UNAIR NEWS 鈥 Amid growing polarization in the digital sphere, social media continues to shape the way people interact and build social relationships. Children, however, remain among the most vulnerable groups to the negative effects of relationships and interactions developed in virtual environments.
Marking National Social Media Day on June 10, media studies expert Prof. Rachmah Ida of 东京热 (UNAIR) warned about the risks associated with children鈥檚 growing exposure to social media. She noted that many children are now introduced to digital platforms at an increasingly early age, often before they have developed the maturity needed to recognize and navigate the risks they may encounter online.
鈥淭oday鈥檚 children are growing up with social media as a constant presence in their lives. Yet parents remain the primary role models responsible for shaping children鈥檚 values, character, and understanding of the social world around them,鈥 she said.
Digital threats and social isolation
The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) professor explained that digital environments present a variety of risks that are often overlooked. These include the threat of online predators and child exploitation, both of which can take advantage of personal information shared online. Excessive social media use can also have adverse effects on the mental health of children and adolescents.
Prof. Ida said many young people feel increasingly comfortable in digital spaces but may gradually lose opportunities to engage in meaningful face-to-face interactions. 鈥淔or some children, social media creates the impression that their online world is sufficient. As a result, they may become socially isolated as direct interaction with their surrounding communities declines,鈥 she said.
She added that reduced real-world interaction can hinder children鈥檚 ability to build relationships, develop empathy, and strengthen the communication skills necessary for everyday life. Over time, prolonged and unmonitored digital engagement may also encourage more individualistic behavior, making it harder for children to understand and process emotions effectively.
Importance of family, schools, and digital literacy
Prof. Ida emphasized that families play the central role in helping children develop healthy social media habits. Parents, she said, should serve not only as guides but also as supervisors who help children recognize both the opportunities and risks associated with online platforms.
Schools also have a critical responsibility to foster direct social interaction through educational and character-development activities. According to Prof. Ida, educational institutions should encourage students to communicate, collaborate, and build relationships in real-world settings rather than relying exclusively on digital interactions.
In a broader context, she argued that digital literacy has become an essential skill in today鈥檚 society. This includes the ability to evaluate information critically, identify trustworthy sources, safeguard personal data, and build resilience against misinformation and manipulative online content.
鈥淯se social media wisely, in moderation, and with a full awareness of its potential risks. Responsible social media use is essential to ensuring that these platforms remain healthy spaces for interaction rather than forces that control their users,鈥 she concluded.
Author: Maia Chaerunnisa
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
