In adult discussions about youth and social media, the narrative often focuses on risks such as cyberbullying, problematic online behaviour and content, and online predators. While these concerns can certainly be valid, they paint an incomplete picture of how youth and teens engage with technology and social media platforms. Beyond education and connection, technology and social media has become a powerful tool for advocacy and self-expression. Many teens today use their online presence to raise awareness about social issues, mobilize support for causes they care about, and share their creative talents with the world. Dismissing social media as purely harmful fails to acknowledge its role that it can have in empowering young people to engage with the onlife world in meaningful ways.
Unfortunately, many adult are unaware that teens are leveraging technology and social media to drive positive social change in various impactful ways. Here are just two notable examples:
- Greta Thunberg, a Swedish teenager, initiated a global climate movement by utilizing social media platforms to amplify her message. In August 2018, she began a solitary school strike for climate action, sharing her protest through Instagram and Twitter. Her posts rapidly gained international attention, inspiring students worldwide to participate in climate strikes and advocate for environmental policies. Thunberg’s strategic use of social media transformed a personal initiative into a global movement, demonstrating the power of digital platforms in mobilizing youth for environmental activism. (1)
- In 2012, Julia Bluhm, a 14-year-old from Maine, launched an online petition urging Seventeen magazine to feature unaltered images of women. (2) She argued that the magazine’s use of heavily edited photos promoted unrealistic body standards among young readers. Through coordinated social media efforts, Bluhm’s campaign garnered over 80,000 signatures. This widespread support led Seventeen to commit to presenting authentic images, highlighting how teens can effectively use digital tools to challenge and change media practices.
Beyond activism and advocacy, social media has unlocked unprecedented opportunities for young creators. Technology and Social media platforms provide young people with outlets to express themselves through music, art, fashion, and storytelling. Many teen artists have built entire careers through social media, gaining audiences and income without traditional adult gatekeepers.
For example, singer-songwriter Billie Eilish first gained recognition by uploading songs to SoundCloud, which eventually led to her breakthrough in the music industry (3) Or what about two teens who created job opportunities because of their use of technology and social media (4)
Rather than outright banning or vilifying social media, parents, caregivers, and educators should encourage its positive and responsible use. Open conversations about digital literacy, media consumption, and critical thinking can help young people navigate online spaces effectively. By recognizing the empowering aspects of social media, adults can support youth in using these platforms to foster meaningful connections, advocate for important causes, and express themselves creatively.
Technology and Social media is not just a space for distraction or potential harm, it can also be a powerful tool for advocacy, self-expression, change, and even career opportunities. Many young people are using their digital presence to shape conversations, challenge injustices, and create art that resonates with audiences worldwide. Dismissing social media’s role in youth empowerment ignores the incredible ways in which teens are engaging with the world around them. Instead of fearing these platforms, we should guide and support young people in using them responsibly and meaningfully.
Adult conversation around youth and social media often leans toward the risks and dangers associated with these platforms. While it is crucial to address issues such as cyberbullying, online pornography, misinformation, and online safety, it is equally important to recognize the positive role that technology and social media play in young people’s lives. From Greta Thunberg’s climate activism to Julia Bluhm’s fight for authentic media representation, teens are using digital platforms to drive meaningful social change. Their ability to mobilize global movements, challenge outdated norms, and push for systemic change highlights the power of technology as a tool for advocacy.
Beyond activism, social media has also become a launchpad for self-expression and entrepreneurship. Young creators are using these platforms to share their music, art, and ideas with the world, often bypassing traditional adult gatekeepers to build their own audiences and careers. Whether it’s Billie Eilish finding success through SoundCloud or teen entrepreneurs leveraging social media to create job opportunities, technology is empowering youth in unprecedented ways.
Instead of condemning and restricting technology and social media, we should focus on promoting responsible and intentional use that is both age and developmentally appropriate. Parents, caregivers, and educators should equip young people with digital literacy skills, encourage critical thinking, and foster open discussions about online engagement.
When used mindfully, technology and social media can be a powerful tool for education, advocacy, and creative expression and not just a source of distraction. By guiding young people to harness its potential, we can help them use these platforms to amplify their voices, build positive communities, and make meaningful contributions to today’s onlife world.
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References:
1/ https://fridaysforfuture.org/what-we-do/who-we-are/
3/ https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/billie-eilish-cover-story-triumph-weird-863603/
