Role Of Technology And Social Media In Teen Mental Health

Social media today encompasses a wide array of platforms and activities, from connecting with friends and family to sharing news, entertainment, and personal experiences. It plays a significant role in shaping modern communication, culture, and even societal norms. Technology today offers a wide array of tools and resources for teenagers to explore, learn, and express themselves. From admissions to managing social media, it’s all at our finger tips today. Adolescents today are often referred to as "digital natives" because they have grown up surrounded by technology. They are typically adept at using various digital devices and platforms from a young age. Technology has transformed the way adolescents communicate. Texting, messaging apps, and social media have largely replaced traditional forms of communication like phone calls and face-to-face interactions. Technology and social media play significant roles in shaping the mental health of teenagers, both positively and negatively

Positive Impacts:

1. Access to Information and Support: Technology provides teenagers with easy access to information about mental health issues, coping strategies, and support networks. Online communities and forums can offer a sense of belonging and understanding.

2. Mental Health Apps: There's a growing number of mobile apps designed to promote mental well-being, offering tools for meditation, mindfulness, stress management, and mood tracking. Recently phones even have a Journaling app pre-stalled in it.

3. Counselling Services: Teletherapy and online counselling services allow teenagers to seek professional help conveniently and confidentially, reducing barriers such as stigma and accessibility. (the authentication of the professional however, need to be checked)

4. Education and Awareness: Social media platforms and websites often raise awareness about mental health issues, promoting understanding, empathy, and acceptance among teenagers.

Negative Impacts:

1. Cyberbullying: Social media platforms can be breeding grounds for cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation, which can significantly impact the mental health of teenagers, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

2. Comparison and FOMO: Constant exposure to curated and often unrealistic portrayals of life on social media can lead teenagers to compare themselves unfavourably to others, fostering feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and fear of missing out (FOMO).

3. Sleep Disturbances: Excessive use of technology, particularly before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, irritability, and difficulties concentrating, which can exacerbate mental health issues.

4. Social Isolation: Despite providing avenues for connection, technology can also contribute to social isolation if teenagers substitute online interactions for face-to-face relationships, leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnectedness.

5. Information Overload: The constant barrage of information and stimuli from technology can be overwhelming for teenagers, contributing to stress, anxiety, and difficulty in focusing.

There are concerns about the impact of technology on adolescent mental health. Excessive screen time, cyberbullying, and social comparison on social media can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Many parents grapple with how to manage their adolescent's use of technology. Balancing the benefits of technology with potential risks requires open communication, setting boundaries, and modelling healthy tech habits.

Overall, while technology and social media offer valuable resources and opportunities for teenagers' mental health, it's essential to mitigate the potential negative impacts through education, moderation, and fostering healthy digital habits. Technology offers teenagers a wealth of opportunities for learning, creativity, socialization, and self-care. However, it's important for teenagers to use technology responsibly and for parents and educators to provide guidance and support in navigating the digital world safely and effectively.

About the Author -

Psychologist, Psychotherapist & Educator

Alisha Lalljee

Guest Author