MANAGING SOCIAL MEDIA

If social media is inescapable, how can teens deal with it?

Sanderson’s initial presentation of her subject is positive. She differentiates among types of social media, observing that online platforms have “opened up new career opportunities,” “enabled people to connect,” and allowed “people to leave reviews of products or companies.” China has its “own versions” of social media (there’s no mention of censorship). The statement that algorithms are a “little like librarians” is simplistic and misleading. Sanderson warns readers about some drawbacks, including peer pressure, deteriorating real-world social skills, cyberbullying, deepfakes, scams, and identity theft. The final section describes specific ways to use social media safely and what to do if you’re a victim. The last spread outlines the principles of good digital citizenship. Despite some cautions, the book dances around serious issues like echo chambers, manipulation of the electorate, and radicalization through hate speech. Readers also aren’t warned strongly enough about fake reviews or the improbability of influencing as a career, nor are they reminded that they are the product. The focus is on individual users’ responsibility, with little attention to industry or government regulation. The writing is accessible; sidebars highlight key pieces of information, and chapter summaries provide easy takeaways. Portions of this book are repeated, sometimes verbatim, in Sanderson’s Dealing With Cyberbullying (2026).

A limited introduction to social media’s potential for good, with some advice to help avoid harm.