Author: Tapaja Maiti a student at Haldia Law College.
Abstract:-
In today’s digital age, social media addiction has emerged as a significant concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults. With the widespread availability of smartphones and internet connectivity, individuals are increasingly drawn to social media platforms for communication, entertainment, and validation. Understanding the latest trends in social media addiction is essential for addressing its impact on mental health and well-being.
Social media on mental health among adolescents and young adults is a very complex issue. While it can facilitate connections and support networks, excessive use can contribute to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Factors like cyberbullying, unrealistic body image standards, and constant comparison to others can exacerbate these issues. It’s crucial to promote digital literacy, healthy online habits, and open discussions about mental health to mitigate these negative effects.
Introduction:-
Constantly day by day social media is becoming a part of our lives. Without internet service everyone is paralyzed.
In India, the internet was available from 1986, for the educational and research community.
General public access to the internet in India began from 1995. Still there was not so much use of the internet. Also a supremely large number of adolescents and young adults had no access to the Internet.
But, after covid-19 by 2023, India has more than 900 million Internet users.
For covid situations people were isolated at home, thereupon the majority started using the internet for work from home, study from home etc., and consequently adolescents and young adults had access to the internet.
For educational needs parents handed gadgets, smartphones, tablets, laptops to their children because it was the only source of education. Since then teenagers get unprecedented access to the Internet.
In the era of digital connectivity, social media platforms have become essential parts of the lives of adolescents and young adults. While these platforms offer various benefits such as facilitating communication, fostering community, and providing access to information, there is growing concern about their impact on mental health.
Positive aspect:
Social media platforms provide freeway for adolescents and young adults to connect with friends and family members. These platforms offer opportunities for socialization and the development of relationships, particularly for individuals who may feel isolated in their offline life. Social media can serve as a platform for self-expression, allowing users to share their thoughts, ideas, and creative endeavors with a wider community from the entire world. Also social media platforms useful on information dissemination and awareness-raising on various social and political issues. Young people often use these platforms to engage in discussions about important topics, mobilize for social causes, and advocate for change. The ability to access diverse perspectives and connect with like-minded individuals can contribute to feelings of empowerment and belonging among adolescents and young adults.
Negative aspect:
Despite the positive aspects, excessive or problematic use of social media can have detrimental effects on mental health. One of the most significant concerns is the commonness of cyberbullying on these platforms. Adolescents and young adults may experience harassment, intimidation, and social exclusion, which can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The anonymity and distance afforded by social media can make the harmful effects of cyberbullying worse, making it difficult for victims to escape or seek support.
Moreover, social media platforms often promote unrealistic beauty standards and lifestyles, leading to feelings of inadequacy and body dissatisfaction among users. Adolescents and young adults may compare themselves unfavorably to idealized images and representations, which can contribute to the development of eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and other mental health issues. The constant pressure to curate a perfect online persona can also fuel feelings of anxiety and self-doubt, as individuals strive to maintain a facade of happiness and success.
Furthermore, the phenomenon of “doom scrolling” – compulsively consuming negative or distressing content on social media – has become increasingly prevalent, particularly during times of crisis or uncertainty. Exposure to distressing news, images, and opinions can take a toll on mental well-being, leading to feelings of helplessness, despair, and hopelessness. The constant barrage of information and notifications can also disrupt sleep patterns and exacerbate stress levels, contributing to a cycle of poor mental health.
To address the negative impacts of social media on mental health among adolescents and young adults, it is essential to promote healthier online behaviors and foster digital literacy. Education plays a crucial role in helping young people understand the potential risks associated with social media use and develop the skills to navigate these platforms safely and responsibly.
How Social media ruining childhood of adolescents:
Schools, parents, and mental health professionals can collaborate to provide comprehensive education and support on topics such as cyberbullying, online privacy, and media literacy. By empowering adolescents and young adults to critically evaluate the content they encounter online and make informed decisions about their social media usage, we can reduce the likelihood of negative outcomes and promote digital well-being.
Besides, fostering open communication about mental health and encouraging help-seeking behaviors are essential components of any strategy to mitigate the impact of social media on mental well-being. Adolescents and young adults need safe spaces to discuss their feelings, experiences, and concerns without fear of judgment or stigma. Peer support groups, online forums, and counseling services can provide valuable resources for individuals struggling with mental health issues exacerbated by social media use.
Additionally, social media platforms themselves have a responsibility to prioritize user safety and well-being. By implementing features such as content warnings, reporting mechanisms, and algorithmic transparency, platforms can mitigate the spread of harmful content and promote a more positive online environment. Additionally, fostering a culture of kindness, empathy, and respect within online communities can help prevent cyberbullying and promote healthier interactions among users.
In the digital age, social media has become an integral part of daily life for millions of people worldwide, including in India. With the widespread availability of smartphones and internet connectivity, social media platforms offer opportunities for communication, entertainment, and connection. However, alongside the benefits, there is growing concern about the rise of social media addiction, particularly among the younger generation.
Social Media Landscape in India
India is home to one of the largest and fastest-growing populations of internet users in the world. With over 900 million internet users as of 2023, India represents a significant market for social media platforms. According to recent data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the number of active social media users in India surpassed 500 million in 2023, with platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok being among the most popular.
Trends in Social Media Usage
Social media usage in India has seen exponential growth in recent years, driven by factors such as increased smartphone penetration, affordable data plans, and the popularity of vernacular content. According to a survey conducted by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Nielsen, the average time spent on social media by Indian users increased from 17.5 hours per week in 2018 to 25.5 hours per week in 2022, reflecting a significant uptick in engagement.
Prevalence of Social Media Addiction
While social media offers numerous benefits, excessive or problematic use can lead to addiction-like behaviors and negative consequences for mental health and well-being. Recent studies suggest that social media addiction is a growing concern among India’s youth population. According to a survey conducted by the Indian Psychiatry Society (IPS), approximately 30% of adolescents and young adults in urban areas of India exhibit symptoms of social media addiction, such as compulsive use, withdrawal symptoms, and impaired functioning in daily life.
Factors Contributing to Social Media
AddictionSeveral factors contribute to the prevalence of social media addiction among today’s generation in India. One key factor is the omnipresence of smartphones and internet connectivity, which provide constant access to social media platforms. The convenience and accessibility of social media make it easy for individuals to engage in compulsive behaviors, such as checking notifications, scrolling through feeds, and seeking validation through likes and comments.
Keywords:-
Adolescents, body dysmorphia, doom scrolling,eating disorders, FOMO, IAMAI, social media, teenagers.
Reference:-
“Social media usage and depressive symptoms among adolescents in India”
‘School Children So Addicted To It’ : Karnataka High Court Says Govt Should Consider Bringing Age Limit For Social Media Use
Conclusion:-
The impact of social media on mental health among adolescents and young adults is a multifaceted issue with both positive and negative implications. While social media platforms offer opportunities for connection, self-expression, and activism, they also pose risks to mental well-being, including cyberbullying, body image concerns, and information overload. By promoting digital literacy, fostering open communication about mental health, and implementing responsible platform policies, we can mitigate the negative effects of social media and promote healthier online behaviors among young people.
FAQs:-
1. How does social media affect the mental health of adolescents and young adults?
-Social media can impact mental health in various ways, including increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also contribute to issues such as cyberbullying, body image concerns, and sleep disturbances.
2. What are the negative effects of excessive social media use on mental health?
-Excessive social media use has been linked to negative mental health outcomes, including increased feelings of isolation, stress, and depression. It can also lead to addiction-like behaviors, poor sleep quality, and reduced self-esteem, particularly when users engage in constant comparison with others.
