Research Article

The Negative Impact of Group Polarization Effect on Adolescent Emotions and Self in Social Media

Junyu DouZhongnan University of Economics and Law*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Nowadays, social media has become an important place for the socialization of emotions and values among teenagers, but its homogeneous push and information cocoon effect have led to the intensification of group polarization effects. Meanwhile, research targeting teenagers is scarce. This study adopts literature review method, comprehensively studying the impact of group polarization in social media on the emotions and self of adolescents. The study found that group polarization effects could trigger extreme emotions in adolescents and deepen their negative emotional experiences. The group polarization effect can also distort teenagers' self-awareness and undermine their values. The research conclusion points out that the group polarization effect in social media poses a threat to adolescents through both emotional and cognitive pathways, suggesting that the platform make improvements from a technical perspective to avoid information silos. Schools should offer courses to strengthen education, and parents should also strengthen communication and guidance. This study examines the negative effects of group polarization in social media on adolescents' emotions and self-identity from both theoretical and practical perspectives, revealing intervention strategies that provide theoretical support and specific methods for ensuring the healthy development of adolescents.

Keywords: Group polarization; Social media; Adolescents; Emotion; Self-cognition
Published: November 19, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2025.KM29581
Volume: CHR Vol.92
pp. 116-124
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