The Impact of Mental Health With Social Media
Social media has become an integral part of our lives, connecting us with friends, family, and the world around us. However, the impact of social media on mental health is a growing concern. Research suggests that excessive use of social media can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. These platforms are designed to be addictive, keeping users engaged through the unpredictability of outcomes such as likes and comments. The distorted reality and appearance on social media can also have negative effects, especially for teenagers going through puberty. Plastic surgeons have even seen an increase in requests from patients wanting to look like their filtered social media photos.
While social media offers numerous benefits, it's important to be mindful of its potential impact on our well-being. Individuals can monitor their social media use and set limits to improve their mental health. Parents can also play a crucial role by developing plans for healthy media use and monitoring their children's social media activity. Building meaningful connections offline and practicing gratitude, mindfulness, and volunteering can contribute to better mental health. As we navigate the digital landscape, it's essential to remember that social media cannot replace real-world human connection. By finding a balance and being aware of the potential risks, we can strive for a healthier relationship with social media.
Key Takeaways:
- Social media can have negative effects on mental health, including anxiety, depression, and other challenges.
- Social media platforms are designed to be addictive and can lead to physical ailments and decreased sleep.
- Excessive social media use can lead to feelings of exclusion, distorted appearances, and a negative impact on real-world relationships.
- Mindful social media use, setting limits, and building meaningful connections offline can improve mental well-being.
- Parents should monitor and limit their child's social media use, address underlying issues, and encourage responsible use.
Negative Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
Social media has become an integral part of our lives, connecting us with friends, family, and the world at large. However, while it brings many benefits, it also has negative effects on our mental health. In this section, we will explore some of the ways in which social media can impact our mental well-being.
Anxiety, Depression, and Other Challenges
Research has shown that social media can contribute to anxiety, depression, and various other mental health challenges. The constant exposure to carefully curated highlight reels of others' lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Comparing ourselves to others can be detrimental to our mental well-being, as we may feel like we are not living up to the standards set by our peers.
Addictive Nature of Social Media
Social media platforms are designed to be addictive, and this addictive nature can have negative consequences for our mental health. The unpredictability of outcomes, such as likes and comments, keeps users engaged and constantly seeking validation. This constant need for validation can lead to anxiety and depression when the expected engagement does not materialize.
Unpredictable Outcomes and User Engagement
The unpredictable nature of social media outcomes can also contribute to mental health challenges. Users may become fixated on the number of likes, comments, and followers they receive, which can lead to feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. The pressure to constantly generate engaging content can be overwhelming and contribute to a sense of anxiety and stress.
Disrupted Sleep and its Association with Mental Health
Another negative effect of social media on mental health is disrupted sleep. Many individuals use social media right before bed, which can interfere with their ability to fall asleep and have a restful night. Studies have shown that decreased, disrupted, and delayed sleep is associated with depression and poor academic performance. The blue light emitted by screens can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, making it harder to fall asleep.
Feelings of Exclusion and Increased Anxiety
Social media can also contribute to feelings of exclusion and increased anxiety. Seeing others' posts about social events and activities that we were not invited to can evoke a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) and lead to increased anxiety. Additionally, cyberbullying and negative interactions on social media can further exacerbate feelings of exclusion and impact mental well-being.
In conclusion, while social media has revolutionized the way we connect and communicate, it is important to be aware of its potential negative effects on our mental health. Understanding the impact of social media on anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep, and feelings of exclusion can help us make informed decisions about our social media use. By setting limits, practicing mindfulness, and fostering real-world human connections, we can prioritize our mental well-being in the digital age.
Distortions and Negative Perceptions on Social Media
Social media has undeniably become an integral part of our lives, allowing us to connect with others, share our experiences, and stay updated on current events. However, it is crucial to recognize the potential negative impact that social media can have on our mental health. The constant scrolling, comparing ourselves to others, and the distorted reality presented on these platforms can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Distorted Appearances and Reality
One of the most significant ways social media can distort our perceptions is through the portrayal of appearances and reality. Especially for teenagers going through puberty, social media platforms can create unrealistic expectations of beauty and body image. With filters, editing tools, and carefully curated posts, individuals can present an idealized version of themselves that may not reflect reality. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and body dysmorphia.
