Which of the following statements best supports the claim that social media is harmful to teens?

• A. Social media platforms provide opportunities for teens to connect with friends and family.
• B. Teens who spend more time on social media report higher levels of loneliness and lower self-esteem.
• C. Social media helps teens stay informed about current events and social issues.
• D. Social media use has been linked to increased rates of anxiety and depression among teenagers.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the claim in the problem, which is that social media is harmful to teens.
2. Step 2: Review each statement and determine whether it provides evidence supporting the claim of harm or if it highlights neutral or positive aspects.
3. Step 3: Recognize that statements mentioning opportunities to connect with friends and staying informed are positive or neutral and do not support the claim of harm.
4. Step 4: Focus on statements that mention negative outcomes such as increased loneliness, lower self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, as these directly support the claim that social media is harmful.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best supporting statements are those linking social media use to higher levels of loneliness, lower self-esteem, anxiety, and depression among teens, as these provide empirical evidence of harm.