Hot Take: Teenagers Should Not Be on Social Media

Have you seen what kids are up to online today? I’m sure you’ve seen headlines such as this, introducing genuine horror stories of kids falling down holes that lead to sensitive matters like eating disorders and suicide at far too young an age. While I think stories like these could be standalone reasons to advocate for this Hot Take, I was curious to look at the beast below the surface. For the past few weeks, I’ve spent intentional time observing what I see teenagers doing on social media. Instead of looking at a case study or report of what teenagers are doing on apps like Instagram and TikTok, I’ve let the algorithms (which duly noted are still biased) bring content to me on their own. From this, I’ve come to understand the notion that today’s internet has melded the reality between life and online content, leading vulnerable populations like teenagers to take the branding tactics of social media marketing and apply them to themselves and their sense of self.

Understand, this is not to say I am anti-social media.

Hell, it’s my job. And when I sit and reflect, I do see value in teen social media use to a certain degree. I think the internet is such a valuable tool, especially in situations where a child may be in danger. Social media can be useful to those in abusive households or situations…