Sapna Trivedi, a diligent Class 12 student from India, dedicates a significant chunk of her day, at least three hours, to scrolling through Instagram, fully aware of the multiple pitfalls associated with the platform. “I waste my time using it,” she candidly admits, emphasizing the platform’s deeply addictive nature that often ensnares users, especially the youth, into a cycle of endless content consumption.
Abhinav Sharma, an Australia-based dentist and concerned father of an 11-year-old daughter, has joined the conversation surrounding social media, noting that it has fostered a landscape of unhealthy competition among children. His observations highlight the growing anxiety that platforms like Instagram and YouTube incite among young users, as they grapple with unrealistic standards set by peers and influencers alike.
The ongoing discourse surrounding the dual-edged sword of social media has reignited fervent debates, especially with the Australian government’s recent initiative to implement a groundbreaking legislation that seeks to ban social media access for children under the age of 16. This announcement has led to a renewed scrutiny of the implications of social media usage among minors globally.
As sentiments run high in India, many parents advocate for enforcing a similar ban, while a faction of content creators argues that education and counselling might yield more fruitful outcomes for young digital users. “Once teenagers get addicted, it creates distractions and they waste most of their time on social media, which also affects their mental health,” remarks Trivedi, reflecting on the pervasive distractions that often overshadow academics and personal growth.
Critics of social media platforms argue that ubiquitous services like Instagram, YouTube, and X are inherently addictive, shaping children’s decision-making processes, self-perception, and time management skills. They also warn of the dark side of these platforms, exposing kids to potential cyberbullying and other harmful interactions.
Hema Natarajan, a dedicated teacher and mother of two 16-year-old girls, laments that children today have increasingly “stopped thinking or making decisions on their own,” succumbing instead to external influences. “It’s always another person’s opinion that is followed,” she observes, pointing out a concerning trend in communication skills that have deteriorated dramatically among the younger generation.
Having witnessed the evolving dynamics of teenage self-identity, Lakshmi Satish, another teacher and mother of two teenage girls, argues that even emotionally mature children can feel a sense of inadequacy when exposed to the seemingly perfect lives often portrayed on social media. “Their identity is all about who liked my story, who commented, who forwarded,” she explains, shedding light on the obsessive cycle of validation that many young users experience.
Satish further elaborates on the adverse impacts that social media can have on mental well-being, stating, “Children are bullied, leading to low self-esteem… It is absolutely distractive and often destructive.” She emphasizes the troubling trend where children without social media accounts by the age of 6 may be unfairly perceived as “uncool,” echoing the pressure that such platforms exert on young lives.
With a sense of foreboding, Sharma remarks that social media has nurtured an atmosphere of unhealthy competition among children, focusing heavily on garnering likes and views rather than engaging in genuine personal growth. “Instead of positive competition in sports and educational activities, there is serious competition among kids for the number of likes and views on their social media posts,” he elaborates, stressing the detrimental shifts in children’s values.
The influence of content creators in shaping young minds cannot be understated, as these influencers market an aspirational lifestyle that often leads to consumerism among their followers. “This is a new and easy way of marketing adopted by companies,” Sharma critiques, revealing the pressure children feel to conform to market trends perpetuated by their favorite personalities.
On the other end, some educators like Ghaziabad’s Pooja Verma advocate for a balanced approach towards children’s engagement with social media. While she holds reservations about the short video content on platforms such as Instagram and YouTube, she acknowledges the educational benefits derived from platforms offering academic tutorials. “Even though I am not in favour of Instagram, I believe that the science and maths tutorials on YouTube have significantly aided my daughter,” she notes, showcasing the potential for positive aspects to emerge amidst the chaos of social media usage.
Despite her concerns, Verma emphasizes the utilitarian advantages of YouTube for her family’s learning, particularly for her 13-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son, who use the platform to enjoy stories while traveling. Her approach reflects a growing belief that with careful guidance, children can harness educational benefits from social media while navigating its pitfalls with prudence.
