The age of thirteen is open sesame for youth, and media is that cave that opens a whole other world. Youth is a period of transition and development, not only physically but socially and psychologically as well. It is the time when youth are exploring and cultivating their self-identity, and each macro- and micro-level instance can have a substantial impact on them as individuals. The media, being so integrated into our society, also has its fair share of influence over youth.

As of 2024, there are 5.17 billion social media users worldwide, representing over 62% of the global population, with significant engagement from younger demographics. For example, over half of Gen Z (aged 16-34) spend 3+ hours on social media per day, and they increasingly use platforms for news consumption and connecting with friends and family. Reports from 2023 suggest that youth account for nearly half of the 5.3 billion consumers of media worldwide.

Disregarding the nature of it, the influence and role of media are undeniable, especially on youth. Youth and media have been a hot topic of debate for the last few years, with one end expressing fears of exposing children to inappropriate content and raising concerns about online social interactions, while on the other end, there have been studies about the potential benefits of media usage on youth. Although these perspectives are contradictory, both arguments establish that media is an integral part of youth’s lives.

The relationship between media and its consumers is complex and multifaceted. Media effects are not simple—neither is all media the same, nor is all the youth that is exposed to it. These impacts can either be good or bad or there can be no substantial impacts at all. When we address the positive impacts of media, educational content and awareness are aspects that cannot be neglected. Media not only offers a multitude of online courses, lessons, e.t.c. but also sheds light on commonly disregarded topics that are not taught academically. This educational awareness extends to other fields of knowledge like mental health, physical health, and social and political issues. This can help youth become more integrated into society and grow into role models. Moreover, media—social media in particular—helps youth with social connectivity online and aids in community building. Personality development is a significant part of a youth’s life, and healthy media portrayals can encourage youth to form a positive self-identity. Such portrayals can motivate them to admire positive role models and set similar goals. Healthy media exposure can have significant benefits for youth.

On the other hand, the media also has its fair share of negative impacts on youth. The digital landscape provides anonymity and, as a consequence, has given rise to cyberbullying and various other cybercrimes like blackmailing and phishing, with little to no accountability for the offenders due to the nature of the internet. Media can also significantly harm a youth’s perception of a positive self-identity by setting unhealthy standards. More often than not, it glorifies unhealthy lifestyles and beauty standards that can impact youth physically as well as emotionally. Media is also used as a tool for propaganda and often encourages youth to support a wrong or fake cause.

Over the years, the negative influences of the media have significantly overshadowed the positive ones, and a huge role in this image building is played by the media itself. The negative repercussions of media usage or exposure make the news or are disseminated in dramatized contexts all over the internet. This intricate way of storytelling more often than not leaves a lasting impression, and one such impression is about the negative aspects of the media. Although correct, such scenarios express their views with extremism, painting media as a dystopian paradigm where all media is considered evil or wrong. The positive influences of media are indeed few and far between, but not allowing the space for those arguments sets back the discussion on youth and media for at least a decade. Taking both perspectives into account is crucial to reaching a middle ground where media can be incorporated as a healthy aspect in the lives of youth.