HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 021

Outline how social media influence can act as a sociological cause of risky health behaviours among young Australians. (3 marks)

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Model Answer

Social media platforms create distorted reality where risky behaviours like binge drinking or dangerous challenges are glorified and normalised, influencing young people’s perceptions of acceptable behaviour.
Peer influence is amplified through social media, where adolescents experience pressure to conform to perceived norms, including participation in viral trends involving health risks such as vaping or extreme dieting.
Social media algorithms create echo chambers that reinforce existing attitudes, escalating exposure to content normalising risky health behaviours while minimising exposure to healthy lifestyle messages.

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Model Answer

Social media platforms create distorted reality where risky behaviours like binge drinking or dangerous challenges are glorified and normalised, influencing young people’s perceptions of acceptable behaviour.
Peer influence is amplified through social media, where adolescents experience pressure to conform to perceived norms, including participation in viral trends involving health risks such as vaping or extreme dieting.
Social media algorithms create echo chambers that reinforce existing attitudes, escalating exposure to content normalising risky health behaviours while minimising exposure to healthy lifestyle messages.