For several years, there have been numerous studies pointing to the harmful effects of social networks on young users, especially children. In January 2021, two British institutions shine a light on the dangers TikTok, Twitter and the like pose to the well-being of adolescents.
And that’s exactly what the U.S. Surgeon General, the American public health authority, in turn, decided to sound the alarm. In this new report, Vivek Murthy, Chief Surgeon General of the United States, devastating consequences what can happen in social networks development of the brain of the youngest.
Lack of security for the youngest
over that multi-page workthe scientist blame the lack of security first in various networks, especially for children and young people. “Almost all teenagers in the United States use social media, and right now, we don’t have enough evidence yet to conclude that the experience is safe enough for them, especially at such a vulnerable stage of brain development. , emotional and social”, He is writing.
According to him, too much use of social networks at this young age can cause many problems:
- behavioral disorders
- food problems
- depression
- damaged self image
- bad memory
- difficulty concentrating
As the report states, 46% of the youth surveyed and between the ages of 13 and 17 feeling worse about themselves because of social media. The problems listed above can have dramatic consequences, up to suicide in the most serious cases.
Also read: TikTok, Instagram – 40% of primary school students have social media accounts
Social networks will not be completely banned
After all, the US Surgeon General is not campaigning for the pure and simple disappearance of social networks. On Snapchat, TikTok or Twitter for the enterprise provide certain benefits to the child’s development : space for personal expression, possibility of forming and maintaining online friendships, discussions around the same center of attention, etc.
In addition, the American organization believes that social networks can be. a valuable ally for minorities : “Research shows that social media can support the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ people and other minorities by providing peer-to-peer connections and support.” As a reminder, a study published Monday proved that 8 out of 10 French people think social networks are a danger to our society.
