◆이코노미스트가 글로벌 차세대 경제 리더, 청소년 기자단 영 저널리스트와 함께합니다. 영 저널리스트 기자단은 프리미엄 경제지 이코노미스트, 논술 전문 기관 Ni 에듀케이션과 함께 주요 시사 이슈를 팔로우업하고 직접 기획, 취재, 기사 작성 활동을 하며 사회적 문제를 고심하고 해결 방안을 제시하는 과정을 경험하게 됩니다. 이번 기사는 영 저널리스트 기자단이 현 사회현상에 대해 학생들 시선에서 ‘왜’라는 질문을 갖고 직접 취재해 작성한 기획기사입니다. 영 저널리스트 기자단의 기획기사는 영문과 국문, 두 형태로 게재합니다.  

[Young Journalist Siyeon Kim]  In recent years, numerous countries worldwide, including Australia and the United Kingdom, have proposed legislation to restrict or prohibit teenagers from using social media. These policies seek to safeguard teenagers from detrimental content and excessive usage. However, many teenagers have negative reactions to these restrictions. Adults want to limit social media use, while teenagers want to benefit from it. But does social media have exclusively detrimental effects on teenagers?

One of the most significant advantages of social media is interpersonal communication. Teenagers can utilize social media platforms to maintain relationships with friends and exchange their interests and experiences. They can also engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds, transcending differences in school, region, race, or religion, and broaden their perspectives. By meeting like-minded individuals, teenagers can gain exposure to a broader range of perspectives and explore future possibilities through these experiences.

Leaning on social media can also be a valuable educational resource for teenagers. Even though some students use social media inappropriately, many others benefit from exchanging academic materials and accessing educational videos. In particular, they can rapidly acquire new knowledge about various subjects, incorporating social studies, science, and culture.

On balance, these examples demonstrate teenagers believe that social media has lots of beneficial aspects as well as potential drawbacks. To confirm this directly, I conducted a preliminary survey of a sample of  the 18 students regarding their social media usage.

According to the survey findings, 13 out of 18 respondents (72%) reported they had learned new knowledge through social media, while 12 students (67%) reported that it helped them communicate with friends. In addition, 10 students (56%) said they had searched for or shared study-related materials on social media.

On the other hand, 8 students (44%) said they felt they spent too much time using social media. This finding shows that, alongside its positive functions, developing healthy social media habits is also important.

Experts emphasize that instead of banning social media outright, it is important to educate teenagers on how to use it responsibly. According to a study released by the Secondary Education Research Institute at Kyungpook National Educational institution titled A Study on Differences in Social Media Benefits According to Adolescents’ Participation in Media Education, teenagers who received media education were more likely to recognize the benefits of social media. The study also reported that educational support is needed to help teenagers use social media appropriately.

Social media certainly has risks. However, rather than imposing a blanket ban on all teenagers, teaching them how to use it safely and developing their digital citizenship may be more effective solutions. Instead of banning social media without considering its benefits, we need to take a balanced approach that protects teenagers while also recognizing the positive possibilities of social media.

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