The youth culture has been brainwashed into what is deemed acceptable in todays society, 'Teens are so emotionally invested in social media that a fifth will wake up at night and log on'  Although social media allows youth to communicate with friends and family, it has transformed us into anti-social beings. Cyberspace has invaded our minds presenting us with a virtual world, in which we are limited , told what to do and presented with representations about what is eligible and trendy. It could be said that the social media has conditioned the minds of youths to accept this platform into our norms.

 

Due to this, youths are perceivably deprived of the opportunity of experiencing the actual world for themselves, interacting with real life people and getting genuine reactions.  A major problem with the use of social media by youth is how we strive to find consent and approval online by constantly updating profiles to enhance our virtual profile.

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Social media networks provide opportunities for youths to escape from reality and express themselves elsewhere. Due to this, youths would rather play online games while depressed, than engage in a conversation with friends and family. People can be led away from in-person encounters by the internet 

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“I think social media have a positive effect because it lets you talk to family members far away.” (Girl, age 14)

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“[Social media] allows us to communicate freely and see what everyone else is doing. [It] gives us a voice that can reach many people.” (Boy, age 15)

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“People can say whatever they want with anonymity and I think that has a negative impact.” (Boy, age 15)

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“It has a negative impact on social (in-person) interactions.” (Boy, age 17)

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“It provides a fake image of someone’s life. It sometimes makes me feel that their life is perfect when it is not.” (Girl, age 15)