We know social media is here to stay but that doesn't mean it has to control what we do or how we behave.  Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Angel Vargas explains that social media are places where people can interact with each other and share information using chat (i.e. SMS text), voice or video.  Today's technology uses automated systems such as algorithms to decide what content, videos, games or advertisements people see based on what they decide to view or interact with.  In simple terms, people get more content presented to them based on what they're viewing.

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Per the American Academy of Pediatrics, approximately 18% of children ages 8-12 and 62% of teens ages 13-18 use social media daily.

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But why is social media so attractive?  In the most simplest terms, companies believe this demographic can influence and grow consumer brand loyalty, generating billions in revenue through their purchasing decisions.  

 

There's another reason.  During adolescence, brains undergo physical change, cognitive development, emotional changes, social development, identity formation, increased independence, risk-taking behavior, and are vulnerable to mental health issues.  The brain is highly adaptable at this time which is critical for learning and forming new habits, creating a sense of self and personal identity, responding to peer influence, and a need to fit in and feeling accepted.

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In physical terms, adolescents emotions and rewards system mature faster than their judgement and impulse system, displaying emotions that can be more intense.  The portion of the brain that manages social rewards (i.e. feedback) are heightened while the areas for self-control are still developing. This often prioritizes rewards over long-term consequences.

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Angel goes on to share the risks and impacts of high or excessive use of social media, and a few dangerous behaviors to be aware of such as impulsiveness, attention deficit, increased loneliness or depression, anxiety or social comparison (the psychological process of evaluating his/her own abilities, opinions, and worth by measuring them against others)​​.

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He also shares what parents can do to help our children through their use of social media, and shares many useful resources that are available in the seminar presentation.​