Social Media has become a heavily influential space for younger individuals. Apps such as Tik Tok, Instagram, Snapchat and Pinterest have all become main targets for users on the internet. Social Media can be a fun and entertaining environment, but it can also be a very dangerous and negative space. The internet has changed many people’s lives positively and negatively in many different ways. Young minds on social media can be very detrimental to their mental health and here is why.

Most apps have a sensitive content warning, but it is very easy to get past those. Kids nowadays are way more clever, sneaky and smart when it comes to technology and they can get away with almost anything. There are almost little to no consequences when it comes to bullying others online (cyberbullying).

Cyberbullying has increased since the development of technology. People come up with many different ways to harass and torment other users online.  It is always important to check your child/younger sibling’s social media to make sure there is nothing alarming going on. Also, influencers and random users volunteer and do crazy stunts, challenges and pranks that can be very dangerous. It is always important to take extra precautions and to do these “challenges” with a trusted adult. 

There are many predators out there in the world and nowadays they have the upper hand with technology. Predators have been known to make fake accounts pretending to be a child to lure and groom other children. This can be very dangerous, especially if they live in the area and decide to meet up with them. Scammers also have the upper hand now since the new AI technology developments. Scammers can pretend to be a loved one in danger so you send them money. Not everything is as it seems. The internet can always be fun, until it’s not. Be careful and smart.