friends for teens
Making friends is an essential part of growing up, especially for teenagers. During this stage of life, teens are constantly exploring their identities and seeking connections with others who share their interests and values. However, with the rise of social media and virtual communication, many teens struggle to form genuine friendships. In this article, we will explore the importance of having friends for teens, the challenges they face in making friends, and some tips for building and maintaining meaningful friendships.
Why do teens need friends?
Friends play a crucial role in a teenager’s life. They provide emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. As teens navigate the challenges of adolescence, having friends can make a significant difference in their overall well-being. Research has shown that teens with strong friendships are less likely to experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety (1). They also tend to have higher self-esteem and are more resilient in the face of adversity (2).
Furthermore, friends serve as a source of social and emotional learning for teens. Through interactions with their peers, teens learn important life skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and empathy. These skills are crucial for their personal and professional development, and having friends provides a safe and supportive environment to practice and refine them.
Challenges in making friends for teens
Although friends are essential for teens, making and maintaining friendships can be challenging. One of the primary challenges is the pressure to fit in and conform to social norms. Many teens feel the need to conform to societal expectations and may struggle to be their authentic selves in fear of being rejected by their peers. This pressure to fit in can lead to superficial friendships where teens may engage in activities that they are not genuinely interested in or behave in ways that are not true to their values.
Moreover, social media has greatly impacted the way teens form and maintain friendships. While it has made it easier to connect with others, it has also led to a decrease in face-to-face interactions. Many teens spend a significant amount of time on social media, comparing themselves to others and feeling the pressure to present a perfect image. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a fear of rejection, making it harder for them to form genuine connections.
Tips for building and maintaining friendships
Despite the challenges, there are ways for teens to build and maintain meaningful friendships. Here are some tips for teens looking to make new friends or strengthen existing friendships:
1. Be yourself: As cliché as it may sound, being yourself is crucial in making genuine connections with others. Embrace your quirks and interests, and don’t be afraid to show your true personality. Authenticity is attractive, and it will help you attract friends who appreciate and accept you for who you are.
2. Join clubs or groups: Joining clubs or groups based on your interests is an excellent way to meet like-minded people. Whether it’s a sports team, a book club, or a volunteer group, being part of a community with shared interests provides a natural platform for forming friendships.
3. Reach out to others: Making the first move can be intimidating, but it’s a necessary step in forming new friendships. If you meet someone you’d like to get to know better, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation or ask them to hang out. Remember, everyone is looking to make friends, and they will likely appreciate your effort.
4. Be a good listener: Being a good listener is a crucial aspect of being a good friend. Show genuine interest in what others have to say, and give them space to share their thoughts and feelings. Avoid interrupting or judging, and ask open-ended questions to encourage conversation.
5. Be reliable: Friends are there for each other through thick and thin. Be someone your friends can count on, whether it’s for a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or a fun outing. Being reliable and supportive will strengthen your friendships and make them more meaningful.
6. Communicate openly: Communication is vital in any relationship, including friendships. If you have a disagreement or an issue with a friend, address it openly and respectfully. Clear communication can help resolve conflicts and strengthen your bond.
7. Be inclusive: It’s natural for friends to have different interests and hobbies, but it’s important to be inclusive and make an effort to involve everyone in activities. Don’t leave friends out or make them feel excluded, as it can cause resentment and damage the friendship.
8. Spend quality time together: In a world where everyone is busy and constantly connected, it’s easy to neglect spending quality time with friends. Make an effort to disconnect from technology and spend meaningful time with your friends, whether it’s going for a walk, having a game night, or simply catching up over coffee.
9. Be understanding: As teens, everyone is going through their own challenges and struggles. Be empathetic and understanding towards your friends, and offer support when they need it. Being there for each other during tough times can bring you closer and strengthen your friendship.
10. Don’t expect perfection: Friendships, like any other relationship, have ups and downs. It’s essential to remember that everyone makes mistakes, and friendships require effort and forgiveness. Don’t expect perfection from your friends, and be willing to work through issues and conflicts to maintain your friendship.
