SOCIAL MEDIA
1. What are the main social media platforms?
These were the most widely used social media providers as of January 2023,
according to Datar portal:
1. Facebook (2.96 billion users)
2. YouTube (2.51 billion users)
3. WhatsApp (two billion users)
4. Instagram (two billion users)
5. WeChat (1.31 billion users)
6. TikTok (1.05 billion users)
7. Facebook Messenger (931 million users)
8. Doyin (715 million users)
9. Telegram (seven hundred million users)
10. Snapchat (635 million users)
(Dollarhide & Kindness, 2024)
2. Main uses of social media
What Social Media Is Used for Today
Social media platforms are often divided into six categories: social networking, social
bookmarking, social news, media sharing, microblogging, and online forums.
These diverse platforms serve a vast range of purposes and user interests. Some
appeal to hobbyists, others to people in their work lives. People use them to find
others around the globe who share their political or other views. Entertainers use
social media to engage with fans, politicians with voters, and charities with donors.
Governments often turn to social media to convey vital information during
emergencies.
For businesses, social media has become a key marketing tool. Companies use it to
find and engage with customers, drive sales through advertising and promotion,
identify fast-moving consumer trends, provide customer service or support, and
collect data on users—sometimes surreptitiously. (Dollarhide & Kindness, 2024)
Social Media Usage
Social media offers a collaborative space for social interaction between seemingly
infinite numbers of people. Several benefits have been identified in relation to the
routine use of social media platforms. “The six key overarching benefits were
identified as (1) increased interactions with others, (2) more available, shared, and
tailored information, (3) increased accessibility and widening access to health
information, (4) peer, social, emotional support, (5) public health surveillance, and (6)
potential to influence health policy” (Moorhead et al., 2013, p. 8). Although there are
several benefits associated with the use of social media, specifically image based
social media, some uses of these platforms may lead to potentially unwanted effects.
The primary image based social media platforms this review examines are Pinterest,
Instagram and Facebook.
Lewallen and Behm-Morawitz (2016) suggest that adolescent girls and young
women following fitness boards on Pinterest were more likely to report intentions
to engage in extreme weight-loss behaviours, such as crash dieting or a radical
exercise plan. In response to images viewed on the fitness boards on Pinterest, these
adolescent girls and young women initiated a process of self-reflection, which
increased intention to engage in extreme weight-loss behaviours. Overall, the
results of this study revealed that social media environments might influence
adolescent girls and young women to engage in social comparison leading to
feelings of inadequacy and body dissatisfaction (Alperstein, 2015). Furthermore,
based on the results of this study and others, negative body image concerns appear
to be higher for those who internalized negative messages and images (Alperstein,
2015; Bell, 2016).
Currently, studies link social media platforms with body dissatisfaction in adolescent
girls (Tiggemann & Miller, 2010; Tiggemann & Slater, 2013). In order to investigate
the underlying processes, one study investigated over one hundred seventh graders
and found that adolescent girls who shared more photos online, such as selfies, and
used more photoshop felt worse about their appearance and exhibited greater eating
concerns (McLean et al., 2015). Specifically, some studies suggest greater usage of
social media heighten body dissatisfaction due to an increase in appearance-related
comments from friends (de Vries et al., 2015).
Using applications and other editing devices, such as Photoshop, to alter selfies is
nothing new for many teens and women. Thanks to an array of free applications,
people can alter the way their bodies look in photos with a swipe or a click. Teens
can cover up blemishes, alter their facial shape, and manipulate their bodies to look
thinner and more attractive (e.g., making their waists smaller or their breasts
bigger). Even the popular socialites Kim and Khloe Kardashian have utilized
Photoshop to post edited selfies for their Instagram accounts. As pointed out in an
article by Mirror Magazine, many fans have criticized the sisters for unrealistic
alterations to make themselves look thinner and more toned (Rutter & Strang,
2016).
(Makwana, et al., 2018)
4. How has social media evolved though the years
Social media started out as a way for people to interact with friends and family, but
soon expanded to serve many different purposes. In 2004, Myspace was the first
network to reach one million monthly active users.3
Social media participation exploded in the years that followed with the entry of
Facebook and Twitter (now X). Businesses gravitated toward these platforms in
order to reach an audience instantly on a global scale.
According to Global Web Index, 46% of internet users worldwide get their news
through social media. That compares to 40% of users who view news on news
websites. Gen Z and millennials were most likely to view news on social sites vs.
other generations.2
Global Web Index. “The Global Media Landscape.”
Social media plays a key role in many businesses’ marketing strategies, not
surprising given the sheer number of hours people spend each day on social
websites and apps. At the same time, social media is an ever-changing field, with
relatively recent apps such as TikTok, Signal, and Clubhouse joining the ranks
of established social networks like Facebook, YouTube, X, and Instagram.
(Dollarhide & Kindness, 2024)
4. advantages of social media for students

Information Access: Social media platforms like Facebook provide access to a vast
amount of information and educational resources, facilitating learning outside
traditional classroom settings.

Collaboration and Networking: Students can collaborate on projects, share ideas,
and connect with peers, educators, and experts globally, enhancing learning
opportunities and exposure to diverse perspectives.

Enhanced Communication: Social media enables instant communication through
messaging, video calls, and group chats, fostering real-time interaction for academic
discussions, study groups, and clarifying doubts.

Educational Resources: Many educational institutions and organizations use social
media to share updates, announcements, educational content, and resources, keeping
students informed and engaged. Social media marketing enhances the reach of these
announcements.

Creativity and Self-Expression: Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok
allow students to showcase their creativity, talents, and interests through multimedia
content creation, promoting self-expression and confidence. People use social media
marketing to reach wider audiences.

Career Opportunities: Social media serves as a platform for students to build
professional profiles, network with potential employers, and discover job or
internship opportunities in their field of study.

Global Awareness: Students can stay informed about current events, global issues,
and cultural diversity through social media, broadening their perspectives and
understanding of the world.

