connectivity & Communication
Creative Expression
Awareness of Social Issues

2. Negative Effects:
Cyberbullying
Social Comparison & Low Self-Esteem
Mental Health Challenges (Anxiety, Depression)
Addiction & Sleep Disruptions

Statement of the Problem (SOP)

Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following questions:

1.​ What are the most commonly used social media platforms among teenagers, and how frequently
do they use them?
2.​ What are the primary reasons teenagers engage with social media (e.g., education, entertainment,
socialization, self-expression)?
3.​ What are the positive effects of social media on teenagers, particularly in terms of learning,
creativity, and global connectivity?
4.​ What are the negative effects of social media on teenagers, including cyberbullying, social
comparison, mental health issues, and addiction?
5.​ How do external factors such as parental guidance, peer influence, and educational awareness
shape teenagers' social media experiences?

Significance of the Study

This study on the influence of social media on teenagers is significant for various stakeholders, as it
provides insights into both its benefits and risks. Understanding these impacts can help develop strategies
for responsible and balanced social media use.

1. Teenagers – This study will help teenagers become more aware of the effects of social media on their
mental health, self-esteem, and social interactions. It can guide them in making informed choices about
their online behavior and screen time management.

2. Parents and Guardians – The findings will assist parents in understanding how social media affects
their children, allowing them to implement appropriate guidance and monitoring strategies to promote
healthy digital habits.

3. Educators and Schools – Teachers and school administrators can use the study’s insights to incorporate
digital literacy programs, helping students navigate social media responsibly while maximizing its
educational benefits.
4. Policymakers and Government Agencies – The research will provide data to help policymakers create
regulations and initiatives aimed at protecting teenagers from cyber risks such as cyberbullying, privacy
breaches, and digital addiction.

5. Mental Health Professionals – Psychologists, counselors, and mental health advocates can use this
study to understand the relationship between social media and teenage mental health, developing
interventions to address related challenges.

6. Researchers and Academics – Future researchers can use this study as a reference for further
exploration of digital media’s evolving role in adolescent development.

Hypothesis of the Study

This study examines the influence of social media on teenagers, considering both its positive and negative
effects. The hypotheses formulated for this research are as follows:

Null Hypothesis (H₀):

There is no significant relationship between social media usage and the behavioral, emotional, and
psychological well-being of teenagers.

Alternative Hypotheses (H₁):

1. H₁₁: Social media usage has a significant positive impact on teenagers by enhancing learning
opportunities, creativity, and global connectivity.

2. H₁₂: Excessive social media usage negatively affects teenagers by contributing to cyberbullying, low
self-esteem, and mental health issues.

3. H₁₃: The level of parental guidance and peer influence significantly affects how teenagers experience
social media

4. H₁₄: Teenagers who spend more time on social media are more likely to experience digital addiction
and disrupted sleep patterns.
Scope and Delimitations of the Study

Scope

This study focuses on analyzing the influence of social media on teenagers, examining both its positive
and negative effects. It covers key areas such as:

1. Social Media Usage – Identifying the most commonly used platforms, frequency of use, and primary
purposes (e.g., education, entertainment, socialization).

2. Positive Effects – Exploring how social media enhances learning, creativity, self-expression, and global
connectivity.

3. Negative Effects – Investigating issues such as cyberbullying, social comparison, mental health
challenges, addiction, and sleep disturbances.

4. External Influences – Examining the role of parental guidance, peer influence, and educational
awareness in shaping teenagers’ social media experiences.

5. Target Population – The study focuses on teenagers aged 13–19, as they are the most active
demographic on social media.

Delimitations

To maintain the study's focus and feasibility, certain limitations are set:

1. Geographical Scope – The study is limited to a specific location (e.g., a particular school, city, or
country) and does not represent all teenagers worldwide.

2. Age Group – Only teenagers (13–19 years old) are included, excluding younger children and adults.

3. Data Collection Method – The study relies on surveys, interviews, or questionnaires, which may be
subject to self-reporting bias.

4. Social Media Platforms – The research will primarily analyze popular platforms among teenagers, such
as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Snapchat, excluding less commonly used ones.

5. Time Frame – The study covers social media trends and effects within a specific period, which may not
account for future changes in platform usage and digital behaviors.

Definition of Terms

To ensure clarity and consistency in this study, the following key terms are defined:

1.​ Social Media – Online platforms that allow users to create, share, and interact with content,
including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Snapchat.​
2.​ Teenagers – Individuals aged 13 to 19 who are in the adolescent stage of development and are
the primary focus of this study.​

3.​ Cyberbullying – The use of digital communication, such as social media, to harass, intimidate, or
harm others. This includes spreading rumors, sending threats, and online shaming.​

4.​ Social Comparison – The tendency of individuals to compare themselves with others based on
the content they see on social media, which can impact self-esteem and mental health.​

5.​ Mental Health Issues – Psychological challenges such as anxiety, depression, and stress that may
arise from excessive social media use or negative online interactions.​

6.​ Digital Addiction – A compulsive dependence on social media that interferes with daily
activities, relationships, and responsibilities, leading to excessive screen time.​

7.​ Parental Guidance – The supervision, regulation, and support provided by parents or guardians
to help teenagers use social media responsibly.​

8.​ Peer Influence – The impact that friends and social groups have on a teenager’s behavior,
attitudes, and decisions regarding social media usage.​

9.​ Self-Expression – The ability of teenagers to share their thoughts, emotions, and creativity
through social media platforms, including posts, videos, and artwork.​

10.​Screen Time – The amount of time spent using digital devices, particularly on social media
platforms, which can affect physical and mental well-being.​