In conclusion, friends are an essential part of a teenager’s life. They provide emotional support, social and emotional learning, and a sense of belonging. However, making and maintaining friendships can be challenging, especially with the pressure to fit in and the impact of social media. By being themselves, reaching out to others, and following the above tips, teens can build and maintain meaningful friendships that will positively impact their lives. Remember, true friends accept and appreciate you for who you are, and they will be there for you through thick and thin.
texting smh mean
In today’s digital age, texting has become the primary mode of communication for many people. It’s quick, convenient, and allows us to stay connected with others at all times. However, with the rise of texting, a new language has emerged – full of abbreviations and acronyms that can leave some people feeling confused. One such acronym that has become increasingly popular is “smh” which stands for “shaking my head”. But what exactly does “smh” mean and how is it used in texting? In this article, we will delve deeper into the meaning of “smh” and its usage in modern communication.
The acronym “smh” originated in the early 2000s and was initially used in online chat rooms and forums. It is believed to have been first used by teenagers and young adults as a quicker and easier way to express their emotions and reactions. Over time, “smh” has evolved and is now commonly used in text messages, social media posts, and even in everyday conversations.
At its core, “smh” is used to express frustration, disappointment, or disbelief at something. It is often used as a reaction to something that is considered silly, stupid, or absurd. For example, if someone were to say “I just failed my exam again”, the other person could respond with “smh” to convey their disappointment or disbelief. It’s almost as if the person is shaking their head in disapproval or disappointment.
One of the reasons why “smh” has become so popular is due to the rise of social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram . These platforms have character limits, making it necessary for users to condense their thoughts and messages into a limited number of characters. As a result, people have resorted to using abbreviations and acronyms such as “smh” to convey their feelings and reactions in a concise manner.
Another factor contributing to the popularity of “smh” is the rise of slang and informal language. In today’s society, it has become increasingly common to use slang and informal language in everyday conversations. This can be seen in the use of “smh” as a way to express emotions and reactions instead of using full sentences or proper grammar. It has become a part of the modern lexicon and is used by people of all ages.
One of the reasons why “smh” has become so widely used is due to its versatility. It can be used in a variety of contexts and situations, making it a popular choice among texters. For instance, “smh” can be used to express disappointment at a friend who has made a foolish decision, or it can be used to express disbelief at a news story. It can also be used in a sarcastic or humorous manner, adding an extra layer of meaning to the message.
However, like most acronyms and slang terms, the usage of “smh” can vary depending on the person and the context. Some people may use it to express genuine disappointment or disapproval, while others may use it more casually as a way to poke fun at a situation. It’s important to consider the tone and relationship between the parties involved before using “smh” in a conversation to avoid any misinterpretation.
While “smh” is commonly used in texting and social media, it has also made its way into everyday conversations. It’s not uncommon to hear someone using “smh” in face-to-face communication as a way to express their reaction or emotions. This further proves the widespread usage and acceptance of this acronym in modern communication.
Moreover, “smh” has also been integrated into popular culture and media. It’s not uncommon to see it being used in memes, YouTube videos, and even in songs. This has further solidified its place in modern communication and has made it a widely recognized term among people of all ages.
Like any other acronym, “smh” also has its variations and variations in meaning. For instance, some people may use “smh” to stand for “so much hate” instead of “shaking my head”. This can lead to confusion and misunderstandings, especially in online communication. It’s important to clarify the intended meaning of “smh” to avoid any misinterpretation or confusion.
In addition to its primary meaning, “smh” has also taken on various other interpretations. For instance, some people may use it to stand for “scratching my head” or “so much humor”. These variations in meaning are often used for comedic effect or to add an extra layer of meaning to the message. However, it’s essential to be aware of these variations and not assume that everyone will understand them.
In conclusion, “smh” is a widely used acronym in modern communication that stands for “shaking my head”. It is used to express frustration, disappointment, or disbelief at something and has become an integral part of the modern lexicon. Its versatility and widespread usage have solidified its place in digital communication and everyday conversations. While it may seem like just another slang term, “smh” has a deeper meaning and has become an essential tool for expressing emotions and reactions in the fast-paced world of texting and social media.
can you turn off youtube shorts
YouTube has become a major source of entertainment for people of all ages. With millions of videos available, it is no surprise that the platform has now introduced a new feature called YouTube Shorts. This feature allows creators to upload short videos of 60 seconds or less, similar to the popular app TikTok. While some users enjoy this feature, others find it distracting and overwhelming. If you are one of those users who want to turn off YouTube Shorts, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about YouTube Shorts and how you can turn it off.
