Impact of Social media on Child Socialisation
October 9, 2023
Media technology includes screen media (television & motion pictures), print (magazines & books) audio and multimedia inclusive of computers and phones has a profound effect on socialization of children. Children and families became even more reliant on media technology for information, socialization and remote learning during COVID due to school closures.
- According to McAfee’s Global Connected Family Study smartphone use in the world among children in the age of 10-14 is 76%
- Children in lower-income households spend an average of nearly two hours a day more with screen media than those in higher income homes (3:48 vs. 1:52)
Negative Impact of Social Media
- Validation in Real World: Social media can make children dependent on validation. Children are more enthralled by what they see on the Internet, which cater to their personal needs and desires. They are disconnected from the real world to connect on the virtual world. They could find it challenging to develop friendships in the physical world or plan life in a physical space.
- Identity Formation: Children use platforms to curate their online personas, which may not always reflect their true selves. This can lead to issues of self-esteem and identity confusion as they navigate the pressure to conform to idealized online images.
- Cyberbullying: Children can be subjected to harassment, humiliation, or exclusion online, which can have severe psychological and emotional consequences. The anonymity provided by social media can make it easier for bullies to target victims.
- More than one in four kids globally now face some form of racism on social media; while online sexual harassment is also impacting one in every six children globally.
- Mental Health: Constant exposure to idealized images and curated lives of others can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression.
- Parent Child Socialisation: Excessive use of social media may affect a strong bond between a parent and a child. Parents are more distracted and less in tune with their children if they are constantly focusing attention on their devices. Parents who spend an excessive amount of time on sites such as Facebook, YouTube, and so on may be prone to neglecting their children or leaving them unsupervised.
- Addiction: Watching and playing games or spending time on social media could lead to addiction. The use of Internet and mobile devices also exposes them to substance abuse and pornographic content.
- Too much screen time can lead to irregular sleep patterns, behavioural problems, a lack of social skills, poor eating habits, and in the long term, is a risk factor for obesity.
Theories on Media and Socialization
- From a symbolic interactionist perspective, media creates and spreads symbols that become the basis for our shared understanding of society. These symbols can influence children’s perceptions of reality, their self-image, and their understanding of their roles within society.
- Negative impacts can occur when the media portrays harmful stereotypes or unrealistic expectations. For example, children might develop skewed perceptions of gender roles or body image based on what they see in the media.
- Moreover, excessive screen time can lead to reduced face-to-face interactions, which are crucial for developing social skills and emotional intelligence. This could potentially lead to difficulties in social situations and a sense of isolation.
- According to Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, children learn by observing models in media and all its forms. Children will imitate and role play what they see, especially if the role model has prestige and social influence. This influence can be both positive and negative.
- For example, a child a child actively engaging in violent video game content may also learn aggressive an antisocial behavior.
- From a conflict perspective, the media is seen as a platform that reflects and exacerbates divisions within society.
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- When it comes to child socialization, the negative impact of media can be viewed in terms of how it perpetuates social inequalities and shapes children’s perceptions of societal norms and values.
- For instance, children from lower socio-economic backgrounds may not have the same access to educational media content as their wealthier counterparts, leading to disparities in learning opportunities.
- Moreover, the media often gives voice to the most powerful, potentially marginalizing less dominant groups. This can influence children’s perceptions of power dynamics in society.
- For example, if media predominantly showcases affluent lifestyles and consumerism, it could lead children to develop materialistic values and a sense of social inadequacy.