Support and Community: Social media communities and groups provide emotional
support, academic advice, and resources for students facing challenges, fostering a
sense of belonging and camaraderie.
(Team, 2024)
5. Disadvantages of social media for students
Distraction and Procrastination: Excessive use of social media can lead to distraction from
academic tasks, reducing productivity, and contributing to procrastination on assignments
and studying.
Privacy Risks: Students may unknowingly share personal information or engage in risky
behaviours online, leading to privacy breaches, cyberbullying, identity theft, or reputation
damage.
Misinformation and Fake News: social media can propagate misinformation, conspiracy
theories, and unreliable sources, leading to confusion, misinformation, and misinterpretation
of facts among students. People use social media for business and personal reasons, which
creates a mix of credible and dubious information.
Cyberbullying and Harassment: Students may experience cyberbullying, harassment, or
social pressure on social media platforms, impacting mental health, self-esteem, and
academic performance.
Sleep Disturbances: Late-night use of social media can disrupt sleep patterns, affecting
concentration, memory retention, and overall academic performance due to inadequate rest.
Addiction and Time Management: Students may develop addictive behaviours or spend
excessive time on social media sites, neglecting academic responsibilities, hobbies, and faceto-face interactions.
Comparative Stress: Constant exposure to curated content and highlight reels on social
media can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, or depression as students compare
themselves to others.
Reduced Face-to-Face Interaction: Over-reliance on social media for communication may
reduce opportunities for face-to-face interactions, interpersonal skills development, and
building meaningful relationships.
Digital Footprint: Inappropriate posts or content shared on social media can have long-term
consequences on students' future academic and career prospects, affecting their digital
footprint and reputation.
Academic Integrity Concerns: Social media platforms can facilitate cheating, plagiarism, or
academic dishonesty through sharing of exam answers, papers, or unauthorized
collaboration, compromising academic integrity.
(Team, 2024)
6. How does social media affect teenagers?
any parents worry about how exposure to technology might affect toddlers
developmentally. We know our preschoolers are picking up new social and cognitive skills at
a stunning pace, and we do not want hours spent glued to an iPad to impede that. But
adolescence is an equally important period of rapid development, and too few of us are
paying attention to how our teenagers’ use of technology — much more intense and
intimate than a 3-year-old playing with dad’s iPhone — is affecting them. In fact, experts
worry that the social media and text messages that have become so integral to teenage life
are promoting anxiety and lowering self-esteem.
Young people report that there might be good reason to worry. A survey conducted by the
Royal Society for Public Health asked 14–24-year-olds in the UK how social media
platforms impacted their health and well-being. The survey results found that Snapchat,
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram all led to increased feelings of depression, anxiety, poor
body image, and loneliness.
Indirect communication
Teens are masters at keeping themselves occupied in the hours after school until way past
bedtime. When they are not doing their homework (and when they are) they are online and
on their phones, texting, sharing, trolling, scrolling, you name it. Of course before everyone
had an Instagram account teens kept themselves busy, too, but they were more likely to do
their chatting on the phone, or in person when hanging out at the mall. It may have looked
like a lot of aimless hanging around, but what they were doing was experimenting, trying
out skills, and succeeding and failing in tons of tiny real-time interactions that kids today
are missing. For one thing, modern teens are learning to do most of their communication
while looking at a screen, not another person.
“As a species we are very highly attuned to reading social cues,” says Catherine SteinerAdair, EdD, a clinical psychologist and author of The Big Disconnect. “There’s no question
kids are missing out on very critical social skills. In a way, texting and online
communicating puts everybody in a context where body language, facial expression, and
even the smallest kinds of vocal reactions are rendered invisible.”
Lowering the risks
Certainly, speaking indirectly creates a barrier to clear communication, but that is not all.
Learning how to make friends is a major part of growing up, and friendship requires a
certain amount of risk-taking. This is true for making a new friend, but it is also true for
maintaining friendships. When there are problems that need to be faced — big ones or small
ones — it takes courage to be honest about your feelings and then hear what the other
person has to say. Learning to effectively cross these bridges is part of what makes
friendship fun and exciting, and also scary. “Part of healthy self-esteem is knowing how to
say what you think and feel even when you’re in disagreement with other people or it feels
emotionally risky,” notes Dr. Steiner-Adair.
But when friendship is conducted online and through texts, kids are doing this in a context
stripped of many of the most personal — and sometimes intimidating — aspects of
communication. It is easier to keep your guard up when you are texting, so less is at stake.
You are not hearing or seeing the effect that your words are having on the other person.
Because the conversation is not happening in real time, each party can take more time to
consider a response. No wonder kids say calling someone on the phone is “too intense”— it
requires more direct communication, and if you are not used to that it may well feel scary.
If kids are not getting enough practice relating to people and getting their needs met in
person and in real time, many of them will grow up to be adults who are anxious about our
species’ primary means of communication — talking. And of course, social negotiations
only get riskier as people get older and begin navigating romantic relationships and
employment.
Cyberbullying and the imposter syndrome
The other big danger that comes from kids communicating more indirectly is that it has
gotten easier to be cruel. “Kids text all sorts of things that you would never in a million
years contemplate saying to anyone’s face,” says Donna Wick, EdD, a clinical and
developmental psychologist. She notes that this seems to be especially true of girls, who
typically don’t like to disagree with each other in “real life.”
“You hope to teach them that they can disagree without jeopardizing the relationship, but
what social media is teaching them to do is disagree in ways that are more extreme and do
jeopardize the relationship. It is exactly what you do not want to have happen,” she says.
Dr. Steiner-Adair agrees that girls are particularly at risk. “Girls are socialized more to
compare themselves to other people, girls in particular, to develop their identities, so it
makes them more vulnerable to the downside of all this.” She warns that a lack of solid self-
esteem is often to blame. “We forget that relational aggression comes from insecurity and
feeling awful about yourself, and wanting to put other people down so you feel better.”
