Volume VI Issue I January-March 2026

Name of Author : Sunil Chauhan

Title of the paper : The Effects of Social Media on Youth: Opportunities, Risks, and Developmental Impacts

Abstract: One of the most significant technical advancements impacting young people in the twenty first century is social media. The way that young people communicate, learn, connect, and create identities has been profoundly altered by platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and WhatsApp. Social media has numerous benefits, like better communication, information access, and educational opportunities, but it also has drawbacks, such as cyberbullying, addiction, mental health issues, and academic disruption. According to research, social medias effects are complicated and rely on a variety of variables, including the amount of time spent online, the kind of content read, and personal characteristics. This study looks at how social media affects young people, both positively and negatively, with an emphasis on behavioral, academic, social, and psychological implications. The study also provides recommendations for responsible social media use among young people to maximize benefits and minimize risks.

Keywords : Social Media, Youth, Mental Health, Cyberbullying, Education, Digital Technology

DOI :

Page Number : 44-49