Category: Social Media

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The Addiction of Seeking Validation on Social Media

Posted on by Ahmad Amirali

Social Media Is Fun and Exciting as It Connects Us with Our Families and Friends Especially in Pandemic. But It Becomes Stressful When We Start Craving for more Likes and Shares.

Last week I was reading an article on ‘selfie syndrome’. It discusses why adolescents engage in behaviour where they seek validation on social media. This article reminds me of a recent talk I had with a parent where she worryingly shares about her kid’s routine and his ‘over-involvement with Instagram and Facebook. She revealed that her kid is so ‘addicted’ to these social media platforms that he shared his whole routine via posts and selfies. The parent was frustrated and wanted a working solution to this problem. But I was wondering what makes that teenager to engaged that intensely with social media platforms? Continue reading “The Addiction of Seeking Validation on Social Media” →

How Fear of Missing Out Affects Teens During Pandemic?

Posted on by Ahmad Amirali

A New Study Suggests the Association Between Pandemic and The FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) Syndrome Especially in Teenagers During the Pandemic Times

The pandemic has given us the way forward to sustain and survive while keeping ourselves socially distant. The virtual valley is now the home to millions of digital natives benefiting their lives from the fruits of services this valley offers. Unfortunately, social media websites are heavily consuming fruits, especially by teenagers during the covid-19 pandemic. Eventually, the overuse of such platforms leads teens to engage in addictive behaviour, affecting their social and cognitive health.  Researchers believe that this addiction can be the reason to cope with feelings of anxiety and loneliness that adolescents experience during quarantine, and FOMO is one such anxiety. Continue reading “How Fear of Missing Out Affects Teens During Pandemic?” →

How Watching Porn Affects Adolescent’s Brain?

Posted on by Ahmad Amirali

Do Porn Websites Changes the Way Teenagers Think About Sex?

Recently, one of my previous year students’ parent texted me to discuss her child’s daily schedule and wanted some suggestions. While discussing, she asked, “Sir, is it ok if I forbid my kid to browse over the internet? or if I sit with him while he is using a laptop, would it hinder his privacy?” She seems concerned and confused as she starts asking such questions. When I enquired what exactly puzzling her? she replied, “I think my child watches porn because his internet browser history is full of such websites. I think it’s not normal as he is only 14”. Every year, I came across at least 2 or 3 such parental anxieties regarding their kid’s disturbing cyber behaviour. Parents have become more concerned about their kids’ virtual routine, especially in this Covid era, where the internet is becoming more of a necessity for kids. How browsing pornography can affect teens’ overall idea of sex? What impacts does porn have on adolescents’ cognitive behaviour and personality? Continue reading “How Watching Porn Affects Adolescent’s Brain?” →

Teen Depression | Are You Feeling Suicidal?

Posted on by Ahmad Amirali

Adolescent suicides are preventable. What parents and educators should know about the reasons, the warning signs and the preventive steps that can protect their teens?

Last week, one of my friends shared an unexpected incident with me about her twelve-year-old niece. She used to maintain a diary in which she takes notes about her daily activities and reflections. One day, her mother was shocked to read some of the entries from her diary where she mentioned that “…I think my life is empty as nobody, even my mother, understands me…I think I should kill myself.” This journal entry of a twelve-year-old gives us a clear look at what kind of stress our teenagers are going through especially when they are confining to their homes, socially distant from their friends and relatives. However, the much-needed question is, are parents aware of how to handle such kind of circumstances? Or what steps parents should take to mitigate the risk? Continue reading “Teen Depression | Are You Feeling Suicidal?” →

How was the Year 2020 for Teenagers and Youth?

Posted on by Ahmad Amirali

The year 2020 was quite depressing for almost all of us. However, one group significantly affected by this pandemic is teenagers. School closures and enforced social distancing have cut off many teens from primary means of psychological support, putting them at higher risk of developing anxiety and depression.

It seems 2020 was a bit of a halt to a flowing stream of human life. However, the year 2020 does provide some life-changing lessons to us and become a source of inspiration for many. To learn more about the impacts of this pandemic on teen’s life, I have gone through many websites and tried to explore how the world is out looking pandemic after ten months of Covid-19 spread.  The following is the roundup of the research, ideas, and news about young people’s experiences during pandemic times.

The Most Frequently Use Word in Germany During 2020

The German Youth Word of the Year in 2020 is actually an English word, lost. German teens don’t use it in the sense of having lost their way, but to express a lack of perspective, or of not knowing what to do. Teens might also use the term in math class, for instance, to say ‘I don’t get it.’ Continue reading “How was the Year 2020 for Teenagers and Youth?” →