The Impact on Teenagers and Body Image
Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of social media on mental health. According to research, rates of teenage depression, sadness, and hopelessness have increased, especially among girls, coinciding with the popularity of smartphones and the rise of social media. The constant exposure to images of seemingly perfect bodies and lives can contribute to the development of eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and low self-esteem.
Plastic surgeons have even reported an increase in requests from patients who want to look like their filtered social media photos. This phenomenon highlights the extent to which social media can influence individuals' perceptions of beauty and their desire to conform to unrealistic standards.
Filtered Photos and Plastic Surgery Requests
The prevalence of filtered photos on social media platforms has led to a concerning trend in plastic surgery requests. Individuals are increasingly seeking procedures to resemble their digitally altered selves. Plastic surgeons have expressed concerns about the potential psychological impact of these unrealistic expectations and the pressure to achieve an unattainable appearance.
It is essential for social media platforms to consider the implications of mass sharing and the potential harm it can cause to individuals' mental well-being. Instead, platforms should focus more on fostering genuine connections and meaningful interactions between users. By promoting one-on-one communication and reducing the emphasis on external validation through likes and comments, social media platforms can contribute to a healthier online environment.
Monitoring and Setting Limits for Improved Mental Well-Being
While social media platforms have a responsibility to prioritize user well-being, individuals also have a role to play in protecting their mental health. Monitoring our social media use and setting limits can help prevent the negative impact of excessive screen time. By being mindful of the content we consume and the feelings it evokes, we can take control of our online experiences.
Parents, too, play a crucial role in promoting healthy media use among their children. Developing plans for responsible social media use, monitoring their children's activity, and encouraging alternative forms of communication and social connection can help mitigate the potential harm caused by excessive screen time.
Surgeon General's Warning and National Discussion
The Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has issued a warning about the detrimental effects of social media on mental health, particularly among teenagers. The Surgeon General's report emphasizes the urgent need for policymakers and social media companies to address these concerns and share the responsibility of managing social media use.
With up to 95% of teens between the ages of 13 and 17 using social media platforms, the impact on their mental health cannot be ignored. It is crucial for technology companies and lawmakers to enforce age minimums, create better tools to protect teenagers, and loosen features that encourage excessive use.
In conclusion, social media has the potential to exacerbate mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. The distorted appearances and realities portrayed on these platforms, particularly among teenagers, can have significant negative effects on body image and self-esteem. It is essential for individuals to monitor their social media use, set limits, and seek offline connections and activities that promote mental well-being. Simultaneously, policymakers and social media companies must take responsibility and take action to create a safer and healthier online environment for all users.
Addressing the Negative Impact of Social Media
Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, connecting us with friends, family, and the world at large. However, research has shown that excessive use of social media can have a negative impact on our mental health. The addictive nature of social media platforms, combined with the pressure to present a perfect image online, can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. It is essential for us to address these issues and find ways to mitigate the negative impact of social media on our well-being.
Changing Social Media Platforms' Approach
One way to address the negative impact of social media is by encouraging platforms to change their approach. Social media platforms are designed to be addictive, with features such as likes and comments that keep users engaged. However, this can lead to a constant need for validation and comparison, which can negatively affect our mental health. To combat this, social media platforms should consider decreasing mass sharing and focusing more on one-on-one communication. By encouraging meaningful connections and interactions, platforms can create a healthier online environment.
Individual Strategies for Improving Mental Well-being
While social media platforms have a role to play in addressing the negative impact of social media, individuals also have a responsibility to monitor their own social media use. By being mindful of the time spent on social media and setting limits, individuals can improve their mental well-being. It is important to recognize that social media cannot replace real-world human connection, and taking breaks from social media can have beneficial effects on mental health. Additionally, practicing gratitude, mindfulness, and volunteering can contribute to better mental health and help counteract the negative effects of social media.
