In recent discussions, there’s been a surge of claims suggesting that social media is detrimental to our children’s creativity. Numerous studies, often shared on our own social media feeds, warn that our tech-savvy youth might be at risk of becoming disengaged and uninspired if we don’t pry their devices from their hands. Concerns range from depression linked to social media use to the belief that texting is eroding their communication skills, with the latest worry being that it “robs them of boredom,” thereby stifling their creative potential.
An excerpt from Glennon Doyle’s book, “Untamed,” highlights this fear: she posits that by giving our children smartphones, we’re robbing them of their ability to explore and create. “I find myself worrying most that when we hand our children phones we steal their boredom from them,” Doyle writes. “As a result, we are raising a generation of writers who will never start writing, artists who will never start doodling…”
While Doyle’s sentiments are compelling, they may also be overly simplistic and somewhat misleading. It’s crucial for parents to evaluate whether our anxieties are based on solid evidence or if they merely echo the age-old refrain of “kids these days” that has haunted every generation since the dawn of new technologies.
Historically, every time a new communication tool has emerged—from books to radio to television—previous generations have criticized it as a threat to society. Even Socrates believed that writing would weaken memory. Yes, social media and the internet have their downsides, but they also foster creativity in incredible ways.
In my own home, I’ve seen firsthand how social media can enhance creativity. For instance, my 14-year-old son has taught himself to play piano, coding, and various fascinating facts about space—all thanks to YouTube. He has progressed far beyond basic tunes; he can now play Debussy’s “Clair de Lune.” Similarly, my 11-year-old daughter has developed her artistic skills through online tutorials, producing impressive drawings and paintings.
I’m not alone in this observation. I reached out to fellow parents on social media, and the responses were overwhelmingly positive. One mother shared how her daughter, who is high-functioning autistic, has gained confidence in singing through YouTube. Another parent mentioned that her son won a coding contest after learning through online resources.
As a music educator, I can attest to the benefits of social media for learning. I assign my students video lessons regularly, and the wealth of resources available online has significantly improved their skills compared to previous generations, who lacked such access.
Further, platforms like TikTok showcase remarkable creativity among young people, who are using the app to dance, cook, and share their talents with the world. The effort and practice that goes into creating those viral clips often go unnoticed. Instead of mindlessly consuming content, many kids are honing their skills through active engagement.
We, as adults, must strive to understand our children’s experiences with social media rather than jumping to conclusions. Let’s avoid the pitfalls of past generations by recognizing that technology, including social media, can be a powerful tool for creativity. Like any tool, its value lies in how we choose to use it.
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Summary
This article challenges the notion that social media is detrimental to children’s creativity, arguing instead that it can serve as a valuable resource for self-expression and skill-building. It highlights personal experiences and testimonials from other parents to illustrate the positive impact of social media on creative development.