“With teen media consumption on the rise, companies are more frequently cashing in on the media influence on teens. With industry reports deeming teens the most valuable customers, targeted marketing to teens is unlikely to go away. Today’s teens, known as Generation Z, are, as a group, overwhelmingly more connected through technology than generations past” (Camille).

“Less than one quarter (24%) of teens believe that social media is negative” (MGBM).

“Multiple studies show that social media lead to disrupted sleep, increased feelings of anxiety, and depression” (Kitan)

“When teens aren’t on social media, their body craves high amounts of dopamine. This is why social media is so hard to give up. It’s comparable to a drug. Social media companies want users to spend lots of time and energy on their apps because they know you will get hooked” (MGBM).

“‘I think we need to take a step back and look at the role technology is playing in our society as a whole, in terms of people needing instant gratification, staying home and not interacting in the community by going to local stores or to the movie theater,’ she says” (MGBM).

“Social media heavily focuses on physical appearance. Many social media platforms – such as Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok – provide users with the option to use filters on an image. Filters can be great for a laugh, but the ability to easily alter physical appearance and hide imperfections can create false illusions. Constant exposure to altered images can also lead you to feel self-conscious and dislike the way you look.” (UC Davis).