Social Connection

Social Media

Social media is a big part of a lot of teenagers' lives. Many teens are on apps like YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.

Let's go over some of the pros and cons to using social media.

Pros

• Connect with friends and family

• Build relationships

• Explore your interests

• Share your creativity

• You can learn new things

• See what’s trending

• Understand how people build influence online

Cons

• Harmful challenges

• Cyberbullying

• Content that is not appropriate

• Fake accounts

• Scams

• Fake ads

• People who try to trick others into unsafe situations

• Seeing edited or unrealistic pictures can change how you see yourself and make you feel pressure about your looks or your life

• As a Black teen, you may also notice that not everything online reflects you in a fair or positive way

Your Awareness is Powerful

Do not believe everything you see online—you must question it and decide what is right for you.

Pay attention to how social media affects your;

• Thoughts

• Confidence

• Choices

Learn how to;

• spot warning signs

• protect your personal information

• set healthy limits for yourself for screentime

Empower and protect yourself;

• Unfollow negative content creators

• Delete the app

• Take consistent breaks from social media

• Recognize inappropriate information

• Control and manage how you use the digital world,

• Remember to always stay safe

• Build confidence and critical thinking skills

• Report bullying

Your digital footprint follows you for the rest of your life

• Posting is permanent

• Employers can access your social media

• Your social media presence can negatively or positively affect your future opportunities