Assessment: In your opinion, is social media more helpful or harmful to teens? Use specific details from the text to support your answer.

In my opinion, social media can be both helpful and harmful to teens, depending on how it is used. On the helpful side, social media allows teens to connect with friends and family, access educational resources, and participate in community and global discussions. For example, teens can join study groups, follow educational pages, and stay informed about current events.

However, social media can also be harmful. It can lead to cyberbullying, which can have severe emotional and psychological effects on teens. Additionally, the constant exposure to idealized images and lifestyles can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Teens may also spend excessive amounts of time on social media, which can interfere with their sleep, academic performance, and face-to-face interactions.

In conclusion, while social media has the potential to be a valuable tool for teens, it is important for them to use it mindfully and for parents and educators to provide guidance on healthy usage.