The impact social media use on adolescent development and functioning- A South African perspective.docx

The findings of the study indicated that adolescent social media use affected growth and development within all the ecological systems of the participants. Participants were also affected in terms of their biological development (i.e., physical, cognitive, emotional, social, moral as well as their identity development). Numerous safety concerns and risks that exist for young individuals who are growing up in an era where social media and ICTs cannot be avoided was evident, leading to the recommendations that were made for professionals that work with the development and treatment of this vulnerable population group. The recommendations that were suggested for professionals, relevant organisations, families and communities to adopt and follow can make a difference to safeguard children and adolescents from the harmful effects that social media use can hold for all consumers and assist them to reap the benefits that such platforms can provide.