Social Media Causing a Generation of Narcissistic Kids?

01/15/2013

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While watching the movie Easy A recently, I was struck by a particular line. Olive Penderghast, played by Emma Stone, is talking to her favorite teacher, Mr. Griffith, played by Thomas Haden Church, about social media. Here's what he had to say:

“I don't know what your generation's fascination is with documenting your every thought... but I can assure you, they're not all diamonds. 'Roman is having an OK day, and bought a Coke Zero at the gas station. Raise the roof.' Who gives a rat's ass?"

What he said is true. As a result of Facebook and Twitter, we can record our every thought, take pictures and post about every evening out, and gain thousands of followers in no time flat. We live in a generation where kids can become instantly famous on social media, and it's not always for their most redeeming qualities. 

Budding Narcissism 

New research shows that this constant communication and "plugged-in" society is having a big impact on our kids. After all, this is the first generation that didn’t know life before social media changed the makeup of our social fabric. 

According to Science Daily, at the 119th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Larry Rosen, PhD, a social media researcher at California State University, discussed how Facebook and other social medias are influencing teens’ behavior and affecting their psychological makeup:

-Teens who use Facebook more often show more narcissistic tendencies while young adults who have a strong Facebook presence show more signs of other psychological disorders, including antisocial behaviors, mania and aggressive tendencies.

-Daily overuse of media and technology has a negative effect on the health of all children, preteens and teenagers by making them more prone to anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders, as well as by making them more susceptible to future health problems.

-Facebook can be distracting and can negatively impact learning. Studies found that middle school, high school and college students who checked Facebook at least once during a 15-minute study period achieved lower grades.

Technology Regulation

The key is to avoid overuse, which can cause anxiety and depression in our kids as well as impacting their ability to perform at school. "You have to start talking about appropriate technology use early and often and build trust, so that when there is a problem, whether it is being bullied or seeing a disturbing image, your child will talk to you about it,"  Rosen said on LiveScience.

While trust in your kids is important, in this digital age parents should take the time to familiarize themselves with the latest technology so they can monitor appropriateness online. Remember that kids are not simply entitled to the latest and greatest technology just because their friends have it. 

 

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Comments

[Concerned Parent]

I remember the days when my children were innocent of all things bad. Now at 17 & 15, they're simply addicted to Facebook and their Cell Phones. I regret my 17 y/o daughters 10th Birthday so much. It's the day when we surprised her with her first Cell Phone. I remember specifically seeing a kindergardner with a cell phone that had a neck lace attached to it; much like a whistle for a coach. I couldn't believe my eyes! Prior to that, my daughter, 9 y/o at the time, begged me daily for a phone. So as the doating mother that I was; caved for her 10th birthday party. After that, it started a whirl-win of isssues. What to text, what not to text, pictures, etc... Shortly thereafter, came the facebook.
As a parent, I knew the danger of on-line predators. However, with all the technology of monitoring your kids on-line, after awhile, I caved and allowed her to get a facebook. I believe she was 12. Since that time, it has been a domino effect for our family. My 15 y/o daughter had to receieve her cell phone at 10; as well. Of course her facebook account came around too.
Now that they're older, it seems as though they know every trick in the book when it comes to getting around monitoring methods. Now you have Instagram. I cannot keep up with the social media.
Recently, I picked up my younger daughters phone and looked through it. Surprise Surprise... A young man sent a picture of his genitals to my daughter! I was disguisted to say the very least.
Now a days, the kids are sending pictures of themselves to who knows who... No matter how much I try to plead with my children the importance of not sending any pictures of themselves or posting pictures; they simply don't care. I am just a Mom...How would I know... so to speak. It is terrible! I wish there was something I could do to make them realize that should never send anything to anyone. I've been lucky enough that my daughters have not sent pictures of their naked bodies, but they have sent pictures of themselves in the mirror, doing certain poses. To me, that's even too much.
I wish I could take that birthday gift back and re-do that entire day. But the simple fact that I can't..well it still haunts me today.
I am the parent who grew up with nothing and therefore, wanted my children to have everything. I have to say that was the worst decision of my life.
They want for nothing and they have turned into greedy, selfish, and whinney children...
If only I could turn back the hands of time, I would!