Learning to be Yourself: Social Media and Teenage Relationships

Abstract

The author discusses her findings while researching the effects of technology, specifically social media, on teenage relationships.  The author cites research articles and studies related to how teens’ use of technology is negatively affecting their ability to create personal relationships.  The author begins with how teens use social media to create relationships, including online networking sites and group texting.  She then discusses how their use of social media affects their ability to cultivate real relationships by taking away the critical interpersonal skills needed to communicate in person.  She concludes with ideas on how to help teens navigate the world of social media.  This critical issue affects all teens as technology continues to dominate our society and teens become increasingly dependent on social media to communicate.  It is necessary to find ways to combat the negative effects of social media and help teens successfully navigate this digital world they live in.

Keywords: teens, social media, relationships