Peer acceptance is a big thing for adolescents, and many of them care about their image as
much as a politician running for office, and to them it can feel as serious. Add to that the fact
that kids today are getting actual polling data on how much people like them or their
appearance via things like “likes.” It is enough to turn anyone’s head. Who would not want
to make themselves look cooler if they could? So, kids can spend hours pruning their online
identities, trying to project an idealized image. Teenage girls sort through hundreds of
photos, agonizing over which ones to post online. Boys compete for attention by trying to
out-gross one other, pushing the envelope as much as they can in the already disinhibited
atmosphere online. Kids gang up on each other.
Adolescents have always been doing this, but with the advent of social media they are faced
with more opportunities — and more traps — than ever before. When kids scroll through
their feeds and see how great everyone seems, it only adds to the pressure. We are used to
worrying about the impractical ideals that photoshopped magazine models give to our kids,
but what happens with the kid next door is photoshopped, too? Even more confusing, what
about when your own profile does not really represent the person that you feel like you are
on the inside?
“Adolescence and the early twenties in particular are the years in which you are acutely
aware of the contrasts between who you appear to be and who you think you are,” says Dr.
Wick. “It is similar to the ‘imposter syndrome’ in psychology. As you get older and acquire
more mastery, you begin to realize that you actually are good at some things, and then you
feel that gap hopefully narrow. But imagine having your deepest darkest fear be that you are
not as good as you look, and then imagine needing to look that good all the time! It is
exhausting.”
As Dr. Steiner-Adair explains, “Self-esteem comes from consolidating who you are.” The
more identities you have, and the more time you spend pretending to be someone you are
not, the harder it is going to be to feel good about yourself.
Stalking (and being ignored)
Another big change that has come with new technology and especially smart phones is that
we are never really alone. Kids update their status, share what they are watching, listening
to, and reading, and have apps that let their friends know their specific location on a map at
all times. Even if a person is not trying to keep his friends updated, he is still never out of
reach of a text message. The result is that kids feel hyperconnected with each other. The
conversation never needs to stop, and it feels like there is always something new happening.
“Whatever we think of the ‘relationships’ maintained and, in some cases, initiated on social
media, kids never get a break from them,” notes Dr. Wick. “And that, in and of itself, can
produce anxiety. Everyone needs a respite from the demands of intimacy and connection;
time alone to regroup, replenish and just chill out. When you do not have that, it is easy to
become emotionally depleted, fertile ground for anxiety to breed.”
It is also surprisingly easy to feel lonely in the middle of all that hyper connection. For one
thing, kids now know with depressing certainty when they are being ignored. We all have
phones, and we all respond to things pretty quickly, so when you are waiting for a response
that does not come, the silence can be deafening. The silent treatment might be a strategic
insult or just the unfortunate side effect of an online adolescent relationship that starts out
intensely but then fades away.
“In the old days when a boy was going to break up with you, he had to have a conversation
with you. Or at least he had to call,” says Dr. Wick. “These days he might just disappear
from your screen, and you never get to have the ‘What did I do?’ conversation.” Kids are
often left imagining the worst about themselves.
But even when the conversation does not end, being in a constant state of waiting can still
provoke anxiety. We can feel ourselves being put on the back burner, we put others back
there, and our very human need to communicate is effectively delegated there, too.
(Ehmke, 2024)
10. How has social media shaped society
Social media is an undeniable force in modern society. With over half the global population
using social platforms, and the average person spending at least two hours scrolling
through them every day, it cannot be overstated that our digital spaces have altered our lives
as we knew them. From giving us new ways to come together and stay connected with the
world around us, to providing outlets for self-expression, social media has fundamentally
changed the way we initiate, build and maintain our relationships.
But while these digital communities have become commonplace in our daily lives,
researchers are only beginning to understand the consequences of social media use on
future generations. Social media models are changing every day, with major platforms like
Meta and Instagram evolving into primary digital advertising spaces as much as social ones.
A critical responsibility falls on marketers to spread messages that inform, rather than
contribute to the sea of misinformation that thrives on social media.
Read on to see what is on marketers’ minds when it comes to the impact of social media on
society:
MENTAL HEALTH
You have likely heard about the negative impacts that social media can have on mental
health. Experts are weighing in on the role that the algorithms and design of social
platforms play in exasperating these concerns.
At SXSW 2019, Aza Raskin, co-founder of the Centre for Human Technology, talked about
the “digital loneliness epidemic,” which focused on the rise of depression and loneliness as it
relates to social media use. During the panel, Raskin spoke about the “infinite scroll,” the
design principle that enables users to continuously scroll through their feeds, without ever
having to decide whether to keep going—it is hard to imagine what the bottom of a TikTok
feed would look like, and that is intentional. But with the knowledge that mental health
concerns are undeniably linked to social media use, the dilemma we are now facing is when
does good design become inhumane design?
Arguably, Rankin’s term for social media use could now be renamed the “digital loneliness
pandemic” as the world faces unprecedented isolation during the COVID-19 outbreak. In
2020 the Ad Council released a study exploring factors that cause loneliness, and what can
be done to alleviate it. Interestingly, our research found that while social isolation is one
factor that can cause loneliness, 73% of respondents typically maintain interpersonal
relationships via technology, including engaging with others on social media. Simply put,
social media use can both contribute to and help mitigate feelings of isolation. So how do we
address this Catch-22? We should ask ourselves how we can use social media as a platform
to foster positive digital communities as young adults rely on it more and more to cope with
isolation.
Findings like these have been useful as we reexamine the focuses of Ad Council campaigns.
In May 2020, our iconic Seize the Awkward campaign launched new creative highlighting
ways young people could use digital communications tools to stay connected and check in
on one another’s mental health while practicing physical distancing. A year later, we
launched another mental health initiative, Sound It Out, which harnesses the power of
music to speak to 10-14-year-olds’ emotional wellbeing. Ad Council has seen the importance
of spreading awareness around mental health concerns as they relate to social media
consumption in young adults—who will become the next generation of marketers.