Parents' Role in Promoting Healthy Media Use
Parents play a crucial role in promoting healthy media use among children and teenagers. It is important for parents to develop plans for responsible social media use and monitor their children's activity online. By setting a good example through limiting their own phone use and being present with their children, parents can teach their children the importance of balancing online and offline activities. Furthermore, parents should encourage alternative ways for children to communicate and stay socially connected, such as participating in clubs or groups and engaging in face-to-face interactions.
Limiting Phone Use and Being Present
One of the challenges of social media is the constant presence of smartphones in our lives. Excessive phone use can lead to addiction, anxiety, depression, isolation, and the fear of missing out (FOMO). To address these issues, it is important to limit phone use and be present in the moment. Setting boundaries for phone use, such as designating tech-free zones in the home or implementing device-free times, can help create a healthier balance between online and offline activities. By being present and engaged in real-world interactions, we can improve our mental well-being and reduce the negative impact of social media.
Encouraging Alternative Communication Methods
In addition to limiting phone use, it is essential to encourage alternative communication methods. While social media provides a convenient way to connect with others, it should not be the sole means of communication. Building meaningful connections offline through face-to-face interactions, joining clubs or groups, and reaching out to acquaintances can help improve mental well-being. By diversifying our communication methods, we can reduce the reliance on social media and create a more balanced and fulfilling social life.
In conclusion, addressing the negative impact of social media requires a multi-faceted approach. Social media platforms should consider changing their approach to prioritize meaningful connections and interactions. Individuals should monitor their social media use and set limits to improve their mental well-being. Parents should play an active role in promoting healthy media use among children and teenagers. By limiting phone use, being present, and encouraging alternative communication methods, we can mitigate the negative impact of social media and create a healthier relationship with technology.
The Dangers of Excessive Social Media Use
In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. It allows us to connect with friends and family, share our thoughts and experiences, and stay updated on current events. However, excessive use of social media can have detrimental effects on our mental health. In this section, we will explore the various dangers associated with excessive social media use and the negative impact it can have on our well-being.
Addiction
One of the most significant dangers of social media is its addictive nature. Social media platforms are designed to keep users engaged and hooked to their screens. The unpredictability of outcomes, such as likes and comments, creates a sense of anticipation and rewards our brain with a surge of dopamine when we receive positive feedback. This constant validation can lead to addictive behaviors, causing individuals to spend excessive amounts of time scrolling through their feeds and neglecting other aspects of their lives.
Anxiety, Depression, and Isolation
Excessive social media use has been linked to increased levels of anxiety and depression. When users feel excluded from activities or compare themselves to others' seemingly perfect lives, it can trigger feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and fear of missing out (FOMO). The constant exposure to carefully curated highlight reels of others' lives can distort our perception of reality, leading to feelings of discontentment and isolation.
Negative Impact on Real-world Connections
While social media allows us to connect with others virtually, it cannot replace the importance of real-world human connection. Excessive social media use can lead to a decline in face-to-face relationships, as individuals spend more time interacting with others through screens rather than engaging in meaningful offline interactions. This can result in feelings of loneliness and a lack of genuine connection, ultimately impacting our overall mood and well-being.
Increased Risk of Mental Health Issues
Research has shown a strong correlation between heavy social media use and mental health issues, particularly among adolescents. Rates of depression, anxiety, and self-harm have increased, coinciding with the rise in social media popularity. Furthermore, social media is also associated with the perpetuation of eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and low self-esteem, particularly among teenagers. The constant exposure to unrealistic beauty standards and the pressure to present a perfect image can have detrimental effects on young minds.
Taking Control of Your Social Media Use
While social media can be a valuable tool for connection and information, it is essential to be mindful of our usage and its impact on our mental health. Here are some strategies to take control of your social media use:
Monitor your social media use and set limits: Be aware of how much time you spend on social media and set boundaries to ensure it doesn't consume your life.
Focus on one-on-one communication: Instead of mass sharing, prioritize meaningful one-on-one conversations and interactions to foster genuine connections.
Encourage alternative ways of communication: Parents can play a crucial role in promoting healthy media use by encouraging their children to engage in offline activities and develop strong real-world connections.
Be a role model: Limit your own phone use and be present with your children. Show them the importance of balancing online and offline interactions.
