How Teenagers Utilize Social Media
The world’s technology is developing rapidly, resulting in changes in society. In technology, various kinds of social media carry and store multiple kinds of information and have an impact on today’s youth culture.
Many young people and even adults use social media in their daily lives which has both positive and negative effects, including online gambling and escort services, which can indirectly damage today’s younger generation.
The positive impact of social media is to prepare and provide complete information and can make online business facilities on social media. The presence of the internet as a modern media makes it easier for people to access various kinds of social media for communication devices and news media.
With rapidly developing technology and diverse social media, it is also easier for people to give messages or interact indirectly. Humans are social beings who are interconnected by communicating almost every day.
Humans interact with other humans, and sometimes humans forget the freedom to comment or communicate indirectly, causing unwanted things such as indirect sexual harassment by sending or commenting on obscene things and also escort services among teenagers.
The Ministry of Communication & Informative (KOMINFO) revealed that in Indonesia there are now 132 million active internet users, around 52% of the total population. Among these internet users, there are around 129 million who have active social media accounts and on average spend 3.5 hours per day consuming the internet through cell phones.
Teenagers can use sexual-content platforms easily
After interviewing a respondent; a 15-year-old sex worker using OnlyFans, I discovered that his involvement in sexual work was largely accidental.
According to the respondent, he was influenced by friends and idle time spent on social media. This involvement stemmed from family and environmental factors, leading to severe repercussions on his life.
Family problems and lack of parental attention often push teenagers towards risky paths. For him, these factors, combined with financial struggles, made sexual work seem like an attractive option due to the potential earnings.
Many teenagers involved in sexual work have discontinued their education. In his case, school problems and financial issues were significant contributors to his decision to engage in escort service.
A 2016 journal by Siswati Ningsih reported that Indonesia had approximately 50,000 sex workers, including teenagers under the age of 18. By 2021, SINDONEWS reported 230,000 sex workers, and in 2022, CNN News ranked Indonesia eighth globally for the number of online sex workers.
Today’s youth can succeed faster through personal branding with social media
One significant advantage of social media is its ability to provide a platform for self-expression and creativity. Teenagers can showcase their talents, whether in art, music, writing, or any other field to the global audience. This exposure can lead to recognition and even opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise.
Social media also offers teenagers a way to develop and refine their communication skills. Crafting posts, engaging with followers, and creating compelling content requires a thoughtful approach to messaging and storytelling.
By consistently practicing these skills, teenagers can become more effective communicators, a valuable asset in both their personal and professional lives.
Another positive impact of social media is the ability to connect with like-minded individuals and build a supportive community. Teenagers can find and join groups or communities that share their interests and passions.
These connections can provide encouragement, feedback, and collaborative opportunities, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual growth. For instance, a teenager interested in coding can join online coding communities, participate in challenges, and collaborate on projects, all of which can enhance their knowledge and skills.
Navigating the Double-Edged Sword of Social Media: Risks and Rewards for Teenagers
The rapid development of technology and the widespread use of social media have significantly impacted today’s youth culture, presenting both positive and negative effects.
On the other hand, social media has become a breeding ground for harmful activities such as online gambling and sex work, which can have dire consequences for young people.
The story of a 15-year-old sex worker on OnlyFans highlights how easily teenagers can be drawn into risky behaviors due to factors like peer influence, idle time, family issues, and financial struggles. The prevalence of underage sex workers in Indonesia underscores the urgency of addressing these dangers.
On the other hand, social media also offers immense opportunities for personal branding and professional growth. Teenagers can use these platforms to express their creativity, develop communication skills, and connect with like-minded individuals.
By showcasing their talents and building supportive communities, they can create pathways to recognition, collaboration, and career opportunities. The positive impact of social media is evident in how it enables teenagers to refine their personal brand and achieve success more quickly than ever before.
Ultimately, the dual nature of social media means that while it can be a tool for harm, it also holds the potential to empower and uplift the younger generation.
It is crucial for society to foster responsible use of technology; ensuring that teenagers are equipped with the knowledge and support they need to navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively.
By doing so, we can help them harness the positive aspects of social media while mitigating its risks, paving the way for a brighter and more secure future.