EXTREMISM & HATE
Another trend on experts’ minds is how the algorithms behind these massively influential
social media platforms may contribute to the rise of extremism and online radicalization.
Major social networking sites have faced criticism over how their advanced algorithms can
lead users to increasingly fringe content. These platforms are central to discussions around
online extremism, as social forums have become spaces for extreme communities to form
and build influence digitally. However, these platforms are responding to concerns and
troubleshooting functionalities that have the potential to result in dangerous outcomes.
Meta, for example, announced test prompts to provide anti-extremism resources and
support for users it believes have been exposed to extremist content on their feeds.
But as extremist groups continue to turn to fringe chatrooms and the “dark web” that begin
on social media, combing through the underbelly of the internet and stopping the spread of
hateful narratives is a daunting task. Promoting public service messages around Racial
Justice and Diversity & Inclusion are just some of the ways that Ad Council and other
marketers are using these platforms to move the needle away from hateful messaging and
use these platforms to change mindsets in a positive way.
PUBLIC HEALTH CRISES
Social media can be both a space to enlighten and spread messages of doubt. The
information age we are all living in has enabled marketers to intervene as educators and
providers of informative messaging to all facets of the American public. And no time has
this been more urgent than during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Public health efforts around mask mandates and vaccine rollouts have now become
increasingly polarized issues. Social media platforms have turned into breeding grounds for
spreading disinformation around vaccinations, and as a result, has contributed to vaccine
hesitancy among the American public. Meta, Instagram, and other platforms have begun to
flag certain messages as false, but the work of regulating misinformation, especially during
a pandemic, will be an enduring problem. To combat this, Ad Council and the COVID
Collaborative have put a particular emphasis on our historicCOVID-19 Vaccine Education
initiative, which has connected trusted messengers with the “uncommitted” American public
who feel the most uncertainty around getting the vaccine.
Living during a global pandemic has only solidified a societal need for social media as a way
to stay connected to the world at large. During the pandemic, these platforms have been
used to promote hopeful and educational messages, like #AloneTogether, and ensures that
social media marketing can act as a public service.
DIGITAL ACTIVISM
Beyond serving as an educational resource, social media has been the space for digital
activism across a myriad of social justice issues. Movements like #MeToo and
#BlackLivesMatter have gone viral thanks to the power of social media. What starts as a
simple hashtag has resulted in real change, from passing sexual harassment legislation in
response to #MeToo, to pushing for criminal justice reform because of BLM activists. In
these cases, social media empowered likeminded people to organize around a specific cause
in a way not possible before.
It is impossible to separate the role of social media from the scalable impact that these
movements have had on society. #MeToo and BLM are just two examples of movements
that have sparked national attention due in large part to conversations that began on social
media.
(Freitag, 2021)
ONLINE GAMING
1) What are the most toxic games?
Dota 2 and Valorant players report the most harassment for the second year in a row
Dota 2 and Valorant players have topped the list of reported harassment for the second year
in a row. 80% of both games' players reported harassment in 2020. Dota 2 was the game
with the highest percentage of reported harassment in 2019 as well.
Harassment by game in 2021
ADL
With 59% of players reporting harassment, Rocket League was the game with the least
amount of harassment following Minecraft. The game experienced an impressive 17-point
decline in 2021.
Furthermore, a staggering 89% of harassing behaviour was also reported by Valorant
players in the 13-17 age range. Call of Duty and Dota 2 came in second and third at 85%
and 84% respectively.
There is a tendency for people to be more cautious when it comes to revealing their
identities, voices, and gender when playing these online games due to all the harassment
that goes on. For Call of Duty players aged 13-17, 40% said they were more cautious now
or had given up the game entirely because of toxic experiences in the last six months.
Valorant ranked fourth with 33%, while Dota 2 ranked sixth with 28%.
Percentage of young people quitting games or playing them more carefully
ADL
The study conducted by Anti-Defamation League and Newzoo also accounted for the
positive social experiences that players had while playing these games. At least 87% of
players (adult category) in every game of this report had some positive in-game social
experiences.
With 96% of players reporting positive social experiences, Madden NFL topped the list for
positive social experiences. Dota 2 came third with 94%, while Valorant placed last with
87%. Valorant had a big drop in positive social experiences from 95% in 2020 to 87% in
2021.
In this study, the Anti-Defamation League also offered solutions for tackling harassment in
online games, in an effort to make these games safer and more welcoming to all sorts of
gamers.
(Kathuria, 2021)
2) Most popular games among teenagers
1.
The online gaming world has also affected the mobile and laptop technology. Now,
most of the new mobile and laptop models are coming with the support of futuristic
gaming technology and with some tremendous graphic additions. But whether the mindblowing tech is good enough or not, solely depends on the preference of gamers. So, today
we are going to check out the online multiplayer games that are popular among teens.
2.
3.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
4.
Famously referred to as PUBG, is one of the famous and trending online games
among the teens right now and comes first on list of ten. PUBG Corporation developed
PUBG in 2018. It has since acquired more than 50 million online players. The game of
PUBG is widely popular because of its quality graphics and mission-based enemy
slaughtering action. In PUBG, 99 players can play at the same time, and interact with each
other real-time. It was also featured on our Ten Most Legendary Shooting Games of the
Decade list.
5.
Apex Legends
6.
7.
With more than 50 million online gamers, Apex Legends come 2nd on our ten
online games list. The game was launched in 2019 and was developed by Respawn
Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts. Within the first month of its release,
Apex Legends made $92 million in revenue across all platforms, the highest amount earned
by any free-to-play game during its month of launch. This game is more popular because of
its unique graphics and action, plus humour and characters. The game starts with squad
Left, which earns the weapons and resources to defeat other teams.
8.
Fortnite Battle Royal
9.
The game of Fortnite battle royal is developed by Epic Games and launched in 2017.
