Public Speaking: The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers

Summary

In this speech, Liana binti Yuzlan discusses the significant impact of social media on teenagers. She highlights both the positive and negative aspects, explaining how social media connects teens globally, fosters creativity, and boosts confidence. However, she also addresses its harmful effects, including social isolation, cyberbullying, and exposure to online predators. Liana shares a personal experience to emphasize the emotional consequences of cyberbullying and concludes with a call for responsible online behavior, urging teenagers to be cautious and mindful of their interactions in the digital world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Social media has seen immense growth and popularity, particularly among teenagers and young adults.
• 😀 Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter play a dominant role in teenagers' everyday lives.
• 😀 Social media helps teenagers stay connected with peers even if they live far apart, creating a borderless world.
• 😀 It provides teenagers with opportunities to make friends based on common interests and relevant topics.
• 😀 Social media boosts confidence in socially awkward teenagers by allowing them to communicate without the fear of judgment.
• 😀 It offers a platform for teenagers to express their hidden talents, such as singing or dancing, often leading to reduced anxiety.
• 😀 Despite the positives, social media can lead to social isolation, as teenagers may spend more time on devices than interacting face-to-face.
• 😀 Social isolation can result in emotional problems like depression and anxiety, especially if not properly managed.
• 😀 Online platforms can be dangerous, as they serve as a hunting ground for online predators targeting underage users.
• 😀 Cyberbullying is a growing issue, where some teenagers bully others online out of 'fun,' leading to serious emotional consequences like depression.
• 😀 Social media's negative effects can be severe, potentially leading to self-harm or even suicide, highlighting the need for responsible online use.

Q & A

Why did Liana choose the topic 'The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers' for her speech?

Liana chose this topic because she believes it is highly relevant to students today, especially teenagers who are active users of social media.

What is one of the positive impacts of social media mentioned in the speech?

One positive impact of social media is that it helps teenagers stay connected with their peers, even when they live far apart, by creating a borderless world for online interactions.

How does social media contribute to teenagers' confidence?

Social media gives socially awkward teenagers the opportunity to communicate with others without the fear of being judged, which can help boost their confidence.

What role did social media play during the Covid-19 pandemic for teenagers?

During the Covid-19 pandemic, social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram allowed teenagers to express their talents, such as singing and dancing, which helped reduce their anxiety and allowed them to connect with others.

What is one negative impact of social media mentioned in the speech?

One negative impact of social media is that it can lead to social isolation, as teenagers spend more time on electronic gadgets rather than interacting face-to-face with friends or family.

How does social media contribute to cyberbullying among teenagers?

Social media platforms can enable cyberbullying, where teenagers bully others online, often for fun, which can lead to emotional distress and even depression for the victims.

What personal experience did Liana share to highlight the harmful effects of cyberbullying?

Liana shared the story of a friend who appeared happy but was secretly suffering from cyberbullying. Her friend revealed that she had been a victim of online bullying, which led to emotional distress and self-harm.

How can social media affect a teenager's mental health?

Social media can negatively affect a teenager's mental health by contributing to depression, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness due to cyberbullying, social isolation, and unrealistic expectations created by online interactions.

What advice does Liana give about using social media?

Liana advises teenagers to be responsible users of social media and exercise caution when interacting online, ensuring they withdraw from uncomfortable conversations to protect their mental and emotional well-being.

What is the overall message Liana conveys in her speech?

The overall message is that social media has both positive and negative effects on teenagers. While it offers opportunities for connection and self-expression, it also poses risks like social isolation, cyberbullying, and mental health issues, and should be used responsibly.