Can Having No Social Media and No Phone Be Hurtful?

Technology

Anna Mullen, '27

Mar 24 2026

Can Having No Social Media and No Phone Be Hurtful?

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Can Having No Social Media and No Phone Be Hurtful?

Many people believe that getting rid of cell phones and social media entirely is the best solution for teen's mental health. However, completely avoiding social media may not be the answer, as having an online presence can also be beneficial.

Benefits to Social Media
Having social media can help people become more well known and open doors to future opportunities. Colleges, sororities, fraternities, and employers often look at applicants’ online presence. For teens who want to play sports in college, social media is especially useful for sharing achievements and getting noticed by recruiters.

Social Media and its Effect on Mental Health
Many people blame social media for increasing mental health struggles among teens. Cyberbullying and constant comparison to unrealistic online images can negatively affect self-esteem. Having no phone or social media at all can cause teens to feel isolated and disconnected from their peers.

Digital Footprints
Another issue with social media is the creation of a digital footprint. Anything posted online can be difficult or impossible to permanently delete. A negative digital footprint can hurt chances of getting into a desired college or future job.

What Can Be Done To Avoid These Issues?
To reduce these risks, teens should use social media carefully and responsibly. Having guidance from a trusted adult can help prevent harmful posts or mistakes. Teens should focus on positive interactions and report cyberbullying when it occurs.

In conclusion, social media has both positive and negative effects. While it can harm mental health and create lasting digital footprints, it can also help teens connect with others and build opportunities. When used wisely, social media can be more helpful than harmful.

Contributor, Anna Mullen, '27

Anna Mullen is a junior at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. She is a member of the National Honors Society and is enrolled in several rigorous courses. She has been involved in multiple extracurricular activities such as Cheerleading, Flag Football, Theater, and Track. In her free time she enjoys music, running, and spending time with friends and family.

*This piece was written in Mrs. DeNegri's Marketing course as an assignment in content marketing.