Social media has become an integral part of modern life for many individuals, especially adolescents. While this technology does offer numerous benefits such as access to entertainment and a means for connecting with peers, there are also potential risks associated with its usage.

One major concern is the effect that social media can have on mental health; research indicates that prolonged exposure to platforms such as Facebook or Twitter may lead to increased anxiety, depression and low self-esteem (Garcia et al., 2019). This could be due in part to the impact that comparison culture has upon users who feel pressured into keeping up with others online which can result in feelings of inadequacy or inferiority (Rosen & Galbincea, 2019). In addition, cyberbullying is another issue faced by teens today as they are exposed to more instances of harassment and abuse through their use of digital devices than ever before (Kowalski et al., 2018).

Finally, privacy is another important factor when it comes to youth engagement on social media; without proper safeguards in place this makes them vulnerable not only from those within their own peer group but also outside sources like advertisers or hackers seeking access personal information. Thus it is important for young people and parents alike to understand the potential dangers posed by these platforms so that appropriate precautions may be taken when engaging online.