Mental health of youth- The influence of social networks

[simonav]

This is one of the most known cases in the world.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68456057
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/te ... rcna129247
https://www.theguardian.com/society/201 ... e-bullying
I would also recomend tv show 13 resons why. It showes the impact of bullying.

[erdoganr]

What do you think about Comparison Culture & Low Self-Esteem?

[boskov]

Yeah, comparison culture on social media can really mess with self-esteem, especially for young people. When all you see are carefully edited, picture-perfect moments, it’s easy to feel like your own life doesn’t measure up.
A lot of influencers and celebrities post unrealistic beauty standards, leading to body image issues, self-doubt, and even disorders like body dysmorphia. It’s not just looks, either—people compare their achievements, relationships, and lifestyles, which can make them feel like they’re falling behind.
The problem is, most of it isn’t real. Filters, editing, and staged content create an illusion that no one can actually live up to. But when you’re constantly exposed to it, it’s hard not to internalize those unrealistic standards.
That’s why it’s important to follow more authentic content, take social media breaks, and remind yourself that what you see online is just a highlight reel. Have you noticed this happening in your own circles?

[makimasa]

Yeah, I’ve definitely seen this happen. People around me constantly compare themselves to influencers and celebrities, feeling like they’re not good enough. It’s like no matter how much they achieve or how they look, it never feels like enough because there’s always someone online who seems to be doing better.
I’ve noticed it especially with body image—friends obsessing over editing their pictures, feeling insecure about their natural looks, or even stressing over not having a “perfect” lifestyle. It’s exhausting, and the worst part is that most of what we see online isn’t even real. But when you’re scrolling all the time, it’s hard not to feel like you’re falling behind.

[Dritonn]

This is one of the most known cases in the world.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68456057
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/te ... rcna129247
https://www.theguardian.com/society/201 ... e-bullying
I would also recomend tv show 13 resons why. It showes the impact of bullying.

I completely understand why Mia Janin’s father is pushing for a cyberbullying law—it’s heartbreaking that it takes tragedies like this for people to start paying attention. Cyberbullying is a serious issue, and right now, there aren’t enough protections in place to prevent it or hold people accountable.
Online harassment can be just as damaging as in-person bullying, sometimes even worse because it follows people everywhere—they can’t just escape it when they leave school. The fact that so much of it happens anonymously makes it even harder to track down and stop. Social media platforms should be doing way more to regulate harmful content, but without legal pressure, they won’t take it seriously.
A cyberbullying law could at least create consequences for those who hide behind a screen to harass others. It wouldn’t solve everything, but it would send a clear message that online abuse isn’t just “part of life” or something victims should have to deal with on their own. No one should have to go through what Mia did, and if laws can help prevent even one more tragedy, then they’re absolutely necessary.

[vlatko88]

Social media isn’t all bad for mental health—it can actually help in many ways. It can make people realize they might be struggling by showing them stories and experiences of others dealing with anxiety, depression, or stress. Seeing these posts can help someone understand their feelings and know they’re not alone.
It also makes mental health information easy to find. There are pages run by professionals that share tips, coping strategies, and even hotlines for support. This can help people learn how to take care of themselves or get help if they need it.
Another big positive is the sense of community. There are support groups, safe spaces, and online friends who understand what you’re going through. Talking to others who feel the same can make a huge difference. While social media should be used in a healthy way, it can be a great tool for mental health awareness and support.

[irina06]

Social media isn’t all bad for mental health—it can actually help in many ways. It can make people realize they might be struggling by showing them stories and experiences of others dealing with anxiety, depression, or stress. Seeing these posts can help someone understand their feelings and know they’re not alone.
It also makes mental health information easy to find. There are pages run by professionals that share tips, coping strategies, and even hotlines for support. This can help people learn how to take care of themselves or get help if they need it.
Another big positive is the sense of community. There are support groups, safe spaces, and online friends who understand what you’re going through. Talking to others who feel the same can make a huge difference. While social media should be used in a healthy way, it can be a great tool for mental health awareness and support.

