How Social Media Affects Millennials

Social media has been around for quite a little bit. But since millennials like me are so used to it, how does it affect our lives? Most teens are on it SO much, and is it a problem? Millennials are around technology more than any of our counterparts. We have become the focus in the marketing industry, but for reasons that are good. Statistics say that 90% of millennials have smartphones. And 93% are using the internet. Even how we look at entertainment is changing with 28% of us watching programming within 3 days after airing.

The content created for us is at times VERY BAD. If you look at the content created for us it’s all too simplistic. Take a look at this statistic: more than 60% of US 13 to 34 year old smartphone users are snapchatters (U.S census). By 2030 the millennial generation will have 78 million people. You’re looking at a HUGE consumer base here. Although with the allure of newer social media platforms, Millennial groups may not be as strong as most suspect, and that not all young people are hooked on social media. Most of the reasons why are a general lack of interest and a growing concern for our privacy.

Under another recent survey, What it found out was that 55% of people surveyed would actually stay away from social media if they could start fresh. Social media plays a big presence in determining our happiness, self-esteem, and wellbeing. Many say that social media affects how people see you. It’s also crucial to know that our happiness could come from or be the opposite of something posted online.

Studies show that the average millennial goes on social media an average of 18 hours a day! The scientists at the National institute of Mental Health say that the human brain is not fully developed until the age of 25. With that being said, if our brains are constantly seeing a backlit screen, we may not develop in the same way as our parents. Some research says that our brains are developing differently BECAUSE we interact with technology so much.

This could affect our communication skills. Technology can also affect a person’s personality down to hand gestures and expressions. Texting and web surfing use different parts of the brain than reading or speaking. Too much technology can also shrink the outermost part of a brain, which makes it more difficult to process information. You might see differences in your ability to remember certain things, or your ability to pay attention. All together this will certainly affect how you communicate with people. Kimberly Young, a licensed psychologist and professor at St. Bonaventure University in New York says that technology can be just as dangerous as any other drug addiction. And that she has treated people who have developed blood clots from sitting at their computer for too long. Many of her patients have ADD and obesity.

And some have trouble reading regular books because they are so used to reading on their tablets. Regardless technology and social media have made us come a LONG way, more than EVER before. We can communicate easier, for some. We can get things done faster. And it can make us stand out from older generations.

No need to start worrying though, for most people many of Young’s cases are unique. So next time you’ve been on your phone for more than 5 hours, just lay off a little bit and take a break. Because sometimes a lot of social media can get you sick.

Take a look at what some of your fellow classmates have said about how social media is affecting our generation:

“It affects us negatively and positively because it can bash and it can set a positive outlook on people in society.” – Aleah Abplanalp

“It’s an everyday necessity” – Shelby Marks

“It gives me a different perspective on life and that person” – Logan Morral

“Social media changes the way we see not only ourselves, But everyone around us.”- David Staniere

“We abuse technology too much, But it’s good and it’s helpful.” – Logan Henry

“It disables us in some ways, we could be doing other stuff like reading, but instead we’re checking Facebook” – Makanna Johnson

“It connects people when they can’t always talk in person” - Sarah Hart

“ It distracts us from homework” –Ariana Carleton