The total number of respondents was 25, the number of male respondents 14, slightly exceeded the

number of females,11. This would imply that 56% of the responses were from a male perspective and
44% were female as illustrated in figure 1A.

Amongst teenagers the social media of choice was Snapchat followed by Tik Tok the sample reported

23/25 and 10/25 daily users respectively. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and whatsapp received 8/25,

6/25, 6/25 and 2/25 users respectively. None of the sample reported the use of Triller. Of the 6 social

media platforms, one teenager stated that they frequently use all 6. Two reported using 5 platforms,

Four would routinely visit 4 platforms, and Ten teenagers would use only one platform. The total usage

reported was over 4 hours for each teenager . This data indicates intensive social media usage by

teenagers.. Snapchat’s popularity may be accredited to its modern, user friendly interface, superior

security and unique features. In addition, Snapchat’s growth has been directly proportional to that of

Iphone and Ipad users.

The primary reasons for using social media were either entertainment or communication. The data

suggests that 76% or 19/25 of teenagers use social media to follow gossip/news trends. 60% of the

sample or 15/25 said they use it for just browsing. These were classified as entertainment reasons. Of

the sample a significant portion used social media for communication, the data is noted as follows:

64% or 16/25 used social media to contact family, 32% or 8/25 teenagers used it organize events and

28% or 7/25 teenagers used it to meet new friends. Other reasons for using social media were to raise

awareness for social issues and to seek acceptance. As aforementioned, Social media is mainly used for

either communication or entertainment purposes thus, it is like a tool. However a minority does have

psychological attachment to social media, the $ percent that seeks acceptance on social media.

Respondents also stated benefits they obtained from using social media. Amongst these, ‘staying
connected with people’ and ‘for entertainment purposes’ were listed as the two major benefits both
identified by 11/25 or 44% of respondents. These results were congruent with previous data which
suggests that, teenagers join social media for communication and entertainment purposes. Social media
may also support academic studies, learning of new skills and sharing and identifying common interest
as stated by 6/25 or 24 5 of the sample. 3/25 or 12 % of respondents indicated the growing importance
of a digital reputation and social media was an opportunity to build a positive one. Data therefore
suggested that social media can supplement both formal and informal education, communication, and
pass times.

On the contrary, the data illustrates several cons to social media usage. The teenagers indicated various
disadvantages they experienced and risks of social media. Cyberbullying was reported both as a prime
disadvantage and a potential risk as suggested by 16/25 or 64 % of respondents. Social media was also
stated to be time consuming by 14/25 or 56% of the sample. As indicated earlier majority of teenagers
use social media more than 4 hours a day and the prolonged staring a screens caused headaches in
12/25 or 36% of the sample. Further, it feeds negative feelings and unrealistic expectations in 11/25 or
44% and 9/25 or 36% of the sample respectively. A minority of 3/25 or 12% the sample also reported
that digital reputation can also be compromised.

They also reported other potential risks associated with using social media. Poorly filtered content led

to 14/25 or 56% of the sample being exposed to inappropriate material. Potential addiction may have

led to interference with sleep, exercise, homework and other healthy activities in 13/25 or 52% of

respondents. !2/25 or 48 % of respondents reported the risks of being exposed to dangerous individuals.

11/25 or 445 of respondents indicated that identity theft or being hacked were major risks particularly

because their accounts were linked to parents financial information. Oversharing personal information

(9) and privacy concerns (7) were also noted. Social media may potentially compremise the

productivity of teenagers and endanger them physically, psychologically and financially.

The respondents identified a number of factors which would affect their social and psychological health
and well-being. Social media appealed to a variety of emotion. Positive emotions saw substantial
appeal, Happiness , motivation and inspiration were selected by 12/25 or 48%, 11/25 or 44% and 10/25
or 40% respectively. Social media also Boosted the self-esteem in 7/25 or 28% of respondents and
provided a sense of belonging in 4/25 or 16% of respondents . These were also seen as positive
emotions. Negative emotions were not absented as 5/25 or 20% of respondents experienced jealousy,
and 4/25 or 16% received some form of rejection. In addition, 7/25 or 285 of respondents developed
the fear of missing out. These negative emotions resulted in 3/25 or 12 5 of respondents suffering with
lower self esteem. It appeared that social media stimulated mainly positive emotions teenagers.

Respondents were asked about the impact of social media on aspects of social and psychological
health. The sample were in agreement that lack of acceptance can lead to depression. They also
agreed that the social norms are deteriorating with the use of social media. There was some uncertainty
noted regarding the protection of privacy. Respondents were ‘neutral to disagreeing’ that privacy was
protected. There was a level of agreement that some social media activities were depressing; however,
respondents ‘disagreed to strongly disagreed’ that they engaged in these negative social activities.
They agreed that people could be of the impression that youth using social media are happy.

In terms of whether they were able to take breaks from social media, 14/25 or 56% respondents agreed
that they could ignore social media for a day or two. 5/25 or 20% stated that they could take an
extended break but four (16%) said they would ‘die’ without social media. The sample indicates that
teenagers possess varying levels of attachment to social media, mainly high to moderate.