I completly agree with you, it helped me also wirh widening my way of thinking. I discoverd some interesting topics and courses and jobs. I have thaught that i will me something else my whole life but i found out about some interesting job cariers and want complitly the opposite way. It helped my finde myself.

[kacatom]

One of the most unusual jobs I first heard about on the internet is a professional sleeper. It sounds unreal, but some companies and research centers actually hire people to sleep as part of studies on sleep disorders, mattress testing, or even dream research. Imagine getting paid just to sleep!
Another strange job is being a waterslide tester. Some hotels and waterparks hire people to test their slides for safety, speed, and fun levels before they open to the public. It seems like a dream job, but it also requires a lot of travel and sometimes even dealing with unsafe rides during testing.
A really weird one is a line stander. In some big cities, people don’t want to wait in long lines for things like new tech releases, event tickets, or limited-edition items, so they pay someone to stand in line for them. It’s such a simple job, but some professional line standers make good money, especially during big launches.
It’s crazy how the internet introduces us to jobs we never even imagined existed!
So yes @irina06 I can agree with you

[joksa9]

Social media isn’t all bad for mental health—it can actually help in many ways. It can make people realize they might be struggling by showing them stories and experiences of others dealing with anxiety, depression, or stress. Seeing these posts can help someone understand their feelings and know they’re not alone.
It also makes mental health information easy to find. There are pages run by professionals that share tips, coping strategies, and even hotlines for support. This can help people learn how to take care of themselves or get help if they need it.
Another big positive is the sense of community. There are support groups, safe spaces, and online friends who understand what you’re going through. Talking to others who feel the same can make a huge difference. While social media should be used in a healthy way, it can be a great tool for mental health awareness and support.

It helped me realise I had a savire panick attacs. It was't those usuall attacks. I had them in a wey where my hearth would beet extremlly fast like 150, and I couldnt understood why. I came acros a TikTok that we can have panic attacks that just targets your heart and not breathing like ususall. So it helped me in controling it and to understand what coses it.

[danicamaks]

Social media isn’t all bad for mental health—it can actually help in many ways. It can make people realize they might be struggling by showing them stories and experiences of others dealing with anxiety, depression, or stress. Seeing these posts can help someone understand their feelings and know they’re not alone.
It also makes mental health information easy to find. There are pages run by professionals that share tips, coping strategies, and even hotlines for support. This can help people learn how to take care of themselves or get help if they need it.
Another big positive is the sense of community. There are support groups, safe spaces, and online friends who understand what you’re going through. Talking to others who feel the same can make a huge difference. While social media should be used in a healthy way, it can be a great tool for mental health awareness and support.

I completly agree with you, it helped me also wirh widening my way of thinking. I discoverd some interesting topics and courses and jobs. I have thaught that i will me something else my whole life but i found out about some interesting job cariers and want complitly the opposite way. It helped my finde myself.

I agree with you i fell in love with psychology throu internet. I wanted to be menager but whene i saw some of the great doctors on apps and the way they talk about it i wanted to be one. I think taht in 21st century mental health is soo important and I want to help as much as i can.

[mare99]

I agree with this. Social media and online platforms offer youth a unique space to explore and express their identity, which can be especially important if they feel limited by their physical environment. In many cases, young people can find communities that support their interests, gender identities, or cultural backgrounds, even if these are not fully accepted in their offline lives.
Online spaces allow individuals to experiment with different aspects of who they are, whether it’s through fashion, art, music, or just the way they present themselves. For some, these platforms provide the freedom to express parts of their identity that they may not feel comfortable sharing in their local communities, especially in places where norms can be restrictive.
However, it’s important to recognize that this freedom of expression can also come with challenges, such as the pressure to present a curated, idealized version of oneself. But overall, the ability to express one's true identity and connect with like-minded people across the globe is one of the positives of social media for young people.

