Names:

Ian González, Isabella Aspiazu, Jordan Toro and Raul Montenegro

Date:

14-11-2024

Topic:

Groupwork 1. Introduction of a Research Paper

Teacher:

Mr Ariel Tutiven
 Social Impact of the Use of Technology in Teenagers from 12 to 17 years

Background

Nowadays, in the digital era where technology continues evolving at the pass of

the time, and more people continues to utilize technology in a way that it became a

central part of our daily life, but especially on the part of teenagers between 12-17 years

old, that usually are more active in the use of electronic devices and social media. At

this age, teens tend to be more influenced by this device, as applications like TikTok,

Instagram, WhatsApp, X (Twitter), YouTube, Twitch, and others, have become

increasingly popular for teenagers. This apps allows teenagers to do many activities that

distracts young people as well, like the constant entertainment the electronic devices

offer, the possibility of being linked with your friends, family, share photos and videos,

live streaming, and the possibility to interact with others online. As Adolescents social

lives shifts to the technological ambit or digitally speaking, this application shape or

modify at a huge scale in their social behavior, interactions and the perception they have

of their own selves.

Studies provide evidence and data about the social effect and emotions of when

teenagers make use of electronic devices, highlighting both positive and negative

results. As well, studies show that the use of technological devices can improve the way

they express themselves to others and how they explore their own identity. However, as

well indicates that the use of technology can become addictive, leading young people to

spend countless hours without the supervision of an adult. It also relates to the

cyberbullying, low self-esteem and social isolation. According to the Cyberbullying

Research Center, approximately about 28% of the students of the high school suffer

from cyberbullying at some point in their life. Other study published in JAMA

Pediatrics described that the use of excessive social media associates with the increase
of the 13% in symptoms of depression, anxiety in teenagers, especially in cases where

they utilize social media more than three or five hours a day. It is important to address

social effects of the applications in teenagers to provide help for the development of a

healthier use of digital habits and protect their well-being as well. Also, designing

applications taking on account the young users that could be a solution to create

functions that promote positive interactions and reduce problems with bully or self-

esteem. Comprehend how teenagers experiment this platform will allow the

improvement of reflective and adjusted applications, that offer the benefits of

technology at the time that they safeguard their mental and social health.

Statement of the Problem

The main problem of the social impact is that the use of applications between 12

y 17 years old teenagers, included their effects on interpersonal relationships, self-

esteem and mental health. Being surrounded by a virtual world is simply something that

makes them withdraw with people around them, fostering a fear of not fitting in social

terms and the dependency of validation or the content online that immerses them

continuously. Especially with the functions of displacement without an end or the

applications that integrated this function for their content, with little or any parental

control at all or the adults about their content. The content that they consume could both

influence in a positive or negative way or exposing the inappropriate content and the

addiction to it. Through these platforms, they can feel ‘’safe’’ in the virtual context,

without being aware that when they are online, they become completely exposed, there

is open-source information about them including, their friends, members of the family,

this usually happens when they upload this same information without being aware about

the ease of how they can find it. As well, it is possible that they don’t configurate their

accounts as privates, with what they could interact with strangers, malicious actors, or
scams directed to interact with people of this age, promising things like money, online

jobs, that in last instance, exploit them and take the money on those who fall for the

scam. In the end, this only harms them, trapping them in a vicious circle, thinking about

the benefits of it, while the most they lose is their valuable time, instead they can

dedicate it to productive activities instead of wasting their time.

General objective:

The main objective is related to being able to observe the relationship between

adolescents with social networks, taking into account the uses that they give to the

networks and how this can affect individuals negatively or positively, also observing the

impact that the networks have imposed on adolescents and what their behavior is like

because of this.

Specific Objectives:

The ability to analyze whether the conduct of adolescents about their use of

social media has any major impact, either favorably or adversely, on their physical and

mental health is another crucial issue to take into consideration. Involving having to

proceed with an arduous examination of how frequent interaction on social media

platforms can influence psychological well-being, such as levels of stress, anxiety or

self-esteem. And also take into account the area of physical well-being so that it can

also be investigated whether the use of these networks can influence changes in sleep in

adolescents, their habits and their daily routines.

The increasing integration of technology into everyday life has significantly impacted

the social and emotional experiences of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. This literature

review summarizes existing research on the social impacts of adolescent technology

use, focusing on themes such as identity formation, interpersonal relationships, mental

gaps, and opportunities for further research to support the purpose of this study, which

is to examine the balance between the benefits of technology and its potential harms. As

adolescents continue to grow and develop, it is important to explore how their

interactions with technology influence their lives in both positive and negative ways.

Adolescence is a critical period for identity formation, and technology provides

unique opportunities for self-expression and discovery. Social media platforms such as

Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat allow adolescents to experiment with their identities

by sharing content and receiving feedback from their peers (Michikyan et al., 2015;

Boyd, 2014). Recent research suggests that while digital platforms provide

opportunities for creativity and self-expression, they also create an environment where

adolescents feel pressured to present an idealized version of themselves, increasing the

risk of body dissatisfaction and social comparability (APA, 2023; Holland &

Tiggemann, 2016).

