Opinion: How the Internet’s charm can disrupt our kids’ perceptions

To mitigate social media effects, parents should feel empowered to teach their children best practices and mental resiliency early on. — Getty Images/The New York Times

It’s no secret that the world today spends a significant amount of time online, whether it be for work or personal leisure. Regardless of what draws people to social media – whether it’s to catch up on news, connect with friends, or scroll through viral videos on any number of subjects – spending too much time online has the potential to negatively affect our well-being.

Viewing the world through a screen can warp our perceptions, with polished filters and expertly angled shots portraying idealised and often exaggerated lifestyles that can chip away at self-esteem. As users immerse themselves online more and more, it can create a desire to compare their own lives, leading to feelings of inadequacy or discontent.