Fortnite battle royal is the best substitute game for those who don’t prefer to play PUBG or
Apex legends. It has more than 39 million players. In comparison to PUBG and Apex
legends, it has more game-stages, equipment, features, and the number of players.
10.
League of Legends (LoL)
11.
This Massive Online Battleground Arena (MOBA) game was released in the year of
2009 and developed by Riot Games. The game has been sustaining its popularity for a
decade, and giving Dota 2 a run for its money.. It has more than 27 million online players.
This game comes with highly attractive graphics and stunning modes. And it also brings
incredible excitement at every level. Famously referred to as LoL, this game is a prime
contender for the future of competitive gaming and e-sports.
12.
Hearthstone
13.
14.
The game was released in 2012 by Blizzard Entertainment and immediately became
a hit. Blizzard has reported more than 100 million Hearthstone players. The game has
become popular as an esport, with cash prize tournaments hosted by Blizzard and other
organizers. Hearthstone stays true to the Warcraft lore and is a must have for fans of the
Warcraft series. It features absolutely stunning production quality. This game is not only
about action and exciting weapons, but here you need to collect card decks to lower down
the health and power of the opponent to win the game. It is very competitive, and very fun.
Definitely a must-have game.
15.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
17.
One can’t talk about e-sports and competitive gaming and not mention CS: GO. This
game gave birth to what we now know as e-sports. This game is also responsible for what
we now know as Steam, and this game turned the fortunes of Valve around. It is a straight
forward first-person shooter game, where one side are the terrorists and the other are
counter terrorists. This age old formula still holds strong today. CS:GO also has a thriving
trading community of in-game aesthetic items, some items run over a few hundred
thousand dollars. Fascinating!
18.
DOTA 2
20.
What can we say about Dota 2 that hasn’t already been said. This is the BIGGEST
e-sports and competitive game. It was featured in our list of the best games of the decade.
It has also won countless iLLAwards like iLLest Game of the Year and Best Multiplayer
Game. Dota 2 professionals earn in millions, surpassing that of tennis players like Rafael
Nadal and boxing players. The Internationals, an yearly Dota tournament hosted by Valve
had a whopping prize pool of $25 million in 2019. What was initially just a custom map in
Warcraft 3, became a standalone game when it was taken over by Valve. The icing on the
cake, the game is completely free and no features locked. DOTA 2 has more than 5 million
online players, but why this is different from other games is that in Dota, you have to be
more committed because the barrier of entry is futile.
Minecraft
Minecraft game has scored more than 90 million online players. It was launched in 2011 by
Mojang. It has various gaming modes like adventure, survival, spectator, and creative mode.
Here, players need to build and survive on their campuses and have few restrictions in the
game. They also have the authority to take any food, building, and people. The success of
Minecraft re-iterates our hopes that gamers are willing to play something that is deep and
requires considerable involvement, which is the anti-thesis of today’s casual gaming culture.
Minecraft was featured in our iLLest Games of the Decade list.
(iLLReporter, 2020)
3) Advantages of online gaming
1. Convenience: Online games are convenient. One can play them from the comfort of their
home or during travel, unlike physical games, which are limited to a particular location and
often requires much physical effort. Furthermore, many online games can be played on
browsers via laptop or smartphone, whereas a lot of traditional video games require highend computers or gaming consoles.
2. Cost-effectiveness: Browser-based online games are usually very affordable or even free
of charge. This is in contrast to traditional video games, which often need to be purchased
(online or offline), or certain physical games that may require an entry fee or incur traveling
expenses. Hence, online gaming stands out to be the most cost-effective game outlet.
3. Variety: There is a wide variety of online games available. A player can always find a
game that suits his preferences, viz. classic board games, intellectual puzzles, actionadventure games, racing, and many more.
4. Social Interaction: Real-time interaction with co-players and building gaming
communities is a key development in the online gaming domain. While real-time interaction
enhances coordination between players during gaming, online gaming communities facilitate
the participants to engage in discussions revolving around various topics such as gaming
interests, sharing tips and strategies, etc.
4) Stress relief: Online games can be a great outlet for releasing stress after a
demanding workday or week. People can spend some leisure time with their family
on weekends by playing video games together for a while.
(Thakur, 2024)
4. Disadvantages of online gaming
1) Addiction: One of the major disadvantages of online games is their addictive
tendencies. People can potentially spend excessive time in these games and centre
their daily lives around them, which can lead to decreased productivity and increased
chances of depression.
2. Loss of Money: Many online games involve real-money transactions for various
purposes, such as registration or in-game purchases. This can often lead to people
squandering too much of their money on these virtual pursuits, thereby causing financial
difficulties in real life.
3. Security Risks: Online games are vulnerable to hacking attacks. Which can expose
players’ bank accounts and personal information. This is due to the fact that some online
games may require users to enter their credit card details or residential address for
verification purposes.
4. Violence: A huge number of games feature violent content in one form or another. Such
content can have drastically negative impacts on children (and even adults), for instance,
desensitization to violence and aggressive behaviour, which can even reach the extent of
mass shootings and serial killings.
5. Poor Health: Spending excessive time on online games can lead to physical
health issues, such as poor posture, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, and
eye strain. It can also lead to poor mental health, including anxiety disorders
and depression.
(Thakur, 2024)
6. What effect does online gaming have on a teen’s mental
health
In the dynamic landscape of today’s entertainment, video games have etched an irrefutable
mark on the hearts and minds of teenagers. With a profound influence that transcends mere
pastime, video gaming has woven itself into the fabric of modern youth culture, sparking
both fascination and concern among parents, educators, and mental health professionals.
This article aims to examine the multifaceted effects of video games on teen mental health,
delving into both the enriching benefits and potential pitfalls. By navigating through
scientific research, expert opinions, and real-life examples, we will uncover the complexities
of video gaming’s impact on the psyche of adolescents and provide insights for a balanced
and mindful approach to this pervasive phenomenon.
