The adolescence stage of human development is usually characterized by identity formation and social development. Young people establish relationships through connecting and interacting with their peers. When young people find favor among their peers, they feel a strong sense of belonging. A lack thereof leads to a sense of depression and social isolation. Therefore, when adolescents maintain quality peer relationships, integration, connectedness, and acceptance with their peers, they gain positive psychological well-being (Bourgeois et al., 2014).
In the modern world, online social networking and use of technology has become a vital part in the lives of young people. Social networking sites offer users platforms on which they fashion their public profile, “receive feedback, interact with peers, practice social skills, and observe others” (Blomfield Neira & Barber, 2013, p. xx). As a result, the social networking sites (SNSs) provide them with opportunities for self-evaluation through making social comparisons of their lives and those of their peers as well as assessing peer feedbacks. The increased frequency with which these comparisons and feedbacks are made can be linked to the impact caused on one’s self-concept, self-esteem and psychological well-being. SNSs also provides the youth with an opportunity to practice social skills which in turn boosts their self-esteem to feel more socially capable (Blomfield Neira & Barber, 2013). Research has found that female youth are more affected by SNSs feedback received as they perceive some feedback to be negative and as a result they seek to find ways through which they can adjust to gain appreciation. The use social media for making social comparisons can lead to lowered self-esteem and increased depressed moods. Consequently, young people in this state seek adjustments and investments in social networking sites without discerning the difference between social resume and actual reality of the daily lives of such peers.
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In conclusion, harassment, bullying, and exclusion of others in social networking sites lead to feelings of loneliness and trauma on victims. Increased frequency in checking social networking sites is associated with higher incidence of emotional symptoms, acceptance, self-esteem, and integration. Gender differences are also exhibited in the way young people use social media. Girls who feel less appreciated on social media exhibit emotional difficulties and public self, but their counterparts experience feelings that they fit in and enjoy sound relationships with other peers. Older female adolescents use social networking sites to maintain strong bonds in the existing relationships while male ones utilize such sites to flirt and make new friends (Bourgeois et al., 2014).
References
Blomfield Neira, C. J., & Barber, B. L. (2013). Social networking site use: Linked to adolescents' social self-concept, self-esteem, and depressed mood. Australian Journal of Psychology , 66 (1), 56-64. doi:10.1111/ajpy.12034
Bourgeois, A., Bower, J., & Carroll, A. (2014). Social networking and the social and emotional wellbeing of adolescents in Australia. Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling , 24 (02), 1-23. doi:10.1017/jgc.2014.14
