Review of the Association between Social Networks and Adolescent Development

Abstract

Adolescents are consistently exposed to social networks. Considerable discourse has taken place within both the public sphere and the scientific realm regarding the correlation between social network usage during adolescence and the manifestation of both physical and mental health problems. The main object of this study was to do a thorough and systematic evaluation of the available literature that investigates the association between the well-being of teenagers and their social networks. The review incorporated a total of eleven articles. Adolescents who participate in offline social networks demonstrate an elevated degree of impact on their emotional state and feelings of isolation, although their perception of their physical appearance stays unaltered. Receiving affirmative comments and actively seeking social support can elicit a sense of contentment as well as a sense of isolation. The results from a cumulative total of seven studies continuously indicate a notable correlation between the use of online social networks and several dimensions of mental health, including mood, self-esteem, life satisfaction, body image, and overall subjective well-being. The implementation of intervention tactics and educational activities is of utmost importance in effectively addressing the possible risks to subjective well-being that are linked to online social networks among young persons, educators, and parents.