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The influence of technology has had a decisive impact on global living. So much so that even our daily routines are guided by technology in one way or another. A standing example of this is the immensely popular social media. 

However, while you continue to enjoy the benefits offered by social media, have you tried to study the other side of the coin? It's indeed very concerning, especially among the youth, as their exposure to social media is unbelievably immense. 

This has contributed to the rise in stress, anxiety and low productivity in youth. 

Can this effect be reversed? It surely can with some systematic use of social media. 

This article is aimed at creating awareness on social media and mental health in youth.

 

Social Media and Teenage Mental Health

Pondering over the question of whether social media affects mental health or not is not a cause for concern anymore because there’s enough evidence to show that it surely does. The question is how much damage it can do.

• Social media has become a major platform where youth can express themselves
• Platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, in addition to Facebook, have enabled today’s youth to be more creative and effective
• Success or failure in your attempts to present yourself to today’s competitive world can have a good or bad impact on your health, respectively
• Excessive exposure to social media has almost killed the one-to-one interaction with friends and relatives that used to be one of the highlights of the glorious past
• This undoubtedly has created a sense of isolation, especially among today’s youth, as they tend to feel left out
• More importantly, late-night exposure to small and big screens has left today’s youth compromising on sleep and, in turn, facing complex mental and physical health issues.

However, amidst all the above factors that have hurt today’s youth, not all is bleak. The need of the hour is to make use of social media to an extent that could be advantageous to you and not increase it beyond certain limits. This can very well be achieved with the support of an excellent guide in the form of professional counsellors.

Hence, if you or a loved one is looking at exploring the possibilities on how to minimise the effects of social media and direct the youth among your families on a progressive path, meet our distinguished counsellors at MaargaMindcare today. With a proven track record of creating a visible difference in the lives of over 1000 youths impacted by depression, our doctors continue to win the hearts of people as one of the most trusted centres for adolescent counselling in Bangalore.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What should be the time limit for teens to access social media daily?
A. A maximum of 2 hours per day, inclusive of scheduled breaks, should be the ideal time given to youth on social media to minimise the impact on mental health. 

Q. Is there a direct link between social media and depression?
A. May not be directly, but since social media is used for different purposes by today’s youth, the expectations are high. Hence, any negative feedback resulting from social media can lead to depression among the youth. 

Q. Can social media improve mental health in youth?
A. It surely can only if it is used judiciously and wisely with limits. 

Q. How do I know that a teenage family member is affected by social media?
A. Watch out for the teenager’s behaviour. Look out for mood swings, changes in sleep patterns and enthusiasm towards offline activities.  

Q. How can the impact of social media stress be minimised?
A. Parents and teachers need to educate teenagers on the advantages and disadvantages of using social media with the help of real-life examples. This can create the much-needed awareness that teenagers so desperately need.