1. Couch Potatoes For Life

We have probably all had those days when we had the intention of getting many things accomplished, but instead, we get caught up on our phones and hours go by without us realizing it. This may not be a daily occurrence for adults, but preteens and teens are spending hours on their social media, allowing it to disrupt their physical activity. Teens are getting less exercise than previous generations due to social media. This is causing obesity and other health problems. Without the proper amount of physical activity, sleep schedules are interrupted, eating habits change, and most of all it affects our mental well-being. There have been many studies done on this topic and I have two strong articles I will utilize that look at how physical activity has declined.

2. Zombies on the Prowl

Social media use at bedtime has been associated with a reduced amount of sleep in teens. Inadequate rest will also influence physical health, nutrition, and mental health. One of the ways that lack of sleep can lead to problems is the inability to concentrate. This leads to problems in school. Parents and teachers may not make the connection of phones causing a shortened night of recharge. One article discussed the effects of screen glow and sleep. This information is valuable in helping us to know what we can do at night to encourage a better bedtime routine and sleep patterns in our younger social media users. I really had not thought about this effect, but I found a great academic study on the effects of blue light that I will use and I will also look for more studies that have looked at effects on sleep.

3. "Kardashian" Wannabe

Another way that social media can cause physical issues is with body image. Gorgeous celebrities are seen with perfect bodies, flawless faces, and impeccable hair. Teens come to think that they have to match these visions of perfection. They will judge their own bodies compared to those of much older icons. The definition of perfection is being set by images we see on social media, and young kids are prone to believing that their own self-worth lies in doing whatever it takes to get there. I watched girls starve themselves to become thinner, and deal with bulimia, and anorexia. It is important we teach kids to love themselves as they are. I need to find links to eating disorders directly. I already have studies on body image effects and the celebrity effect on teens.

4. Everybody is Doing It

Preteens and teens can be exposed to sexual content on social media. The power of influence shows teens that sexual encounters are alluring and grand, changing their attitudes towards sex. Teens are routinely asked to send nudes and partake in sexting, with some giving into the pressures. These exchanges often move into sexual intimacies, and could ultimately end with unintended pregnancies, and diseases that they acquire through sexual contact. Rape has also been associated with online sexting. Young teens need to be aware that these advances are inappropriate and know that the adults in their lives will help them navigate these waters if they are approached by someone. I have two academic studies on this topic by Merrill and Vanucci on risky sexual behaviors.

5. 20 Bottles of Beer on the Wall

Social media has always had a way of making drinking and smoking look glamorous. Advertisers market on social media with their convincing slogans and advertisements being received by all ages. Young impressionable viewers see influencers enjoying the beverages and tobacco and it looks appealing. In my high school, kids saw images of blowing rings of smoke with e-cigarettes. It became incredibly popular, and habit that would prove addicting. Younger teens do not fully realize the impact that these products have on their bodies and minds. They are not equipped to handle the dangers and safely navigate through these pitfalls. This is a well researched area. I have a few articles on this. My biggest research need here is before and after studies. I am going to look for articles that specifically address this.

6. Truth or Dare

Social media, experiences trends that sometimes can lead to risky behaviors. One of those ways is "selfies". Many have gone to extremes just to get that picture that inspires awe. Most of us have seen photos of someone teetering on the edge of the Grand Canyon or another dangerous location. Teens focusing on their phone's camera, may have their minds taken off of their safety. As an additional concern, risky challenges have gained popularity from time to time that present great dangers. One of those such challenges was the Tide Pod Challenge, where some were convinced to eat lethal doses of laundry detergent to complete the challenge. I have one really great article on self harm challenges, specifically one called the Blue Whale Challenge. At this point, I am lacking on research on selfies. I intend to look for more articles in the library database for support of this claim. I have one article about daredevils on social media, but I would like more research.

7. It's Not All Fun and Games

Social media has been tied to extreme cases of violence that lead to death. Students have been pushed to the brink of taking their own lives in committing suicide, which has been linked to online bullying, hopelessness, and depression. Others have become victims to physical and sexual abuse, grooming, and abducted for child sex trafficking. Strangers are completely free to contact minors without the knowledge of a parent, which should not be allowed. Real life and death issues are a byproduct of social media and adults need to be aware. This is of the upmost importance. Having a very naive viewpoint, younger children are the most at risk for these dangers. I have a study that shows each type of violence and peer's acceptance of the violence. I need to look for more articles to support this area.