Table of Contents
What Are The Negative Effects of Video Games on Teen Mental Health
1. Addiction and Compulsive Behaviour
Excessive gaming can lead to addiction and obsessive behaviours, impacting academics,
social life, and overall well-being. A study conducted by the National Centre for
Biotechnology Information found that excessive video game playing may be linked to
negative mental health outcomes in adolescents. The research revealed a significant
relationship between the amount of time spent playing video games and increased levels of
stress. According to the study, “The connection between gaming hours and stress highlights
the need for parents and guardians to monitor the gaming habits of teens and implement
healthy boundaries.”
Teen video game statistics
The popularity of video games among adolescents is undeniable, with a study by NCBI
revealing that thirty-six percent of adolescents (80% of boys and 20% of girls) played video
games. On average, gamers played for an hour on the weekdays and an hour and a half on
the weekends.
NCBI
2. Impact on Academic Performance
Compared with nongame’s, adolescent gamers spent 30% less time reading and 34% less
time doing homework. This shift in priorities may lead to declining academic performance
and decreased engagement in educational pursuits.
3. Social Implications
Among gamers (both genders), time spent playing video games without parents or friends
was negatively related to time spent with parents and friends in other activities. This
isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and detachment from family and peers.
By understanding and acknowledging these potential drawbacks, parents, educators, and
mental health professionals can work together to establish healthy gaming habits and seek
teen mental health treatment centres when necessary.
4. Exposure to Violence and Aggressive Behaviour
Certain games containing violent content might instigate aggressive behaviour in
impressionable teens, leading to a desensitization to real-world violence.
5. Impact on Physical Health
Long hours of gaming without breaks can cause physical health issues like eye strain,
obesity, and poor posture, which indirectly affect mental well-being.
(Sullivan, 2024)
7. What are some ways to protect your mental and physical
health while gaming?
1. Sit With a Good Posture
We can’t emphasize enough how much of your health is attributed to your posture. Let us
begin by listing out some negative things that could happen if you adopt a bad posture for
long periods:
Back pain, shoulder pain, wrist pain, and neck pain. All of these result from musculoskeletal
discomfort, which could lead to further stiffness and soreness.
Extreme cases could cause spinal misalignment, requiring medical attention to fix.
You might also experience poor blood and oxygen circulation if you slouch, causing fatigue
and low energy levels.
Lastly, posture has a relationship with mental well-being. A bad posture could directly affect
how much you enjoy your gaming.
Now you know all the bad stuff, here’s how to avoid them by sitting properly:
Rest your back in your chair by allowing the backrest to hold your body upright while
keeping your back straight.
Support your lower back with a chair with adequate lumbar support. You can also place a
rolled-up towel or a small pillow behind your lower back instead.
Adjust your chair to ensure your feet are flat on the floor. While making sure your knees
and hips are at a 90-degree angle. You can also add a footrest to give you a better stance,
help your back, and improve circulation.
Avoid jutting your head forward and stretching out to reach all your gaming peripherals.
Keep them as close to your chest as reasonably possible.
Ensure your monitor is at eye level. Change the angle and height of your monitor so that
you're looking right at the centre of the monitor while maintaining a good neck position.
Try to maintain an active habit of maintaining this posture; otherwise, you could get
comfortable with a bad one.
2. Invest in Good Ergonomics
gaming setup with ergonomic chair-1Image Credit: Jhet Borja
Ergonomics is the second and most vital part of your gaming posture. As noble as your
intentions might be with your posture, you won't make much of a difference if you don’t
have the hardware to back it up.
Buy a high-quality ergonomic gaming chair or an ergonomics-oriented office chair (they
offer back support instead of lumbar) for your gaming. However, there are a couple of
reasons why you shouldn’t use an office chair for gaming.
You also shouldn’t compromise on your choice of keyboard and mouse. Carpal tunnel
syndrome, while rare, could happen to you if you don’t have a decent mouse and keyboard
pair. You can get it by repeatedly bending your wrists, thereby pinching the median nerve
running from your upper arm to your palm. Experiment with split keyboards and vertical
mice to see what’s most comfortable.
3. Reduce the Length of Your Gaming Sessions and Take Frequent Breaks
A woman relaxing at her desk with her feet on the table
It’s easy to spend long hours playing games without stopping, but you should try to put a
timer on your gaming sessions and stop occasionally to stretch and rest your body and eyes.
Set up a timer on your PC or console to remind you to take breaks while you game.
Prolonged gaming sessions could cause eye strain and an injury known as computer vision
syndrome. It’s one of the real-life injuries you can get by playing video games. You can
prevent it the same way you prevent eye strain and long-term visual issues; by taking
frequent breaks to rest your eyes and refocus on objects at different distances.
Also, getting up to stretch and walk around during your breaks will help improve
circulation, avoid body pains, and reduce burnout. Not only is it good for your physical
health, but it can also help you maintain optimal gaming attention and effectiveness.
Your gaming should also not negatively affect your sleep cycle. Fix a bedtime and stick to it,
and don’t fall into the trap of “just another round.” If your gaming affects your sleep, it will
open you up to a host of other mental and physical vulnerabilities.
4. Avoid Loot Boxes
Loot box in SpotRacer racing game
Loot boxes are a form of gambling, and gambling is highly addictive. If you’re prone to a
lack of impulse control, you shouldn’t approach loot boxes, especially if the loot box
requires real-life cash. Going down a gambling slope can harm your health and your loved
ones.
5. Stay Away From Toxic Online Gaming Communities
Your mental health is also as important as your physical health. While social interaction in
video games is good, some gaming communities can poison it. Online toxic communities can
chip away at your self-esteem and happiness, leaving you more vulnerable to mental health
issues.
When you notice that a particular gaming community is full of people with no good
intentions, then it’s time to leave that community. If it’s a group of people you associate
with, you should block them immediately and find a new group with a more positive
attitude. Staying could lead to stress, anger, and emotional and psychological abuse—the
worst part is that you might get used to it.
Better yet, stick to playing video games with friends you know in real life.
