The Impact Of Social Media On Youth Mental Health -By Jemimah Hezekiah

In today’s digital era, social media has become an inseparable part of daily life, especially among the youth. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook dominate the time and attention of teenagers and young adults. While these platforms offer connectivity and entertainment, concerns are rising about their impact on the mental health of young people.

Social media provides youth with a platform to express themselves, connect with peers, and access information. It fosters creativity, encourages global interaction, and can even serve as a support system during difficult times. However, the growing dependency on these platforms has brought a set of psychological challenges that cannot be ignored.

One of the most notable impacts is the increase in anxiety and depression among young people. Studies have shown that excessive time spent on social media is linked to feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and sadness. Constant exposure to curated and idealized images of others’ lives can lead to negative self-comparisons and low self-esteem.

FOMO, the Fear of Missing Out is another psychological impact. Seeing others attend events, travel, or enjoy social activities can make youth feel left out or inadequate. This can lead to compulsive checking of social media and emotional distress.

In extreme cases, social media addiction can develop. When youth prioritize online engagement over real-world responsibilities or relationships, it can affect academic performance, family interaction, and overall well-being.

Despite these challenges, social media can also be a platform for awareness and mental health support. Many organizations and individuals use these platforms to promote mental health campaigns, share coping strategies, and encourage help-seeking behavior.

To mitigate the negative effects, parents and educators should play an active role in guiding healthy social media habits. Open communication, monitoring usage, and setting screen time boundaries can help create a more balanced approach.

Young people themselves should be encouraged to practice digital mindfulness  being aware of their online behavior and its emotional impact. Taking social media breaks, following positive content creators, and engaging in offline activities can improve mental health.

Cyberbullying is another major concern. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can occur 24/7 and in the perceived safety of one’s own home. Hurtful comments, online shaming, and public humiliation can have devastating effects on a young person’s mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

Sleep disruption is also associated with social media usage. Many youths stay up late scrolling through feeds or chatting with friends online. This disrupts sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation, which negatively affects concentration, mood, and academic performance.

Social media can create a false sense of connection. While young people may have hundreds or thousands of online friends, they may lack deep, meaningful relationships in real life. This emotional disconnect can lead to feelings of isolation and a weakened sense of belonging.

The pressure to gain likes, followers, and positive comments can also take a toll on mental health. The desire for validation through social media engagement can cause stress and anxiety, especially when content does not receive the expected response.

Governments and tech companies also have a role to play. Enforcing anti-cyberbullying policies, offering digital literacy programs, and providing mental health resources on platforms can make social media safer for youth.

In conclusion, while social media offers many benefits, it also presents significant mental health challenges for young people. A collective effort from families, schools, tech companies, and youth themselves is needed to ensure that these platforms are used in ways that support rather than harm mental well-being.

Youth must learn to take control of their digital lives, prioritize real-world relationships, and seek help when overwhelmed. When used wisely, social media can be a tool for connection and growth, not a threat to mental health.