Top 10 Negative Effects of Facebook on Teens

Young teenagers spend a lot of time browsing the network, particularly Facebook, as they find it the best form of communication mode. The most popular networking mode is, undoubtedly, Facebook, apart from Twitter. It is fun to use Facebook and Twitter, but there are negative influences if one spends too much time on them.

Social media is becoming popular, and even official communication is carried out on them. Yet, over-usage of any media does have its impact, both positive and negative.

Before observing the adverse effects of Facebook, let us have a cursory look at its positive effects of Facebook.

List of key statistics about the negative effects of Facebook on teens

• Decline in Usage: Teen usage of Facebook dropped from 71% in 2014-2015 to 33% recently, with only 19% using it daily[source][source].
• Risk of Depression: Young adults using social media are three times more likely to suffer from depression [source].
• Social Media Addiction: Teens experience addiction-like dopamine release when using social media [source].
• Academic Performance: 67.2% of university students were addicted to Facebook, negatively impacting their academic performance [source].
• Anxiety and Depression: Facebook addiction is positively related to anxiety and depression symptoms among students [source].

10 Negative effects of Facebook on Teens

1. Isolation

One can suffer from isolation as one tends to be glued to the computer, move out of the house, and meet people. Regular socializing, which is interacting with people, is also essential. A shy child might prefer to communicate only through Facebook only and otherwise.

2. Putting on weight

One may put on weight also as one will sit in front of the computer for a long time and eat. Naturally, one will not have many exercises and suffer from obesity.

3. Abnormal symptoms

Surfing Facebook does show abnormal symptoms among many teenagers, such as depression, excessive aggression, abnormal anxiety, or even normal anxiety. Those suffering from social anxiety tend to immerse themselves in front of Facebook. Teenagers usually have emotional problems and are very conscious of their self-image, bodies, and looks. If, socially, they feel inferior, they tend to avoid social interactions. They would like to spend hours sitting writing for Facebook.

4. Bad for the eyes

Too much exposure to the computer is harmful for the eyes. Teenagers must go out, spend time in outdoor activities, and relish the fresh air rather than remain glued to the computer.

5. Communication with strangers

On Facebook communication, one might end up building relationships with strangers, who can also turn out to be criminals. Teenagers are vulnerable and are easily susceptible to outside influences. Their lifestyles are changing, and they want to build up relationships with people who are very hi-fi in their outlook. In this process, they try to communicate with strangers who may be very harmful to them.

6. Lacks emotional connection

There is a lack of emotional connectivity since one does not meet the other person. Feelings, when shared in person, have more impact than on Facebook. The feelings of care and warmth are there when the communication is face-to-face. There is a decrease in face-to-face communication. Face-to-face communication helps better messaging.

7. Promotes laziness

Sitting in front of the computer and browsing through Facebook can lead to laziness. It is a sheer waste of time.

8. Causes distractions

Browsing Facebook does distract one’s mind from many other activities. One can be involved in constructive activities that keep one’s mind healthy. Merely spending hours on Facebook and conversing via it is not healthy.

9. Lack of body language communication

Body language conveys a lot. In Facebook browsing, there is nobody language communication as one does not interact with another person.

10. Unhealthy sex approach

On Facebook, one tends to communicate about unhealthy sexual practices. There is no healthy sexual interaction as one is not meeting each other physically. Merely communicating via Facebook can be detrimental to one’s overall self-image and mental growth. Corrupt practices can be discussed, or the person on the other side may be a pervert and wants to communicate sexually. Later on, he or she may take undue advantage of the person’s weaknesses and try to meet the person.

Positive effects of Facebook

1. Improvements in moods

As one can communicate with far-off friends. By being in touch with friends, one feels good. Mood uplifts, and one feels close to one’s loved ones.

2. Shyness goes away

Many teenagers go through a phase when they do not want to interact with others. Browsing Facebook helps them communicate with others without interaction. Perhaps, the interaction can be after a relationship has developed so that the comfort levels are high when they meet each other. It is a good forum for shy children to socialize.

3. Permits one to develop self-identity

Facebook is a ground for face-to-face communication, which improves self-identity. One can improve one’s communication skills and also relate better to people.

It is natural that Facebook can have a positive effect as well as a negative effect. One must be careful of the negative impact of Facebook.