Social Media: Bad for Your Health?

Social media has become a significant part of many teenagers' lives, but studies indicate it can also have negative impacts on their health and well-being. Some cited health concerns for teens and social media include:

- Mental Health: Social media can be a source of stress and anxiety for teenagers, particularly if they are exposed to cyberbullying or negative comments.
- Sleep: The use of social media at night has been linked to poor sleep quality and disrupted sleep patterns. Teenagers who use social media late at night may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, leading to daytime fatigue and poor concentration.
- Physical Health: The overuse of social media can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which can have negative impacts on physical health. Spending too much time sitting and scrolling on a device can contribute to poor posture, eye strain, and obesity.
- Addiction: Social media use can become addictive, leading to compulsive behavior and a lack of control over one's social media use. This addiction can have negative impacts on mental health, social relationships, and academic performance.

Several states are considering banning or severely limiting social media access for youth under the age of 18. This video provides some pros and cons of social media from the point of view of young people.

Write a short letter (one to two paragraphs) addressed to legislators explaining your view (positive or negative) on these new laws.