The Effects of Social Media Algorithms on Teenagers

Abstract:

This brief investigation examines social media algorithms to explore their impact on teenagers. Teenagers use social media for a variety of reasons, including education, communication with others, and leisure. Over time, social media has developed into a vast network of individuals from various backgrounds. While social media platforms play a significant role in informing and engaging teenagers, their algorithmic systems often do more harm than good by creating ideological divides and encouraging addictive behaviors. Using active research from case studies and articles, this paper analyzes the effects that social media algorithms have on teenagers and briefly explains each effect, its consequences, and potential solutions. It outlines how a typical algorithm on social media works and how it is controlled. Additionally, it highlights the psychological tactics used by algorithms that lead to addiction and negatively affect teenagers’ mental health. Algorithms can also raise unrealistic standards in the minds of teenagers, further impacting their mental health. Some platforms even employ AI-driven algorithms, where
artificial intelligence (AI) scans and controls nearly everything users see and interact with. This paper also communicates the double-edged nature of algorithms, how they may seem effective on the surface, but often contain hidden risks that we often fail to notice. Since teenagers frequently use social media, this analysis reveals the hidden truths and dangers that these algorithms pose to them today.