How Social Media Is Changing Young People ‘s Lifestyle

LABUAN BAJO TERKINI – Who is not familiar with social media in today’s digital era? Social media is a platform that help user to communicate, share information and interact with others online.

Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp allow them to communicate, share information, and interact with others from different background.

According to Amelia Nugraeni (2024), social media plays an important role in broadening young people’s horizons and helping them build social identities. Social media has brought both positive and negative changes in young people’s lifestyles

One of the most visible changes in the lifestyle of teenagers is in the world of fashion. Social media has changed the way teenagers dress by creating fashion trends.

Through platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and others, fashion trends quickly spread and influence the way teenagers dress today.

This is shown by the symptoms that appear in everyday life. Today’s teenagers tend to follow viral trends, imitating fashion styles, celebrities or content creators.

As a result, many teenagers always want to look fashionable and keep up with fashion to stay relevant in their social environment.

In addition, healthy lifestyle and fitness are gaining popularity among teenagers thanks to the influence of social media filled with content from fitness influencers.

Trends in healthy lifestyle and healthy eating are increasingly being followed as they are considered effective in maintaining weight and improving health.

With easier access to information and support from social media, many teens are now more aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and living a healthier and balanced lifestyle for a better quality of life.

Social media has also brought negative changes to teenagers’ communication styles, where they are more inclined to interact using social media such as Facebook, Instagram and other social media rather than communicating directly. According to Widiya Ramadhani (2024), with the increasing popularity of websites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and others, teenagers’ communication styles have changed significantly.

For example, many teenagers prefer to talk via WhatsApp, Facebook or comment on social media rather than talking directly with their friends, this habit is also a lifestyle influenced by social media.

Oleh: Maria Deltris Falenta – Mahasiswi Prodi Bahasa Inggris Unika St.Paulus Ruteng Manggarai