Social networking: helping or hindering youth development?

Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are changing the ways in which we connect with each other, with children and young people often the early adopters.

There are many wellbeing benefits for young users of social networking sites. They help young people to establish an independent voice through developing public ways of presenting themselves. Users can also participate in discussions and act on issues. They learn how to be team players through working together, and online spaces offer opportunities for talking with friends, developing skills for identifying and managing risk, and dealing with a sometimes hostile world.

Of course, there are the sceptics. As with all new communication technologies, the exact effect on people is yet to be scientifically assessed.

Many researchers are warning of risks to wellbeing, with some arguing that using electronic media undermines the ability to read body language – an important prompt for interpreting meaning and responding appropriately.

Other researchers say the fast flow of status updates forces users to flick through information without really considering it. As this flicking becomes a habit, young people form numb personalities, they say.

Social networking sites are said to be connecting young users on a level without deeper thoughts or emotions, thus gradually contributing to a detached and uncaring generation.

The general consensus is that social networking sites are beneficial, but that they do have their downsides. It will be interesting to see what the future holds and whether such sites will continue to impact on our lives to the same degree as they do now. Something to think about when next updating your status!

Angela Culpin, Mental Health Promoter, Youth