6. Only Play Games That You Enjoy
Gamer girl smiling at her screen
There’s no fun in frustration and stress. Gaming should be an enriching activity you enjoy,
not a grinding, painful experience that leaves you with no sense of fulfilment. Weed out the
games you do not enjoy because they’re not good for your mind and body.
Stress is also bad for your cardiovascular health. If, for example, you find Call of Duty a
scary, stress-inducing experience, then you should leave it alone. War games are not for
everybody; don’t listen to people telling you they are.
7. Develop Another Active and Social Hobby
Two people biking on the road
Gaming can be an isolating, sedentary hobby with little to no physical advantages. You must
augment gaming with another hobby to improve your heart health and build your social
skills. Engaging in an active hobby, such as sports, hiking, dancing, or any physical activity
you enjoy helps promote physical fitness, improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles,
and enhance overall physical well-being.
Besides, the balance and variety you’ll experience with another hobby will help you
appreciate gaming better. You will also learn how to manage your time alongside other
mental and cognitive benefits.
8. Avoid Sugary Snacks and Drink Water
A woman holding an assortment of potato chips
Sugary snacks provide a quick burst of addictive energy, but they are not something you
should subsist on as a part of your gaming lifestyle. After the short burst of energy is gone,
there’s often a crash of both physical and mental energy levels that leave you feeling worse
than before. On top of that, sugary snacks can also lead to obesity, diabetes, and poor dental
health in the long run.
Instead, you should follow a healthy and balanced meal plan for better eating. And keep a
bottle of water nearby while you game instead of a can of soda.
9. Use Proper Lighting
Gaming set up with ambient light
When choosing the location for your gaming setup, try to pick one with a window. Natural
light is softer and easier on the eyes than artificial light; you should prioritize that for
background light. But if you’d rather have artificial ambient light, then you should get an
adjustable lamp and soft RGB background lights that match your screen colour.
Good lighting will avoid eye strain, and it will stop you from craning your neck about
trying to get a good look at your gaming area.
10. Optimize Your Screen and Image Settings
Many video games come with accessibility settings you can use to improve your experience.
For example, if you’re prone to motion sickness, adjusting your FOV (field of view) and
mouse acceleration, and turning off “head bobbing” and motion blur could help reduce the
frequency of your sickness.
For those prone to epileptic seizures from light, you should heed the warning that comes
before most games with epilepsy-inducing lights start. Some games have the option to turn
off some of these lights, so you should always check for this.
(Obari, 2023)
10. What affect does the cyberbullying that happens on games have on
teenagers
Cyberbullying is the usage of electronic communication to bully a person. It may happen
through texts, social media platforms, or even gaming. Cyberbullying entails sending,
posting, or sharing harmful or mean content about someone. It is very important to talk
about cyberbullying. Research shows that 90 percent of gamers reported experiencing
cyberbullying in-game. It includes racism, hate speech, and extremist content.
In the modern world, online gaming has become prevalent. The COVID-19 pandemic also
contributed to this. Adolescents play games on computers, laptops, gaming consoles, tablets,
and smartphones. Practically, on any device they have. More online gamers mean more
cyberbullies. The calculation is clear. But what can we do to decrease cyberbullying in
gaming communities?
Cyberbullying in Online Gaming Communities
Cyberbullying in Online Gaming Communities
Adolescents and adults usually play online games in groups. Thus the opportunity for
harassment and bullying of one person is much higher. Also, gamers play anonymously –
under nicknames and avatars. It makes them easier to persecute and bother other users.
It often happens that a group of gamers rejects playing with one particular person. Also,
when someone doesn’t bring wins for the team, the group can make fun, and even worse –
harass and bully them. There is such a thing as doxing. Doxing is a form of cyberbullying.
It includes invading the privacy of individuals and their families. It entails leaving
addresses, social security, credit card, and phone numbers. Not to mention usernames,
passwords, and other private information.
Other forms of cyberbullying in gaming include sending inappropriate and unpleasant
content. There’s also hacking, sending malware and viruses, and unauthorized in-game
spending. Hacking entails compromising a digital device by gaining illegal access to an
account. Malware and viruses are malicious programs or code that can harm a PC. These
can also endanger entire networks or servers. Furthermore, unauthorized in-game spending
includes making a series of small charges on victims account.
Impact on Student Well-being
Impact on Student Well-being
Students may experience diverse psychological consequences from cyberbullying. Some of
those are anxiety, depression, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts. Victims usually avoid
social contact. They experience a lack of self-esteem. They start to shut in and rarely talk
about the situation they are going through. They don’t want to go to school or have trouble
concentrating on class. Some of them lose aspirations to study and this greatly affects their
grades. It can help if they write a cyberbullying essay to express their feelings and
problems. Writing a diary can also be a helpful tool to cope with the pressure within.
Contributing Factors
As we said, anonymity plays the main role in online gaming cyberbullying. Anonymous,
players dare to say things they would never say in person. They feel secure behind the glass.
Toxic behaviour in the gaming community entails harassment in the first place. That
includes trolling, calling players offensive names, stalking, and making physical threats.
Some gamers are very competitive and they don’t like to lose. This can easily lead to
cyberbullying. Players are rivals to each other in most video games. But this rivalry can be
toxic too. The desire to win must not influence the player’s behaviour toward other users.
A lack of effective moderation can be a fertile ground for cyberbullying. Exposing
adolescents to inappropriate content and pornography can hinder their healthy
development. Effective content moderation in gaming entails creating a safe and inclusive
community. It also includes creating a safe and inclusive community. As well as promoting
fair play and competitive integrity. Game developers should enhance the player experience
and engagement.
