Social media and adolescents: a double-edged sword

Abstract

Social media use has become increasingly prevalent in young people’s lives. It impacts adolescents’ lives both positively and negatively. Therapists must be aware of its impacts, both positive and negative, and be familiar with social media in order to fully understand the adolescent’s world. Therapists should both support and guide the adolescent in their social media use. This theoretical dissertation assesses what the key positive and negative impacts of social media are on the adolescent, and the impact they have on the therapeutic relationship, analysing key literature around the topic from the last ten years. It evaluates the therapist’s role in helping the adolescent to navigate their use of social media and building an awareness around the effects that social media has on their life.