Social media is defined as virtual communities and networks that allow people to share information, ideas, and media online. The document discusses several negative effects of social media on teens, including that it can be addictive as studies show teens spend 7 hours per day on average using social media as a way to relieve boredom or problems. Additionally, social media can cause teens to compare their lives to idealized versions presented online and can change how teens see themselves and others as a means to conform. Frequent social media use also enables cyberbullying and can cause teens to disengage from reality.