These pressures can sometimes lead to negative outcomes, such as low self-

esteem or an increased focus on appearance, which can be harmful in the long term.

Technology has redefined the way teens socialize, allowing for constant communication

through platforms such as WhatsApp and Discord. These platforms have become

particularly important during the 6 COVID-19 pandemic as they help teens stay

connected despite physical isolation (Ellis et al., 2020). Virtual communication through

these platforms allows adolescents to maintain relationships even when they are unable

to meet face-to-face. However, overreliance on virtual communication may undermine

face-to-face social skills and promote superficial relationships, which may lack depth

and authenticity. Additionally, cyberbullying remains a widespread problem:

approximately 15% of teens reported experiencing cyberbullying in 2023 (Anderson &

affects mental health, often resulting in anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal,

which can be particularly damaging during adolescence when emotional well-being is

still developing.

The impact of technology use on mental health is profound and complex.

Excessive use of social media has been associated with increased symptoms of anxiety

and depression, particularly for adolescents who spend long periods of time browsing

social media (Twenge et al., 2018; WHO, 2024). The dopamine-driven design of

platforms such as Instagram and TikTok can lead to compulsive use and reduced mental

health. These platforms are designed to capture attention and keep users engaged, which

can lead to unhealthy patterns of usage. In contrast, online mental health resources,

including teletherapy services and peer support forums, have shown promise in reducing

barriers to seeking help, particularly around stigma (Naslund et al., 2020; WHO, 2024).

These resources can be especially helpful in reaching adolescents who might otherwise

hesitate to seek help due to concerns about privacy or judgment. C Digital

platforms offer valuable opportunities for social inclusion through community building

and access to educational resources (Subrahmanyam et al., 2008). Many adolescents

find supportive communities online that allow them to share their experiences, seek

advice, or simply find others with similar interests. However, negative phenomena such

as fear of missing out (FOMO) and exposure to unrealistic online content can cause

adolescents to feel inadequate and lonely (Przybylski et al., 2013; Anderson and Vogels,

2023). These feelings can be exacerbated when adolescents compare their real lives to

the curated lives of others seen online. In addition, online privacy and security

vulnerabilities remain a major concern, as adolescents are often exposed to targeted

scams and data breaches (Marcum et al., 2010; World Health Organization, 2024).
 This puts adolescents at risk of exploitation, which can further contribute to

feelings of anxiety and distrust. Although the negative effects of technology use among

young people have been well documented in the literature, gaps in understanding its

positive effects remain. Further exploration is needed of opportunities for skill

development, cultural exchange, and creative expression (Holland & Tiggemann, 2016).

Technology allows teens to express themselves in creative ways, from making music to

creating videos that share their personal experiences or ideas. Additionally, research on

the effectiveness of parent mediation and educational programs to promote equity is

limited. Longitudinal research is essential to assess long-term effects and develop tools

to mitigate harms while enhancing benefits (Livingstone & Helsper, 2008; APA, 2023).

Parents and educators play a crucial role in guiding adolescents to use

technology responsibly and safely. Technology’s dual impact on youth ages 12 to 17

provides opportunities for identity discovery and social connection, but also poses risks

to mental health and interpersonal skills. Considering these dynamics is critical to

developing balanced approaches to technology use that protect youth well-being. By

understanding both the benefits and drawbacks of technology, stakeholders can create

strategies that help adolescents navigate their digital lives in healthy and constructive

ways.

References

Anderson, M., & Vogels, E. A. (2023). Teens and tech: Trends in 2023. Pew Research
Center.

APA (2023). Protecting teens on social media. American Psychological Association.

Retrieved from apa.org.

Boyd, D. (2014). It's complicated: The social lives of networked teens. Yale University

Press.

Carter, B., Rees, P., Hale, L., Bhattacharjee, D., & Paradkar, M. S. (2016). Association

between portable screen-based media device access or use and sleep outcomes. JAMA

Pediatrics, 170(12), 1202-1208.

Cyberbullying Research Center (2022). Cyberbullying statistics: Updated findings.

Ellis, W. E., Dumas, T. M., & Forbes, L. M. (2020). Physically isolated but socially

connected. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 52(3), 177.

Holland, G., & Tiggemann, M. (2016). A systematic review of the impact of social

networking sites on body image. Body Image, 17, 100-110.

Michikyan, M., Subrahmanyam, K., & Dennis, J. (2015). Can you tell who I am?

Neuroticism, extraversion, and online self-presentation. Computers in Human Behavior,

49,259-264.

Naslund, J. A., et al. (2020). Digital mental health tools for youth. Journal of Adolescent

Health, 66(5), 509-516.

Przybylski, A. K., et al. (2013). Fear of missing out. Computers in Human Behavior,

29(4),
1841-1848.

WHO (2024). Teens, screens, and mental health. World Health Organization.