(Gaming, 2023)
DISTANCE LEARNING
2. Does distance learning cause any health problems
3. One of the major consequences of the transition to online learning is its
impact on student health, specifically sleep habits. Students in different
time zones than their institutions are now sacrificing sleep to wake up for
classes on Zoom. Matthew Walker, a sleep scientist at Google and
professor of neuroscience at the University of California at Berkeley,
explained how a lack of sleep can affect learning outcomes in his research
article titled “The sleep-deprived human brain.” Walked wrote that sleep
deprivation causes deficits in the prefrontal cortex, which normally keeps
our amygdala, the emotional and impulse region of the brain, in check.
4. Virtual learning has inevitably increased the amount of time students
spend on digital devices everyday. Sophomore student Divisha Jaiswal is
an international student from India. She noted that online learning has
resulted in a significant increase in her personal electronic use in an
interview with The News-Letter.
5. “I spend around eight to 10 more hours on my laptop on a weekly basis
because of the switch to remote instruction,” she said.
6. In an interview with The News-Letter, Director of the Hopkins Pediatric
Sleep Center Dr. Laura Sterni expressed her concern that digital learning
will disrupt student sleep.
7. “The risk is that the technology becomes all-consuming and, as a sleep
doctor, I worry most about the potential negative impact on sleep,” she
said.
8. In addition to adverse health impacts from altered sleep cycles, increased
digital use can affect student’s physical and mental health. Jennifer
Katzenstein, director of psychology and neuropsychology at the Hopkins
All Children’s Hospital, has observed the impact of remote learning on
children of all ages.
(Balram, 2020)
3. How does online learning effect teenagers mental health?
mental health issues for some, according to a new study led by researchers at the University
of California, Davis.
Problems were especially pronounced for those youth identifying as transgender and gender
nonconforming, or TGNC, and youth who attended school online during the pandemic, the
researchers found.
“It is clear from this study that certain individuals ended the 2020-21 school year facing
more adversity than others,” said Drew Cingel, lead author and associate professor of
communication at UC Davis. The study was published last month in the journal PLOS
ONE.
The study found that teens who were able to attend school in-person reported more sense
of inclusion in their social group than those learning online. And despite the traditionally
high use in this age group, social media failed to compensate for real, in-person social
connections derived from school, researchers suggest.
Data was collected from 1,256 United States adolescents, ages 14 to 16, to examine how
their school context related to feelings of school satisfaction and success, social connection,
mental health and media use. The findings suggest that current school interventions may be
necessary to help teens recover from the disparities experienced during this unique time,
researchers said.
Particularly susceptible to health and academic disparities were TGNC adolescents and
adolescents in virtual learning only. Both reported a more significant drop in academic
success and less satisfaction with school in 2020-21 compared to the previous school year.
Youth participating in virtual learning also reported feeling less social connection and
higher rates of mental health problems, in comparison to their peers who could attend
school in-person or in a hybrid model.
(Nikos-Rose, 2022)
4. Advantages of online learning
1. Efficiency
Online learning offers teachers an efficient way to deliver lessons to students. Online
learning has a number of tools such as videos, PDFs, podcasts, and teachers can
use all these tools as part of their lesson plans. By extending the lesson plan beyond
traditional textbooks to include online resources, teachers are able to become more
efficient educators.
2. Accessibility Of Time And Place
Another advantage of online education is that it allows students to attend classes
from any location of their choice. It also allows schools to reach out to a more
extensive network of students, instead of being restricted by geographical
boundaries. Additionally, online lectures can be recorded, archived, and shared for
future reference. This allows students to access the learning material at a time of
their comfort.
Thus, online learning offers students the accessibility of time and place in education.
3. Affordability
Another advantage of online learning is reduced financial costs. Online education is
far more affordable as compared to physical learning. This is because online learning
eliminates the cost points of student transportation, student meals, and most
importantly, real estate. Additionally, all the course or study materials are available
online, thus creating a paperless learning environment which is more affordable,
while also being beneficial to the environment.
4. Improved Student Attendance
Since online classes can be taken from home or location of choice, there are fewer
chances of students missing out on lessons.
5. Suits A Variety Of Learning Styles
Every student has a different learning journey and a different learning style. Some
students are visual learners, while some students prefer to learn through audio.
Similarly, some students thrive in the classroom, and other students are solo
learners who get distracted by large groups.
The online learning system, with its range of options and resources, can be
personalized in many ways. It is the best way to create a perfect learning
environment suited to the needs of each student.
(Gautam, 2020)
5. Disadvantages of online learning
1. Inability To Focus On Screens
For many students, one of the biggest challenges of online learning is the struggle
with focusing on the screen for long periods of time. With online learning, there is
also a greater chance for students to be easily distracted by social media or other
sites. Therefore, it is imperative for the teachers to keep their online classes crisp,
engaging, and interactive to help students stay focused on the lesson.
2. Technology Issues
Another key challenge of online classes is internet connectivity. While internet
penetration has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years, in smaller cities
and towns, a consistent connection with decent speed is a problem. Without a
consistent internet connection for students or teachers, there can be a lack of
continuity in learning for the child. This is detrimental to the education process.
3. Sense Of Isolation
Students can learn a lot from being in the company of their peers. However, in an
online class, there are minimal physical interactions between students and teachers.
This often results in a sense of isolation for the students. In this situation, it is
imperative that the school allow for other forms of communication between the
students, peers, and teachers. This can include online messages, emails and video
conferencing that will allow for face-to-face interaction and reduce the sense of
isolation.
4. Teacher Training
Online learning requires teachers to have a basic understanding of using digital
forms of learning. However, this is not the case always. Very often, teachers have a
very basic understanding of technology. Sometimes, they don’t even have the
necessary resources and tools to conducts online classes.
To combat this, it is important for schools to invest in training teachers with the latest
technology updates so that they can conduct their online classes seamlessly.
5. Manage Screen Time
Many parents are concerned about the health hazards of having their children spend
so many hours staring at a screen. This increase in screen time is one of the biggest
concerns and disadvantages of online learning. Sometimes students also develop
bad posture and other physical problems due to staying hunched in front of a screen.
A good solution to this would be to give the students plenty of breaks from the screen
to refresh their mind and their body.
(Gautam, 2020)
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