In conclusion, while social media can be a powerful tool for connection and self-expression, excessive use can have significant negative effects on our mental health. It is crucial to be mindful of our social media habits and take steps to prioritize real-world connections and well-being.
Promoting Better Mental Health through Mindful Social Media Use
In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. It allows us to connect with friends and family, share experiences, and stay updated on current events. However, research has shown that excessive use of social media can have negative effects on our mental health. From anxiety and depression to feelings of inadequacy and isolation, the impact of social media on our well-being cannot be ignored.
Reducing Time Spent on Social Media
One of the key strategies for promoting better mental health is to reduce the amount of time spent on social media. While it may be tempting to constantly check our feeds and notifications, this constant exposure can lead to increased anxiety and depression. By setting limits on our social media use, we can create a healthier balance between the digital world and the real world. Taking breaks from social media and engaging in offline activities can help us reconnect with ourselves and those around us.
Building Offline Connections
In a world where virtual connections dominate, building meaningful connections offline has become more important than ever. Face-to-face interactions, joining clubs or groups, and reaching out to acquaintances can help improve our mental well-being. These offline connections provide a sense of belonging and support that social media often fails to deliver. By nurturing these relationships, we can create a strong support system and enhance our overall mental health.
Practicing Gratitude, Mindfulness, and Volunteering
In addition to reducing our time spent on social media and building offline connections, practicing gratitude, mindfulness, and volunteering can also contribute to better mental health. Taking the time to appreciate the little things in life and expressing gratitude can shift our focus from negativity to positivity. Mindfulness, on the other hand, allows us to be present in the moment and cultivate a sense of calm and clarity. Finally, volunteering and helping others not only benefits those in need but also boosts our own well-being and sense of purpose.
By incorporating these practices into our lives, we can harness the power of social media while protecting our mental health. It's important to remember that social media should not replace real-world human connection. In-person contact is necessary for our mental health and happiness. By being mindful of our social media use, building offline connections, and practicing gratitude, mindfulness, and volunteering, we can promote better mental health and find a healthy balance in the digital age.
Parental Involvement in Responsible Social Media Use
Monitoring and Limiting Children's Use
As a parent, it is essential to be aware of the potential impact that social media can have on your child's mental health. Research has shown that excessive use of social media can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor and limit your child's use of social media platforms.
One way to do this is by setting clear boundaries and guidelines for when and how long your child can use social media. Establishing specific time limits can help prevent excessive use and ensure that your child is engaging in other activities that promote their overall well-being.
In addition to setting limits, it is important to actively monitor your child's social media activity. This can be done by regularly checking their profiles, following them on social media platforms, and engaging in open conversations about their online experiences. By staying involved and aware, you can better understand the content your child is exposed to and address any potential issues that may arise.
Addressing Underlying Issues and Enforcing Breaks
While monitoring and limiting social media use is crucial, it is equally important to address any underlying issues that may contribute to your child's excessive use or negative experiences on social media. These underlying issues can include low self-esteem, peer pressure, or feelings of inadequacy.
By addressing these issues, you can help your child develop healthier coping mechanisms and improve their overall well-being. Encourage open and honest discussions about their feelings and experiences on social media, and provide them with the necessary support and guidance to navigate these challenges.
Another effective strategy is to enforce regular breaks from social media. Encourage your child to take time away from their devices and engage in offline activities that they enjoy. This can help them develop a healthier relationship with social media and prevent it from becoming a constant source of stress or anxiety.
Educating about Inaccuracies and Promoting Offline Activities
One of the challenges of social media is its ability to distort appearances and reality, especially for teenagers going through puberty. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a desire to look like the filtered and edited photos they see on social media platforms.
As a parent, it is important to educate your child about the inaccuracies of social media and promote a healthy body image. Encourage them to focus on their own strengths and qualities rather than comparing themselves to others. Teach them to question the authenticity of what they see online and remind them that real beauty comes from within.
Additionally, promoting offline activities and encouraging face-to-face interactions can help your child develop a more balanced approach to social media. Encourage them to participate in hobbies, join clubs or groups, and spend time with friends and family. Building meaningful connections offline can provide a sense of fulfillment and happiness that social media alone cannot replicate.
