The Impact of Social Media on Various Stages of Development

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Social media includes any platform that allows users to create, share content, and engage in social networking, ranging from basic messaging apps like WhatsApp to platforms like YouTube. Nowadays, social media is a crucial part of our lives, affecting us both personally and as a society. Although it has introduced many positive changes, the negative effects at all stages of development, from infancy to adulthood, are frequently ignored. 

Infants and Parental Social Media Usage 

Infants do not have direct access to social media, so studies focus on the impact of parental social media usage on infant development. Social media can be beneficial for parents to learn about parenting and techniques to raise and educate their children; however, studies have shown that parents’ social media usage affects children indirectly, whether through the lack of attention they give the infant or through the impact on the development of attachment styles. Although hard to prove with certainty, various studies have found correlations between excessive parental social media use and infant attachment styles. Attachment styles are the different types of emotional bonds that an infant forms with their caregivers: strong and positive bonds, known as secure attachments, are formed if the caregiver is appropriately responsive to the infant, conversely, detached and irresponsible parenting can lead to insecure attachments. 

One study in particular showed that while co-viewing (interacting with media together) was not predictive of attachment insecurity, parental absorption in media was a predictor of attachment insecurity. Another study found a positive relationship between hours of social media usage and a high score on authoritarian parenting techniques, which are known to lead to insecure attachment, resulting in low levels of self-regulation and addiction susceptibility in children. While many factors influence attachment, these studies highlight a clear correlation between social media usage and attachment, something parents should consider when raising their infants. 

Children and Social Media 

As children grow, their use of social media coincides with an important period of development as they undergo key physical, psychological, cognitive, emotional, and social changes. Developmental tasks associated with childhood include developing identity, becoming comfortable with one’s body image, developing relationships with peers of all genders, and acquiring a set of values to guide behaviour, all of which are impacted by social media use. While social media offers tremendous potential for self-expression and maintaining contact with friends, some studies have highlighted the risk of negative consequences of excessive use, such as sleep disturbances, exposure to cyberhate and aggression, and the normalisation of negative behaviours. 

Social media can significantly affect children’s sleep patterns. Exposure to screens, particularly in the evening, can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it harder for children to fall asleep. The content on social media platforms may also be stimulating or anxiety-inducing, further inhibiting sleep.

Additionally, social media can promote and normalise negative behaviours such as drinking, smoking, violence, drug use, eating disorders, and self-harm. The pervasive influence of social media, coupled with its ability to amplify certain behaviours and ideals, can contribute to the normalisation and promotion of these negative behaviours, which may persist into adulthood if not effectively addressed. Children may mimic the aggressive behaviour they see on social media, especially if it is portrayed as acceptable or rewarded, perpetuating a cycle of aggression. 

Adolescents and Social Media 

Adolescence is marked by significant psychological and psychosocial development, including the emergence of abstract thinking, an increased ability to understand others’ perspectives, greater introspection, the formation of personal and sexual identity, the establishment of values, increasing autonomy, and the growing importance of peer relationships. These attributes are essential for navigating the adolescent years and preparing for adulthood. 

Today’s adolescents live in a media-saturated environment where media is used not only for entertainment but also for peer communication. The impact of media on adolescent development, whether positive or negative, remains uncertain. 

Adolescence is also a critical time for the development of body dissatisfaction, with a heightened focus on physical appearance. Research indicates a decline in body esteem starting around age 13 and continuing into mid-adolescence, affecting both appearance and weight satisfaction. Body dissatisfaction during adolescence is linked to negative health outcomes such as depression, poor self-esteem, and the potential onset of eating disorders. Although traditionally more prevalent in girls, recent evidence shows this issue is increasing in both genders, with girls typically aiming for a thin appearance and boys for a lean and muscular look. Social media, especially visually oriented platforms, contributes to rising body dissatisfaction by exposing adolescents to idealised images and societal standards. 

The Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) is a phenomenon characterised by a persistent desire to be online and check social media, particularly common among adolescents today. This anxiety-driven need to stay connected, fearing the loss of rewarding experiences, is linked to excessive social media use and can lead to negative emotional experiences. FoMO stems from constant exposure to others’ activities on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat. Adolescents with FoMO may experience heightened stress, disrupted sleep patterns, and overall decreased well-being, leading to increased restlessness, irritability, and a sense of urgency to be online. Ironically, excessive social media use due to FoMO can result in social isolation over time. While maintaining online connections, face-to-face interactions may decrease, affecting the development of genuine, offline relationships. 

Social media addiction among adolescents is becoming a significant concern, with comparisons to traditional substance addiction. Recent studies highlight the neurobiological aspects, noting similarities between the pleasure derived from social media likes and experiences like eating chocolate or winning money. The activation of dopamine circuits, which reinforce positive emotions, is a key factor in the addictive nature of online interactions. Studies conducted in 2021 examined the impact of social media addiction on adolescents, focusing on its effects on sleep

quality and overall life satisfaction. The findings suggested that social media addiction negatively affects both sleep quality and overall life satisfaction among adolescents. 

Social media has undoubtedly become an integral part of modern life, profoundly influencing individuals. While it provides numerous benefits, such as facilitating parental education, enabling self-expression, and maintaining social connections, the negative repercussions cannot be overlooked. To harness the positive aspects of social media while mitigating its risks, it is crucial for parents, educators, and policymakers to be proactive. Encouraging responsible social media usage, fostering offline interactions, and promoting digital literacy can help navigate its complex landscape. By addressing the multifaceted influence of social media, we can better support healthy development across all stages of life, ensuring that its benefits are maximised while its potential harms are minimised. 

By Carlotta Menozzi

carlotta.menozzi01@icatt.it 

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