The emergence of mental health issues among younger generations has been linked to the rise in the popularity of social media. In particular, this generation has experienced unprecedented levels of online pressure and cyberbullying, as well as a culture of comparison leading to feelings of inadequacy or despair. Furthermore, spending too much time on these platforms is known to cause unhealthy habits such as poor sleep hygiene or an excessive need for validation from strangers. Lastly, extended exposure leads to FOMO (fear of missing out) through images and posts used by others, which can damage self-esteem - all contributing to the pervasive mental health crisis among youth today caused by our increasing reliance on technology and social media.
Research suggests that young people are exposed to unprecedented levels of online pressure and cyberbullying, both of which can lead to depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that cyberbullying has become an increasingly prevalent problem for adolescents as they navigate the new digital world. This type of bullying damages not only their mental health but also a sense of safety in their environment, leading to feelings of helplessness or isolation. Additionally, online pressure from peers and social media influencers often encourages users to take part in activities such as sexting or other dangerous behaviours which can further harm their mental well-being.
Additionally, platforms such as Instagram or Facebook fuel a culture of comparison where users compare their lives with others’ achievements, leading to feelings of inadequacy or despair. This creates an endless cycle of self-doubt and dissatisfaction which can lead to further mental health issues such as depression and low self-esteem. Furthermore, social media often provides a false sense of connection and intimacy among its users, making it difficult for young people to relate to the real world without feeling isolated or disconnected.
Furthermore, spending too much time on these platforms is known to cause unhealthy habits such as poor sleep hygiene or an excessive need for validation from strangers. Constant use of digital devices can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm resulting in sleeping problems and a lack of focus during the day, leading to further mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Additionally, young people may start seeking validation and recognition online through likes or followers, which again can lead to feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem if their posts are not well received.
Lastly, extended exposure to images and posts used by others on social media can lead to FOMO (fear-of-missing out), damaging self-esteem. With the constant stream of photos, videos and status updates from other users, adolescents may start believing that they’re not living up to their peers’ standards or experiences, leading to feelings of inadequacy or depression. This further contributes towards the pervasive mental health crisis among youth today caused by our increasing reliance on technology and social media.
To conclude, it’s clear that social media and technology are having a significant impact on the mental health of young people today. With cyberbullying, false sense of connection, comparison culture and FOMO being just some of the issues adolescents face when engaging with digital platforms, we must acknowledge and address these risks to provide our youth with the support they need for their mental well-being.