The Negative Impact of Social Media on High School Students during COVID-19

Abstract: Social media is an irrefutable part of students’ lives in this day and age. Although it can be used as a tool to connect and spread information; most social media platforms center around superficial posts and content that often have a detrimental effect on high schoolers focus and self-esteem. There have been many surveys that show the use of social media amongst young adolescents is widespread and the number continues to increase with every passing year. Therefore it is crucial to be able to observe the effect that prolonged social media use is having on students and how to alleviate any negative outcomes. Social media has made such a big impact in students’ lives because they start to feel affected by what they see and surround themselves with. Students experience negative mental health outcomes because of what they are seeing on social media by comparing themselves to strangers, friends, and influencers which leads to problems with body image and body dysmorphia. Research also showed that students were struggling more because they were new to the idea of having to talk to people in person. Being isolated from people caused them to lack the ability to interact with others. Being on social media for countless hours, affected their academics and the way they learn. Finally, social media has affected students through their mental health. They experience lack of sleep, lack of energy, and start to see behavioral changes to themselves. Overall, students’ daily lives have been changed through social media because of the way it changes the way they act, feel, and communicate with others. Keywords: Social Media, Body Image, High School Students, Academic Outcomes, Mental Health, COVID-19. Title: The Negative Impact of Social Media on High School Students during COVID-19 Author: Hailey Kim International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online) Vol. 10, Issue 4, October 2022 - December 2022 Page No: 325-328 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 22-October-2022 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7239063 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/the-negative-impact-of-social-media-on-high-school-students-during-covid-19International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research, ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online), Research Publish Journals, Website: www.researchpublish.co