Introduction
Social media has become a pervasive element of modern life, particularly for young people who have grown up in the digital age. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are often central to their social interactions, self-expression, and information consumption. From a business perspective, social media represents both an opportunity and a challenge, as companies leverage these platforms for marketing while grappling with the ethical implications of their impact on younger audiences. This essay explores the negative effects of social media on young people, focusing on mental health, social pressures, and exposure to harmful content. By critically examining these issues, the essay aims to highlight the broader implications for businesses that rely on social media for engagement, while considering how such platforms can balance profitability with social responsibility. The discussion will draw on academic literature and authoritative sources to build a reasoned argument, addressing both direct and indirect consequences for young users.
Mental Health Challenges
One of the most widely documented negative impacts of social media on young people is its effect on mental health. Studies have consistently shown a correlation between excessive social media use and increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness among adolescents and young adults. For instance, research indicates that prolonged exposure to curated, often unrealistic portrayals of life on platforms like Instagram can lead to negative self-comparison and diminished self-esteem (Fardouly and Vartanian, 2016). Young users frequently compare their own lives to the seemingly perfect images shared by peers or influencers, fostering a sense of inadequacy.
Furthermore, the addictive nature of social media, driven by algorithms designed to maximise user engagement, exacerbates these issues. Businesses operating these platforms often prioritise metrics such as time spent online, which can lead to compulsive usage patterns among young people. A study by Twenge (2017) suggests that teenagers spending more than three hours daily on social media are at a significantly higher risk of developing mental health problems. From a business perspective, while such engagement benefits advertising revenue, it raises ethical questions about the responsibility of social media companies to mitigate harm. Indeed, balancing profit motives with user well-being remains a critical challenge in the industry.
Social Pressures and Cyberbullying
Beyond mental health, social media intensifies social pressures and facilitates harmful behaviours such as cyberbullying. Young people, particularly teenagers, are often highly sensitive to peer approval, and social media amplifies this dynamic through public metrics like likes, comments, and shares. As noted by Boyd (2014), the pressure to conform to online trends or gain validation can lead to stress and a fear of missing out (FOMO). For businesses, this environment offers opportunities to target young consumers through trend-driven marketing; however, it also risks perpetuating harmful norms if campaigns reinforce unrealistic standards of beauty or success.
Cyberbullying represents another significant concern, with social media providing a platform for anonymous or public harassment. According to a report by the UK Safer Internet Centre, a substantial number of young people experience online abuse, with many reporting long-term emotional distress as a result (UK Safer Internet Centre, 2020). Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can occur at any time and often reaches a wider audience, intensifying its impact. For social media businesses, addressing cyberbullying is not only a matter of ethics but also a strategic necessity, as failing to curb such behaviour can damage brand reputation and user trust. While some platforms have introduced anti-bullying tools, their effectiveness remains limited, highlighting the need for more robust solutions.
Exposure to Harmful Content
Another critical issue is the exposure of young people to harmful or inappropriate content on social media. Despite age restrictions, many platforms struggle to prevent underage users from accessing content related to self-harm, eating disorders, or extremist ideologies. Research by Livingstone and Smith (2014) underscores how algorithmic recommendation systems can inadvertently promote such content by prioritising engagement over safety. This raises significant concerns, as impressionable young users may internalise dangerous ideas or behaviours.
From a business standpoint, content moderation poses a complex challenge. Social media companies must invest in technology and human resources to monitor content, yet the sheer volume of user-generated material often overwhelms these efforts. Moreover, there is a tension between censorship and freedom of expression, with businesses risking backlash if moderation policies are perceived as overly restrictive. Nevertheless, the potential harm to young users cannot be ignored, and regulatory pressures—such as those outlined in the UK’s Online Safety Bill— increasingly compel companies to prioritise user safety over unfiltered growth (UK Government, 2023). This evolving landscape suggests that businesses must adapt their strategies to address both legal and ethical obligations.
Implications for Businesses and Society
The negative impacts of social media on young people carry significant implications for businesses and society at large. For companies, the reliance on social media for marketing and consumer engagement necessitates a careful consideration of their role in perpetuating harm. While targeted advertising and influencer partnerships can drive revenue, they often exploit the vulnerabilities of young users, such as their desire for validation or susceptibility to trends. Ethical business practices, therefore, require a shift towards more responsible content creation and platform design, even if this entails short-term financial trade-offs.
Moreover, public awareness of social media’s adverse effects is growing, prompting calls for stricter regulation and accountability. Governments and advocacy groups are increasingly scrutinising the practices of tech giants, as evidenced by recent UK legislative proposals aimed at safeguarding vulnerable users (UK Government, 2023). For businesses, non-compliance with such regulations could result in substantial fines or reputational damage, underscoring the need for proactive measures. Arguably, adopting a socially responsible approach—by investing in user well-being and transparent practices—could enhance long-term brand loyalty among younger demographics who value ethical considerations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, social media exerts a profound negative impact on young people, manifesting in mental health challenges, social pressures, and exposure to harmful content. These issues, explored through the lens of business studies, reveal a complex interplay between profitability and ethical responsibility for social media companies. While platforms benefit financially from high user engagement, the associated risks to young users—such as anxiety, cyberbullying, and access to inappropriate material—cannot be overlooked. From a business perspective, addressing these challenges is not merely an ethical imperative but also a strategic necessity, given the rising regulatory and societal expectations. Moving forward, social media companies must prioritise user safety through improved content moderation, algorithm transparency, and support systems for mental health. Ultimately, striking a balance between commercial objectives and social good will be crucial in ensuring that social media serves as a positive force for the next generation, while maintaining trust and relevance in an increasingly scrutinised digital landscape.
References
- Boyd, D. (2014) It’s Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens. Yale University Press.
- Fardouly, J. and Vartanian, L.R. (2016) Social media and body image concerns: Current research and future directions. Current Opinion in Psychology, 9, pp. 1-5.
- Livingstone, S. and Smith, P.K. (2014) Harms experienced by child users of online and mobile technologies: The nature, prevalence and management of sexual and aggressive risks in the digital age. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 55(6), pp. 635-654.
- Twenge, J.M. (2017) Have smartphones destroyed a generation? The Atlantic, September 2017. Available at: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/has-the-smartphone-destroyed-a-generation/534198/.
- UK Government (2023) Online Safety Bill: Factsheet. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-safety-bill-factsheet.
- UK Safer Internet Centre (2020) Online Safety Report: Young People and Cyberbullying. Available at: https://saferinternet.org.uk/research.