Twenge, J. M., et al. (2018). Trends in mood disorder and suicide-related outcomes.

Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 128(3), 185-199.

Methodology
A methodology is the justification for the research approach and studies, as well as the

lens through which data analysis is conducted. In other words, a methodology describes

the overall strategy that dictates how research and studies should be conducted. The

methodology should impact the different methods for a selected research effort, in order

to generate compelling data. Methodologies are applicable in various fields such as:

teaching, research, projects, science, law, engineering, careers, and many other areas

(FM2S, n.d.). In this study, methodology is important to understand the social impact of

technology use on adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. With this methodological

framework, the social impact of technology use can be seen and analyzed.

Method

This research uses a deductive method as it starts with the general topic of technology

use and then narrows its focus to a specific aspect: its social impact on adolescents aged

12 to 17 years. In the deductive method, one can test existing theories about the

influence of technology on social behavior and apply them to this age group. This will

ensure an orderly analysis as it assesses how pre-established concepts fit into the

evidence that was collected in this research.

Approach

The design adopted in this research is a mixed-methods one. The mixed-methods

approach incorporates quantitative and qualitative methods to offer a holistic analysis.

Quantitative data, represented by surveys or statistical reports, will measure the extent

of the impact that technology has, while qualitative data, through interviews or focus

groups, will explain personal experiences and views. This combination allows the study

to capture both measurable trends and deeper insights that are so crucial to

understanding the multifaceted effects of technology on teenagers.

The research will employ quantitative and qualitative surveys, interviews, and focus

groups in the collection of data to gain an all-rounded view concerning adolescents' use

of technology. Quantitatively, survey methods shall be used to poll the frequency in

which adolescents engage in the use of technology, the kind of platforms used by them,

and the nature of their online social engagements. It allows wide representation and

makes statistical analyses possible. These will add more depth and qualitatively

investigate adolescents' experiences, such as living with technology through online

communications and friendships, which might impact their self-esteem. One-to-one

interactions also further enable mapping individual perspectives in great detail. The

focus groups will also be group interviews that enable the sharing of experiences and

views among adolescents in regard to technology use in a more interactive environment.

This is a valuable method in the identification of shared trends, as well as the

differences in perspectives, hence giving a fuller understanding of the research issue.

This combination of methods thus intends to achieve broad and deep-seated insights

into how technology shapes adolescents' lives.

Sources of information

A combination of both primary and secondary sources will be required to understand

the social impact of technology on teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17. Primary

sources, which include surveys, interviews, and observations, offer firsthand insight into

the lives of teenagers. For example, questionnaires can identify how many hours they

spend on their phones or which applications they use most. Interviews and focus groups

allow us to hear personal stories about how technology affects their friendships,

schoolwork, or even their self-esteem. Observing their behavior in places such as

schools or at home helps us learn how they interact with technology and the people
around them. While secondary sources provide bigger pictures-for example, research

articles, government reports, and books-they help us understand the overall trend, such

as how social media use has grown or what researchers say about its impact on mental

health. This allows us to combine what we directly learn from teenagers with prior

research in a way that is more comprehensive of how technology affects their social

lives and development.

Results

This section presents the findings of the study on the social impact of technology use

among adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. The results are organized based on the research

techniques utilized: surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Each subsection provides an

overview of the data collected, supported by visual aids in APA format.

Surveys

Surveys were conducted with 500 adolescents to collect quantitative data on their

technology usage and its social implications. The sample size was determined using the

Survey Monkey sample size calculator with a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of

error, based on an estimated population of 10,000 adolescents. The findings are

summarized below:

Frequency of Use

Daily Usage: 87% of respondents reported using technology for more than 4 hours per

day.

Primary Platforms: The most frequently used platforms were Instagram (75%),

TikTok (72%), and Snapchat (65%).

Online Social Interactions

person.

58% formed new friendships online, and 42% strengthened existing friendships.

Perceived Impact

Positive Effects: 70% believed technology improved their connections with friends and

family.

Negative Effects: 45% experienced feelings of exclusion or anxiety due to social

comparisons online.

Interviews

Interviews with 30 participants provided qualitative data on personal experiences

with technology. Key findings include:

1. Sense of Community: Many adolescents highlighted that online communication

helped them feel connected during isolating periods, such as the COVID-19

pandemic.

2. Self-Presentation Pressure: Participants expressed that maintaining a curated

online persona often caused stress and impacted their self-esteem.

3. Balancing Responsibilities: Adolescents frequently reported difficulties in

managing time between online and offline activities, such as schoolwork.

Focus Groups
Three focus groups, each with 8-10 participants, allowed for in-depth discussions on

shared experiences. Findings include:

1. Divergent Perspectives on Parental Monitoring:

o Some participants appreciated guidance on online usage.

o Others found monitoring intrusive and limiting.

2. Gaming as Social Interaction:

o Boys emphasized gaming platforms as significant spaces for building

friendships.

3. Differences between social media and face-to-face interaction

Most participants preferred texting or voice notes over direct conversations.