Social media platforms, especially sites like Instagram, have altered the way we connect and interact with others. Other than communicating with people, these sites also help us share videos and images. That means profile holders can share a slice of their lives with their friends and others who follow them. While this doesn’t sound harmful on the surface, there is a hidden danger.
Excessive Instagram browsing has been affecting teens in several ways. Parents often complain that their teens are addicted to Instagram and are logging in even while eating, at a family gathering, and during study hours.
Mellisa Gordon shares in her new study, which is led by the University of Delaware, that social media negatively impacts a teen’s schoolwork. Furthermore, the paper that has been published in ‘Youth & Society’ has reviewed the impact of Instagram use on students and their academic performance. The results highlight that, when students use this platform excessively, their academic achievement decreases.
In this article, we will discuss how excessive social media use can hamper teen focus and affect their studies. Additionally, we will also share how to file a lawsuit in case your teen becomes a victim of any untoward social media scam or trap.
Instagram Affects Teen Focus: Note the Negatives
For teens between the ages of 13 to 17, almost 93% to 97% of them report using three social media platforms, which include Instagram. The daily use totals an average span of 9 hours, which is excessive. Even though there are a few advantages to social media, the negatives weigh down its positives. Researchers reveal that increased use of Instagram has a prominent impact on the brain development of adolescents.
Students who are glued to their Instagram profiles and never want to miss out on any updates have witnessed poor academic outcomes.
Here are a few ways in which Instagram affects the attention capacity of teens, thereby leading them to have questionable academic performance.
Constant Comparison with Peers
While it is always great to see your peers doing well, it can generate insecurity and feelings of lack. Teens who are always looking ahead to the next update from their friends and classmates often end up comparing their lives with theirs. And that eventually leads to a negative thought spiral.
Teens must understand that they can only be the best version of themselves and not anyone else. For instance, when they see their classmate or batch mate winning quiz competitions, having the best fitness, and traveling to the best locations with family, they feel happy at first.
However, since a social media update is accompanied by comments, it can make teens feel that their peers are leading their best lives. This feeling of lack and failure can cause stress and tension and affect their focus on their studies. Naturally, this will reflect poor scores and concerning remarks from teachers.
Cyberbullying Can Cause Havoc
With the internet being accessible, anyone can open an account on Instagram and cyberbully your teen. Often, teens who are being bullied online by other students in their school or private tuition classes refrain from going to both. It increases the chance of absenteeism and makes them lose interest in their studies, which automatically affects their academic performance.
If you find that your teen is facing cyberbullying, it is necessary to file an Instagram lawsuit to report the problem. Not only will it help to expose the bullies, but it will also enable your teen to feel secure, focus on their studies, and score well.
Reel Addiction
The obvious thing that keeps teens hooked on social media is reels. These reels vary from the popular steps of leading dance numbers, travel videos, ideal body type images, quotes on dark psychology, and the like. What seems to be entertaining at first turns out to be an addiction that takes away valuable hours from a teen’s daily routine, which they could have used productively.
Now that they have wasted ample time, they end up rushing to complete assignments, which ruins the quality of work done. As a result, they score fewer marks and don’t perform well.
Navigating the Legal Path
If you find that your teen has landed themselves in any Instagram scam or trap framed by bullies or phishers, it is necessary to report it legally. TruLaw states that the best way to get this done is by getting in touch with a lawyer who will study the case and determine if you are eligible for the lawsuit. Additionally, they will also guide you on how to approach the case so that the verdict is in your favor.
Make sure that you submit every crucial piece of evidence to the lawyer. They will use it to build a compelling case so that the criminals get revealed, and you are compensated for the loss and suffering.
In conclusion, excess of anything always leads to something detrimental. This is true even for Instagram use, which can often affect the academic performance of your teen in various ways. If you find that your teen is neglecting their studies because of excess Instagram browsing, find ways to curb it. And in case they have fallen prey to any cybercrime or cyberbullying, you must seek legal assistance.