The impact of social media on young people’s mental health

Dingilizwe Ntuli, [email protected]

IT is no longer in doubt that social media has revolutionised how people interact, exchange information and communicate with each other as technology continues to influence our way of life.

In Zimbabwe, just like in other countries, young people have been at the forefront of this revolution, with many of them spending hours on end scrolling through various platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

However, this rapid change has come with an unexpected consequence, and that is the negative impact on their mental health.

Social media is addictive, and it’s not uncommon to find young people glued to their phones, checking on the latest updates or getting in on the latest trends.

Whether it’s a selfie, a group picture, a post about their latest fashion, a new trending dance, or the latest meal they’ve had, young people share almost everything about themselves to enhance their online presence.

The social pressure to remain relevant and connected is intense, often pushing them to the brink of engaging in immoral behaviour to get the latest smartphones and data bundles.

There’s no denying the allure of social media, but at what cost? The obsession with social media can lead to negative effects on the mental health of young people. The constant pressure to keep up with an ever-changing digital world can cause anxiety, depression, and even addiction.

Sadly, many young people in Zimbabwe use social media as a means of comparison, pitting themselves against their peers, celebrities, or even strangers. They often tend to focus on the best version of their imaginary selves, leading to distorted self-image issues and reality.

This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. It can also lead to an unhealthy focus on appearance, causing them to obsess over their looks and feel insecure about their bodies. The youths can spend hours scrolling through social media, which sometimes leads to a sense of disconnection from the real world and interferes with their ability to engage in other activities such as school work, relationships, and self-care.

Addictive behaviour is a particular concern among some youths who may be more vulnerable to the effects of social media due to social pressures.

Furthermore, social media platforms have become breeding grounds for cyberbullying and predatory sexual perverts and paedophiles, with many young people experiencing online harassment that often leads to negative effects on their mental health.

Statistics on social media use paint a worrying picture. About 61 percent of the Zimbabwe population is under 25 years of age, with social media easily being one of their biggest preoccupations. A January 2024 Global Digital Report on Zimbabwe showed that the country was home to 2,05 million social media users, which equates to 12,2 percent of the total population.

About 75 percent of young people use social media as their primary mode of communication, with WhatsApp and Facebook being the most dominant platforms.
However, TikTok has now emerged as the go-to social media platform for young people. Its unique video format, engaging content, and prominent influencers have made it a hit. But it also poses potential dangers such as privacy concerns, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content.

While the internet has provided a platform for self-expression, many of our young people have become victims of identity theft, where someone pretends to be them, posting or sharing false information that can impact their reputation both on and offline. This can result in social anxiety and paranoia, causing them to do anything they can to remain relevant and cool.

Many of our youths also suffer from information overload, with so much content being disseminated through various social media platforms. This can be overwhelming and confusing, leading to mental exhaustion, fatigue and burnout.

The impact of social media and smartphone addiction on young people cannot be overstated. It affects many aspects of their lives, from their academic performance to their social lives. Prolonged use also poses the danger of affecting their cognitive development, hindering memory retention and concentration.

The negative impact on mental health can be mitigated through a range of solutions, starting with awareness of social media’s negative impact on mental health. Many young people use social media without fully understanding how it affects their mental health, and this is where increased awareness can help.

Parents and adults should monitor their children’s social media usage and educate them on responsible online behaviour. Social media can be fun, useful and informative when used appropriately and responsibly.

Teaching our young people skills such as digital etiquette and responsible online behaviour can help them balance their online social media presence with their offline social life.

Another approach is to support the youths in developing strong social connections outside social media. This can include encouraging them to join social clubs or engage in sporting activities, and to spend more time with family and friends. These activities can help young people develop social skills and build friendships, which can be a valuable source of support when they need it.

There is also a need for open and honest conversations about the risks and benefits of social media use, and to provide guidance on how to manage online friendships and interactions. It is also important for parents and adults to monitor young people’s social media use and be on the lookout for signs of cyberbullying, addiction, or other negative effects.

Promoting life outside social media can help promote mental wellness among young people. There should be more investment in sports, outdoor activities, art, music, and volunteering to help young people gain a new perspective on life.

We must start a conversation on mitigating these challenges to foster a healthy digital culture. While social media has various advantages, it’s essential to recognise that too much of something can be a bad thing.

With the right solutions and interventions, we can ensure that our young people are equipped to handle and benefit from the power of social media in a way that supports their mental health and well-being.

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