Surgeon General's Call for Action
Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has raised concerns about the impact of social media on children and adolescents' mental health. In a recent report, he highlighted the link between social media use and depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems in teenagers.
The report calls for action from technology companies and lawmakers, urging them to share the responsibility of managing social media use among young people. Some of the recommended measures include enforcing age minimums, creating better tools to protect teenagers, and loosening features that encourage excessive use.
The Surgeon General's report has sparked a national discussion about the role of social media in mental health and the need for greater regulation and accountability. It emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in promoting responsible social media use and highlights the need for ongoing education and support for both parents and children.
Setting the Age Limit for Social Media Use
Concerns about Teenagers and Mental Health
As social media continues to dominate our lives, there are growing concerns about its impact on mental health, particularly among teenagers. Research has shown that social media can cause anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The design of social media platforms is inherently addictive, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and even physical ailments. The unpredictability of outcomes on social media, such as likes and comments, keeps users engaged but also heightens feelings of anxiety and depression.
One of the most significant negative impacts of social media use is the effect on sleep. Many teenagers spend hours scrolling through their feeds late into the night, leading to decreased, disrupted, and delayed sleep. This lack of sleep is associated with depression and poor academic performance. Additionally, social media can increase feelings of anxiety and depression when users feel excluded from activities or see others seemingly living perfect lives.
For teenagers going through puberty, social media can distort appearances and reality. The pressure to look a certain way, fueled by filtered photos and unrealistic standards, can have a profound impact on self-esteem and body image. Plastic surgeons have even reported an increase in requests from patients who want to look like their filtered social media photos.
Negative Impacts on Adolescent Well-being
The negative impacts of social media on adolescent well-being cannot be ignored. Excessive use of social media can lead to addiction, anxiety, depression, isolation, and the fear of missing out (FOMO). It has been linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Social media promotes negative experiences such as feelings of inadequacy, fear of missing out, isolation, depression, anxiety, cyberbullying, and self-absorption.
The excessive use of social media can create a negative cycle that impacts various aspects of life, including face-to-face relationships, work or school performance, and overall mood. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has warned that social media use is a main contributor to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems in teenagers. Rates of teenage depression, sadness, and hopelessness have increased, especially among girls, coinciding with the popularity of smartphones and the rise of social media.
The Role of Technology Companies and Parents
In addressing the concerns about mental health and social media, both technology companies and parents play vital roles. Technology companies should consider decreasing mass sharing and focusing more on one-on-one communication. By promoting meaningful connections and interactions, social media platforms can create a healthier online environment. Additionally, technology companies should enforce age minimums, create better tools to protect teenagers, and loosen features that encourage excessive use.
On the other hand, parents can take proactive steps to protect their children's mental well-being. They can develop plans for healthy media use and monitor their children's social media activity. Setting a good example is essential, as parents should limit their own phone use and be present with their children. Encouraging alternative ways for children to communicate and stay socially connected, such as face-to-face interactions and participating in clubs or groups, can also help mitigate the negative impacts of social media.
In conclusion, the age limit for social media use is a topic that requires careful consideration. While there is no definitive answer, it is clear that social media can have detrimental effects on the mental health of teenagers. It is important for both technology companies and parents to take responsibility and implement measures to protect the well-being of young users. By promoting mindful social media use, setting limits, and fostering offline connections, we can ensure that social media becomes a tool for positive rather than negative impact on mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can social media cause anxiety and depression?
Yes, social media can cause anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Research has shown that excessive social media use is linked to poor mental health outcomes, including symptoms of depression and anxiety.
2. Why are social media platforms addictive?
Social media platforms are designed to be addictive, as their business model relies on keeping users engaged. The unpredictability of outcomes, such as likes and comments, creates a sense of anticipation and keeps users coming back for more.
3. How does social media affect sleep?
Social media use can lead to decreased, disrupted, and delayed sleep, which is associated with depression and poor academic performance. The constant scrolling and engagement with social media content can interfere with healthy sleep patterns.
