Outlet Title
2024 IEEE 4th Conference on Digital Platforms and Societal Harms (DPSH)
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
10-2024
Abstract
This study investigates the meta-issues surrounding social media, which, while theoretically designed to enhance social interactions and improve our social lives by facilitating the sharing of personal experiences and life events, often results in adverse psychological impacts. Our investigation reveals a paradoxical outcome: rather than fostering closer relationships and improving social lives, the algorithms and structures that underlie social media platforms inadvertently contribute to a profound psychological impact on individuals, influencing them in unforeseen ways. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced among teenagers, who are disproportionately affected by curated online personas, peer pressure to present a perfect digital image, and the constant bombardment of notifications and updates that characterize their social media experience. As such, we issue a call to action for policymakers, platform developers, and educators to prioritize the well-being of teenagers in the digital age and work towards creating secure and safe social media platforms that protect the young from harm, online harassment, and exploitation.
Recommended Citation
Arora, Sunil; Arora, Sahil; and Hastings, John, "The Psychological Impacts of Algorithmic and AI-Driven Social Media on Teenagers: A Call to Action" (2024). Research & Publications. 85.
https://scholar.dsu.edu/ccspapers/85
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Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Commons, Child Psychology Commons, Clinical Psychology Commons, Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Consumer Protection Law Commons, Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Cybersecurity Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons, Early Childhood Education Commons, Educational Technology Commons, Graphics and Human Computer Interfaces Commons, Internet Law Commons, Juvenile Law Commons, Public Health Commons, Public Law and Legal Theory Commons, Science and Technology Law Commons, Social Influence and Political Communication Commons, Social Media Commons, Sociology of Culture Commons, Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons