Social media use at a young age can negatively impact childhood development in several ways. The average age of getting a phone with social media access has decreased from 14 in 2015 to 11 in 2019 to 8 in 2021. Early exposure can lead to lack of self-esteem from unrealistic comparisons and lack of interpersonal skills as social interaction increasingly occurs online rather than in person. Studies show people prefer superficial online interactions like commenting and liking over real face-to-face conversations.

1. CHILDHOOD:
BY SOCIAL
MEDIA
Effects of Social Media on a Developing Brain

2. “it is easier to just look at a social media
page to see how friends and family are doing,
rather than have a one-on-one interaction.”
Common mindset in 2021:
- participant in social media research study

3. How has being raised with
social media affected us?
- Internet/social media is often seen as a power tool that allows people to be
however and whoever they want to create popularity.
- They'll act like they don't know you in person, but ‘like’ your pictures the
next day.

4. Average age of getting a phone
with access to social media
2015
14
2019
11
2021
8

5. Lack of self esteem
This can be directly related to the age that a child is exposed to the retaliations of
social media and false representations of what is reality.
Receiving a phone too early can cause...

6. Lack of
interpersonal
skills
Interpersonal interaction is a
communication process that
involves...
the exchange of
- information
- feelings
- through verbal
or
non-verbal messages
Exposure to Social
media too early can
also cause...

7. - Studies showed people would rather
comment or “like” a picture than stop and
have a quick conversation.
- Many individuals say they interact less
in person because it is easier to relate
online behind a screen.
Why is this a common factor in
today's generation

8. References