The advent of social media has transformed the way young individuals communicate, interact, and perceive themselves. While these platforms offer opportunities for connection and expression, they also present substantial risks to mental health. – Immaculate Kisembo

To analyze this issue well one needs to view it in line with the Impact of social media and Digital Addiction on Youth Mental Health. This analysis aims to shed light on the critical issues affecting youth mental health in the digital age and underscores the need for concerted efforts to address these challenges to create a safe and healthier environment for these digital citizens.

In recent years, the mental health of young people has deteriorated significantly, with social media, digital addiction, and online violence emerging as crucial factors contributing to rising levels of anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. In this article I want to explore the intricate relationship between these digital influences and youth mental health, drawing on current research, expert opinions, and personal opinions.

The advent of social media has transformed the way young individuals communicate, interact, and perceive themselves. While these platforms offer opportunities for connection and expression, they also present substantial risks to mental health. As I pointed out in my previous article on the intersection between mental health and the environmental crisis, highlighted the pressures associated with social media usage and how they can also exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and anxiety among young users.

Given the role of social media in Mental Health, recent studies indicate a strong link between social media use and mental health challenges among adolescents. According to a report by the American Psychological Association (2021), excessive social media engagement is associated with increased rates of anxiety and depression. Young people often find themselves comparing their lives to curated online personas, leading to feelings of inadequacy and diminished self-worth (Twenge et al., 2019). Many of our young need a lot of guidance when it comes to their use of social media for it to be a benefit rather than a destruction to their personalities and future.

Digital Addiction is also a growing concern as it manifests among our young generation as an uncontrollable urge to engage with digital devices and platforms, often at the expense of real-life interactions and responsibilities. It is important to note that this addiction can lead to social isolation and a decline in mental well-being. Research by Kuss and Griffiths (2017) indicates that excessive smartphone use is correlated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, particularly among youth.

The rise of online violence, including cyberbullying and harassment, further compounds these issues. Victims of online violence often experience profound emotional distress, which can lead to long-term mental health problems (Hinduja & Patchin, 2018). In my view the anonymity of the internet can embolden perpetrators, creating a hostile environment that significantly impacts young people’s psychological well-being and so families and institutions of learning must ensure the safe and guided presence of these young people on the media space. Encourage them to engage more in creative and innovative activities that build their skills and capacity to relate well, build human connections and environmental space to experience some quietness, reflect, and act in real-life situations.

To conclude this short article the intersection of social media, digital addiction, and online violence presents a formidable challenge to the mental health of young individuals; these issues are crucial for fostering a healthier digital environment. Educators, parents, and policymakers must work collaboratively to promote awareness and implement strategies that mitigate the negative impacts of digital engagement on youth mental health.

References:

– American Psychological Association. (2021). The impact of social media on youth mental health.
– Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2018). Cyberbullying: An update and synthesis of the literature. In Cyberbullying Prevention and Response (pp. 1-14). Routledge.
– Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). Internet Gaming Addiction: A Systematic Review of Empirical Research. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 15(2), 278-296.
– Twenge, J. M., Joiner, T. E., Rogers, M. L., & Martin, G. N. (2019). Increases in depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide rates among U.S. adolescents after 2010 and links to increased new media screen time. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 8(4), 474-485.

Kisembo Immaculate
LYI Publications editor