Effects of Social Media and Technology on Adolescents: What the Evidence is Showing and What We Can Do About It

Abstract

This manuscript discusses the effects of social media and technology usage on adolescents and their emotional and social development and provides recommendations for family and consumer sciences (FCS) professionals. Today’s adolescents have been exposed to technology since childhood, and this exposure has led to several effects—both positive and negative. The paper will explain aspects of adolescent development, the implications that technology usage has on this development, and strategies for parents and professionals in promoting positive and safe social media and technology use among their adolescents or those with whom they work. Lastly, the paper will highlight the importance of the FCS profession and how we can address this issue.