[stefanpeca]

I totally agree with you. Social media gives youth a chance to explore and express who they are in ways that might be harder to do in person, especially in communities where certain identities or lifestyles are less accepted. It’s amazing how platforms can connect people from all over the world, helping them find support and understanding in a way they might not be able to offline.
Of course, there's also the challenge of pressure to conform to a certain image online, but I think, overall, the freedom to explore different aspects of identity is a huge benefit of social media. It gives young people a space to express themselves, learn from others, and connect with communities that help them grow in ways they might not have access to locally.

[dteodosic]

That's true, but at the same time, social media can also have a downside. The constant exposure to different opinions, lifestyles, and trends can make you question your own choices all the time. It’s easy to get caught in the cycle of comparing yourself to others, and that can create doubts about whether you’re making the "right" decisions or living up to some ideal standard.
It can sometimes make you feel like you're not enough or that you’re not living your life the "right" way because you're constantly seeing what everyone else is doing. So while it can be a space for self-expression, it can also lead to a lot of self-criticism and confusion, especially when trying to figure out who you really are. It’s a balancing act between expressing yourself and not getting lost in what others expect or showcase online.

[stanav]

It’s true that constantly questioning your choices on social media can have its downsides, but it can also have some good aspects. For one, it encourages self-reflection and growth. When you're exposed to different perspectives, ideas, and ways of living, it challenges you to think more deeply about your own beliefs, goals, and values.
Questioning your choices can help you reevaluate what truly matters to you and push you to make more informed, intentional decisions. It can also inspire you to try new things or explore different aspects of yourself that you hadn’t considered before. While it can sometimes feel overwhelming, this process of questioning can also lead to personal growth and a clearer understanding of who you are and what you want from life.

[boskov]

The internet played a big role in helping me question my decision to pursue football as a career. I started following different athletes, reading their stories, and listening to various perspectives on what it really takes to make it in the sport. While I was passionate about football, I realized that the lifestyle and commitment it required might not align with what I ultimately wanted from my life. It made me question if I was pursuing this for the right reasons.
After reflecting on it, I decided to step away from the idea of becoming a football player and shifted my focus. Now, I’m a manager, and I’ve found a path that feels more fulfilling and suited to my skills and interests. The internet helped me see that it was okay to change direction, and that questioning my choices was a positive step towards finding something better for myself.

[boskov]

I also like it because it gives us the opportunities for activism and advocacy.

[katicamatica]

I completely agree with this. The internet provides young people with a platform to get involved in social causes and advocacy work that they may not have been able to participate in otherwise. It allows them to connect with like-minded individuals, stay informed about important issues, and even organize movements or campaigns. This can give a huge sense of purpose and empowerment, especially when they see that their voices can make a difference.
Engaging in activism can also help boost self-esteem as young people realize their ability to impact change and stand up for what they believe in. Being involved in causes that matter to them can foster a sense of community and belonging, while also helping them develop valuable skills like leadership, communication, and critical thinking. It’s a great way to build confidence and feel like you’re contributing to something bigger than yourself.

[bradicj]

I totally agree that being involved in social causes can give a sense of purpose and boost self-esteem. It’s awesome to be able to advocate for things you care about and connect with others who share the same passion. But I think it’s also important to acknowledge that there are some downsides. The pressure to always stay engaged and have the “right” opinions can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it can be tough when people attack you for not agreeing with everything.
Additionally, sometimes it feels like activism online can become more about looking good on social media than actually making a real difference. I think we should be careful not to lose sight of what truly matters and remember that activism should come from a genuine place, not just for likes or validation. It's great to be passionate, but we also need to protect our well-being and avoid getting caught up in the negatives of the online space.

[eltin55]

I’ve been researching the impact of social media on young people’s mental health, and the more I read, the more concerning it seems. Anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem are on the rise, and social media platforms seem to play a big role. But at the same time, social media helps people stay connected and informed. So, is it really all bad? What do you all think?

[ekrem6]

It’s definitely not all bad. Social media helps people find communities, especially for those who might feel isolated in real life. But I agree—it also creates a lot of pressure. Constant exposure to curated lifestyles makes people compare themselves to unrealistic standards. It’s hard to feel satisfied with your own life when you’re always seeing influencers traveling, working out, and “living their best life.”