Whether you are posting, scrolling or trying to get streaks with your friends on Snapchat, there is more behind this fun social media app that can cause negative impacts on teens. Snapchat is an addicting app that is used to connect with friends. It has 850 million monthly active users. Evidence has shown that because of social media, such as Snapchat, there has been an increase of anxiety and depression, which is most common amongst teens according to Demandsage.
Snapchat can affect your mental health in many ways that can be because of posting, keeping up with streaks, and filters that can actually make you anxious or even depressed. According to Gallup News, research shows that “teens on average spend about 4 hours a day on social media and Snapchat is one of the most popular platforms yet there is a hidden cost behind this app”.
Snapchat is able to trigger dopamine which is a neurotransmitter in your brain that acts as a reward system. Teens are able to get a “dopamine rush.” A “dopamine rush” can happen when keeping a streak going or even posting on your story. A sophomore student, Ben Warren, from Manchester Township High School says, “Snapchat makes you dependent on the app and is a constant addiction”.
The biggest thing is streaks and you need to keep snapping which can act as a stimulant. When you send a snap, it affects your dopamine which acts as a reward system.” Snapchat can also mess up your sleeping patterns. If you are up all night on Snapchat it can ultimately ruin your health.
Snapchat can also cause FOMO which is known as “fear of missing out.” Teens usually compare themselves to others. For example, if your friends post a story together hanging out and you’re not in it, you can feel like you are being left out. This can go on to affect your self-esteem and can cause anxiety/depression from this.
FOMO can also cause teens to constantly check their phone and present this perfect image of themselves to the public on their social media. Teens feel that they need to stay connected, however, they should be aware of the effects social media, such as Snapchat can have.
