Social Media's Mental Health Impact: Safe Navigation in the Digital Age

In the current digital era, children and young adults have been immersed in technology since an early age. Computers, mobile devices, and the internet have become their constant companions. 

A recent survey conducted in urban India in 2022 has shed light on the habits of teenagers, indicating that a significant majority of those aged 13 to 17 spend over an hour daily on social media, videos, and online games. This trend has been reported by 78% of parents, highlighting the all-encompassing influence of the digital world on the younger generation.

The proliferation of social media platforms has opened up new communication channels, self-expression, and validation-seeking for adolescents. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok offer an unending stream of content that can significantly impact the lives and well-being of teenagers.

Prolonged use of social media has been linked to numerous mental health issues among adolescents. Scrolling through meticulously crafted profiles often fuels unhealthy comparisons with others. People tend to showcase only their best moments on social media, creating a false sense of perfection that can lead to feelings of inadequacy, envy, and low self-esteem.

Cyberbullying is a widespread problem on social media platforms, which can exacerbate anxiety and depression among young users. Moreover, the fear of missing out (FOMO) phenomenon intensifies this stress and anxiety, as adolescents feel obligated to participate in every online interaction and event.