Social Media, Adolescents, and the Role of the Pediatrician: Exploring Potential Benefits and Harms in Today's Digital Landscape.

Abstract

The use of technology among children, adolescents, and adults has increased dramatically in the last 15 to 20 years. Along with the presence of technology has come increased exposure and access to social media, particularly for adolescents and teenagers. Social media may include any form of electronic communication where users share information and build communities; some examples of commonly used social media sites include YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook. With the near-ubiquitous presence of smartphones and tablets, most adolescents and teens are using devices and associated social media sites. There are advantages and disadvantages to the use of social media, and pediatricians should be aware of potential risks as well as ways that social media use may be beneficial to teens. Communication with caregivers and patients about technology and social media use is an important piece of anticipatory guidance during health care visits, and there are multiple ways that pediatricians can facilitate healthy usage of social media with their patients. [Pediatr Ann. 2022;51(8):e300-e303.].