Adolescence – A tricky phase of the younger generation

                    A word used for the growth and development of those in the range of 10-19 years of age, adolescence is one of the most complicated phases of a person’s life. Normally referred to as the teenage years, it’s a time when one’s emotions are totally out of control because of still trying to figure out who they really are. Being understood during such a critical age can be hard and that is what teens crave.  

                   Mistakes are a common part of growing up and they’re mostly made during adolescence. But since times have changed and technology has advanced in so many ways, teenagers have one more challenge to deal with – their use of and their portrayal on social media. 

Social Media:

                   During Covid-19, social media has helped in so many ways. It has not only kept people informed but has also helped keep many companies and services alive. However, past incidents have shown that social media is a double-edged sword. The kind of effects it may have depends entirely on the way the user uses it. Below are some of the evils of social media that teens are susceptible to – 

• Addiction – Despite there being millions of cases of social media addiction and its detrimental effects, it’s still on the rise among teens. It’s more prevalent now because of the pandemic and it’s the only possible way for teenagers to keep in touch with their friends. 

• Mental Health – Because of their age and their struggle to deal with their emotions, teenagers are especially vulnerable to mental health issues – depression and anxiety being the most common. Even eating disorders like anorexia (not eating at all) and bulimia (throwing up after binge eating) are common among young girls just in an attempt to “look good” in the pictures they post on social media. Concerns about body image are at an all-time high during adolescence. 

• Peer Pressure – Striving to be accepted by those they deem to be worth pursuing a friendship with, teenagers will do almost anything. Now with the rise of social media, peer pressure is becoming more common and the lengths that some teenagers go to are unimaginable. The results of failing to do something are far more threatening than just losing someone’s friendship. 

                      The most recent incident that had taken the world by storm was The Blue Whale incident that threatened to leak users’ private information if they failed to complete the tasks that were given of which the last was suicide. 

• Cyber-bullying – Playground bullying has now been replaced by cyber-bullying – being bullied on the internet. The victims in this are not only the ones being bullied but the ones doing the bullying. The ones being bullied either never recover from the experience and struggle their whole life to come to terms with it or end up bullying other people later in life. 

• Self-esteem issues – Very uncomfortable with all the changes they’re going through and trying to be accepted by others, teenagers are not working on accepting themselves. This society where a person’s status on social media is of immense importance is making this self-acceptance harder. 

                     Posting air-brushed pictures of themselves in an attempt to garner likes, self-esteem issues among teens are inevitable. Studies have shown that those who are obsessed with selfies are the ones who struggle with these issues the most. 

Changes in the Life of Teens

                Many teens work hard to make a change and even help those who struggle with common issues that come with adolescence. Below are some things most teens do that should be given attention to and appreciated –  

• Volunteering – During the pandemic, teenagers have not stopped volunteering at NGOs and other places. There are hundreds of groups on social media whose focus is on feeding stray animals. Even during a time like this, teenagers work tirelessly to make a change. This dedication needs to be appreciated. 

• Being a voice – Teenagers are the ones who speak for those who can’t. By bringing attention to social issues and especially those that most teens struggle with (even if they’re struggling with it themselves), they give assurance to other teens that they’re not alone and that help is always available. 

• Accepting – Social media has made all of us more informed of the diversity of the world. As a result, teenagers have become more accepting and tolerant of other cultures and beliefs. 

                    Although a cliché, social media issues among teens are still very prominent and perhaps there won’t be an end to discussing it. But it wouldn’t be advisable for teens to give up social media altogether. Because of the present circumstances, the use of social media and/or the internet is not only inevitable but necessary. 

                   The advice that can be given to teens would be to set aside a “me” time devoted entirely to themselves doing something that doesn’t require the phone (like physical exercise) or spending time with family. Physical exercise helps a lot in keeping mental health issues at bay and family time can make teens realize who they can truly rely on. 

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