4. Can social media increase feelings of anxiety and depression?
Yes, social media can increase feelings of anxiety and depression, especially when users feel excluded from activities or compare themselves to others. The distorted appearances and realities presented on social media can also contribute to negative emotions, particularly among teenagers going through puberty.
5. Are there any physical effects of excessive social media use?
Plastic surgeons have reported an increase in requests from patients who want to look like their filtered social media photos. This suggests that social media can distort appearances and create unrealistic beauty standards, leading to potential physical and psychological consequences.
6. What can social media platforms do to improve mental well-being?
Social media platforms should consider decreasing mass sharing and focusing more on one-on-one communication. By promoting meaningful connections and reducing the pressure for constant validation, social media platforms can contribute to improved mental well-being.
7. How can individuals improve their mental well-being in relation to social media use?
Individuals can monitor their social media use and set limits to prevent excessive consumption. Setting boundaries, practicing mindful social media use, and engaging in offline activities can all contribute to better mental health.
8. How can parents support their children's healthy social media use?
Parents can develop plans for healthy media use and monitor their children's social media activity. Additionally, parents should set a good example by limiting their own phone use, being present with their children, and encouraging alternative ways of communication and social connection.
9. What are the risks of excessive social media use?
Excessive use of social media can lead to addiction, anxiety, depression, isolation, and fear of missing out (FOMO). It can also negatively impact various aspects of life, including face-to-face relationships, work or school performance, and overall mood.
10. Can social media replace real-world human connection?
No, social media cannot replace real-world human connection. In-person contact is necessary for mental health and happiness. While social media can facilitate communication, it should not be a substitute for genuine face-to-face interactions.
11. How can mindful social media use benefit mental health?
Mindful social media use involves being aware of one's emotions and intentions while using social media, as well as consciously reducing the amount of time spent on these platforms. By practicing mindful social media use, individuals can experience positive effects on their mental health.
12. What offline activities can improve mental well-being?
Building meaningful connections offline through face-to-face interactions, joining clubs or groups, and reaching out to acquaintances can all contribute to better mental well-being. Additionally, practicing gratitude, mindfulness, and volunteering are also beneficial for mental health.
13. What steps can parents take to promote responsible social media use among children and teenagers?
Parents can monitor and limit their child's social media use, address underlying issues, enforce breaks from social media, teach about the inaccuracies of social media, and encourage offline activities. Open communication and creating a supportive environment are also important in promoting responsible social media use.
14. What does the Surgeon General say about social media and mental health?
Surgeon General Vivek Murthy warns that social media use is a main contributor to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems in teenagers. He emphasizes the need for policymakers and social media companies to share the responsibility of managing social media use.
15. What recommendations have been made for technology companies and lawmakers regarding social media use?
Recommendations include enforcing age minimums, creating better tools to protect teenagers, and loosening features that encourage excessive use. The industry is also urged to be held responsible for creating addictive platforms and features, sparking a national discussion on the topic.
16. How prevalent is social media use among teenagers?
Up to 95% of teens between 13 and 17 use social media platforms, with about a third engaging with social media almost constantly. The popularity of smartphones and the rise of social media have coincided with increased rates of teenage depression, sadness, and hopelessness.
17. What negative effects can social media have on teenagers?
Social media is blamed for perpetuating eating disorders, body dysmorphia, low self-esteem, and a possible link to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in teens. It can also contribute to feelings of inadequacy, fear of missing out (FOMO), isolation, depression, anxiety, cyberbullying, and self-absorption.
18. How can parents address social media use in the home?
Parents are encouraged to create tech-free zones in the home and have open conversations with their kids about how social media use makes them feel. Teaching children about responsible social media use and encouraging offline activities are also important steps.
19. What is the suggested age for social media use?
While most tech companies require users to be at least 13 years old, nearly 40% of kids between 8 and 12 use social media. Surgeon General Murthy believes even 13 is too young to be on social media, but there is not enough data to suggest an appropriate age. Professor Jean Twenge suggests setting the age minimum at 16 to protect kids who are not yet ready for social media.