What are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts is a new feature introduced by the platform in September 2020. It allows creators to upload short videos of 60 seconds or less, with music, filters, and effects similar to TikTok. These videos appear in a separate feed within the YouTube app, making it easier for users to find and watch them. The feature is currently available in over 100 countries, and it is expected to expand to more regions soon.
Why do some users want to turn off YouTube Shorts?
As mentioned earlier, YouTube Shorts is a new feature that is still in its initial stage. While some users enjoy watching short videos, others find it overwhelming. The constant appearance of Shorts in the main feed can be distracting for some users who are not interested in this type of content. It can also make it difficult for them to find the videos they are looking for. Moreover, some users feel that YouTube is trying to copy TikTok and that it is not a platform for short videos.
How to turn off YouTube Shorts?
If you are one of those users who want to turn off YouTube Shorts, then there are two ways to do it. You can either turn it off completely, or you can choose to see fewer Shorts in your main feed. Let’s discuss both methods in detail.
1. Disabling YouTube Shorts completely
To disable YouTube Shorts completely, you will need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the YouTube app on your mobile device.
Step 2: Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
Step 3: Scroll down and tap on Settings.
Step 4: Tap on the General tab.
Step 5: Scroll down and tap on the toggle button next to “Allow YouTube Shorts on this account” to turn it off.
Step 6: A pop-up message will appear asking for your confirmation. Tap on “Turn off” to confirm.
Once you have followed these steps, you will no longer see Shorts in your main feed. However, keep in mind that this will also disable your access to Shorts, and you will not be able to upload or watch them.
2. Seeing fewer Shorts in the main feed
If you do not want to completely disable YouTube Shorts, then you can choose to see fewer Shorts in your main feed. To do this, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the YouTube app on your mobile device.
Step 2: Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
Step 3: Scroll down and tap on Settings.
Step 4: Tap on the General tab.
Step 5: Scroll down and tap on “Shorts preferences.”
Step 6: Select “See fewer Shorts” from the options provided.
Once you have followed these steps, you will see fewer Shorts in your main feed, and it will become easier for you to find the videos you are looking for.
Are there any other ways to avoid YouTube Shorts?
Apart from disabling or seeing fewer Shorts in the main feed, there are a few other ways you can avoid seeing them on the platform.
1. Use the “Not Interested” option
YouTube has an option for users to mark videos as “Not Interested.” If you come across a Shorts video in your main feed, you can tap on the three dots next to the video and select “Not Interested.” This will help YouTube understand your preferences, and it will show you fewer Shorts in the future.
2. Use the “Hide from channel” option
If you follow a channel that frequently posts Shorts, then you can use the “Hide from channel” option to avoid seeing their Shorts in your main feed. To do this, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the YouTube app on your mobile device.
Step 2: Go to the channel page of the creator you want to hide Shorts from.
Step 3: Tap on the three dots next to their profile picture.
Step 4: Select “Hide from channel.”
3. Use the “I’m not interested in this channel” option
If you do not want to see any Shorts from a particular channel, then you can use the “I’m not interested in this channel” option. To do this, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the YouTube app on your mobile device.
Step 2: Go to the Shorts feed.
Step 3: Tap on the three dots next to the video you do not want to see.
Step 4: Select “I’m not interested in this channel.”
Conclusion
YouTube Shorts is a new feature that has gained popularity among users in a short period. However, not everyone enjoys this type of content, and some users find it distracting. If you are one of those users, then you can follow the steps mentioned in this article to turn off YouTube Shorts. You can either disable it completely or see fewer Shorts in your main feed. Moreover, there are a few other ways to avoid seeing Shorts on the platform. We hope this article has provided you with all the information you need to turn off YouTube Shorts and enjoy the videos you love.