Meanwhile, influencers, known for producing short vertical videos on popular trends, continually strive to expand their follower base while capitalizing on monetization opportunities across platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X. These creators can blur the line between entertainment and advertisement for young, impressionable viewers.
In a perspective that diverges from the ban proponents, journalist and content creator Arun Singh, popularly known as “Jhumroo,” offers a counter-narrative, arguing against outright prohibitions. “I don’t think banning anything ever helps,” he asserts. Singh believes that instead of fostering rebellion among teens, constructive channels of engagement with social media should be developed.
He advocates for a balanced approach, akin to the principles of sex education, wherein teens are guided rather than restricted. “You cannot stop them from being attracted to the opposite gender…what you can do is counsel them well,” he states, underscoring the importance of education and awareness in navigating the complexities of the digital landscape.
**Interview with Sapna Trivedi and Abhinav Sharma on the Impact of Social Media on Youth**
**Interviewer**: Today, we have an enlightening discussion about the multifaceted effects of social media on children and adolescents. Joining us are Sapna Trivedi, a diligent Class 12 student from India, and Abhinav Sharma, a concerned father and dentist from Australia. Thank you both for being here.
**Sapna**, let’s start with you. You mention spending at least three hours a day on Instagram despite knowing its pitfalls. Can you share how this affects your daily life and studies?
**Sapna Trivedi**: Honestly, I often feel guilty about the time I spend on Instagram. It’s addictive, and I find myself continuously scrolling through content that isn’t really enriching. I know it distracts me from my studies and personal growth. Sometimes, I end up procrastinating instead of focusing on my homework.
**Interviewer**: That’s a common struggle, Sapna. **Abhinav**, as a father, you’ve observed the intense competition social media incites among children. Can you elaborate on how you’ve seen it affect your daughter and her peers?
**Abhinav Sharma**: Absolutely. I see my daughter feeling anxious about how she compares to her friends. They’re constantly bombarded with seemingly perfect images and lives through platforms like Instagram and YouTube. It creates an unhealthy competition where the number of likes and followers becomes more important than genuine accomplishments. I believe this pressure affects their mental well-being.
**Interviewer**: It’s concerning to hear that. Sapna, you’ve also observed changes in peer relationships due to social media. How do you think it affects young people’s self-perception?
**Sapna Trivedi**: Social media can lead to a warped sense of self. For many, their self-worth is tied to social media validation—who liked their post or commented. It’s exhausting, and it contributes to feelings of inadequacy, especially when we compare ourselves to influencer lifestyles that are often unrealistic.
**Interviewer**: Indeed, that cycle of validation can be destructive. **Lakshmi Satish**, another educator, mentioned that children today often follow trends without critical thinking. What are your thoughts on this lack of independent decision-making?
**Abhinav Sharma**: I completely agree. It seems that many children are influenced more by external opinions rather than forming their own. This reliance on social media for validation can stifle their critical thinking and personal growth, leading them to follow trends without questioning them.
**Interviewer**: Sapna, could education or parent guidance provide a way to mitigate these issues, as some argue?
**Sapna Trivedi**: Yes, I believe education and open conversations about social media can help. If parents and teachers can guide us to understand the impact of our online activities, it might foster healthier relationships with technology. But right now, there’s a strong need for both education and regulation.
**Interviewer**: That’s an important point, Sapna. **Abhinav**, with the Australian government considering a ban on social media for children under 16, do you support such initiatives?
**Abhinav Sharma**: I think it’s a step in the right direction. A ban could protect children from the negative impacts of social media, but it’s crucial we also focus on educating them about the potential dangers they face online. Moderation, guidance, and encouraging real-life interactions should go hand in hand with any legislative action.
**Interviewer**: Thank you both for sharing your insights. It’s clear that while social media offers certain benefits, the risks it poses to youth and children cannot be ignored. It’s a complex issue that requires a balanced approach from parents, educators, and policymakers alike.