the effects of social media on the youth of today

Media is everywhere. It is an inseparable part of every teenager’s life. Historically, newspapers were the most common of media, but today cell phones and other electronic devices have taken over all forms of communication. Teenagers today depend on the media for information on everything the latest gadgets, fashion trends, the newest cars on the market, the best places to eat out in the country or to find out what their favourite celebrity is up to. Media controls the minds of teenagers’ like a giant remote control. In general, teenagers would be involved in some sort of media communication for up to four hours a day. Most teenagers spend two hours watching television and one and a half hours is spent surfing the internet each day. Many teens usually spend sleepless nights on social media without the knowledge of their parents. This disruption of sleep has had numerous effects on teenagers. It has led to cases of insomnia, mood swings and increase obesity. Studies have also shown that, certain groups of teenagers are prone to violence because of media influence. Watching too much television takes teenagers further away from school work and homework crippling them academically. Teenagers who while away time watching television are at a higher risk of developing obesity seeing that inactivity is a major factor when slumped in front of the television advertising and movies propel the idea of bad habits being “cool”, this has caused teenagers to pick up their first cigarette as early as fourteen years old. Even the use of alcohol and drugs are creeping in at an early age. The influence is heavy when it comes to music videos, explicit movies, advertising and television shows. Teenagers often watch commercials that plant a seed of thought into their minds about what they have to buy and use as opposed to what they actually need. Fashion magazines are also to blame for their glossy covers show-casing models with so-called perfect bodies that teenagers idolise and work