Benefits of
Social Media
There is conflicting information about the impact social media has on adolescents. Many studies indicate the benefits of social media, hence, the following themes are presented supporting the positive
effects.
CONNECTIONS
One of the main benefits adolescents report on social media is the impact it has on their connections with others. It helps to maintain or strengthen relationships and can extend connections. Communication online provides more opportunities for intimacy and self-disclosure; therefore, creating closer bonds that can lead to greater life satisfaction.
(Chen & Li, 2017; Mazzoni & Iannone, 2014; Russett & Waldron, 2017)
81%
of teens report feeling more connected to friends
because of social media.
(Pew Research, 2018)
"Social media allows you to stay connected to people you wouldn't necessarily always talk to." Female, 18 years old
Social Capital
Social capital is defined as networks and resources people make through their relationships. Adolescents develop various connections online and can benefit from social capital in the following ways:
Bridging
Loose connections that can provide useful information and provide contact for future networks.
(Ellison et al., 2007)
Bonding
Close, emotionally connected relationships that provide support. Social media helps to maintain and strengthen existing relationships, since online relationships often overlap with offline ones.
(Ellison et al., 2007)
Maintenance
Loose connections that are maintained for long periods of time throughout various transitions.
(Ellison et al., 2007)
Common Benefits
It is important to recognize that social media is not necessarily negative. How teens use social media impacts their experiences. Here are some positive ways they are using various sites for their benefit.
40%
of teens report that social media has a positive impact on their lives.
(Pew Research, 2018)
Information
67% of teenagers believe social media helps them find different points of view, provides them with information they find meaningful and exposes
them to global issues and views.
Expression
Adolescents are able to express their creativity by posting their content -
whether it is pictures,
videos, audio, or messages - on various platforms.
Support
Adolescents who are struggling, at risk for loneliness, or exclusion discuss social media as a way to connect with others in similar circumstances. This is especially true of LGBTQ
individuals who report
making networks online.
Activism
66% of teenagers believe social media helps them support social movements. Various platforms expose
teens to social issues and provide a platform to make a change in their communities and in the larger society.
(Chen & Li, 2017; Hogan & Strasburger, 2018; Mazzoni & Iannone, 2014, Pew Research Center, 2018)
Young People Describe Benefits of Social Media
Male,
20 years old
Female,
19 years old
Male,
20 years old
