Digital Media and Youth Mental Health: Striking the Right Balance for a Healthier Mind
According to recent data, the average person worldwide spends around 6 hours and 40 minutes on screens connected to the internet each day, which equates to roughly 40% of their waking hours.
Source: Exploding Topics
In this blog, we will explore how digital media influences youth mental health, the psychological youth mental health, the psychological consequences of excessive screen time, and practical ways to strike a healthy balance
Digital media plays a pervasive role in today's youth lives, acting as a primary tool for communication, information access, social connection, entertainment, and selfexpression, with platforms like social media significantly impacting their daily lives, both positively and negatively; however, concerns remain regarding issues like cyberbullying and mental health implications.
Positive Impacts of Digital Media
Social Connection:
Digital media enables youth to stay connected with friends and family across geographical distances, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Information Access:
Easy access to a vast amount of information through the internet allows young people to learn about diverse topics and perspectives, facilitating educational opportunities.
Creative Expression:
Social media platforms provide avenues for youth to share their creativity through writing, photography, video content, and artistic endeavors.
Advocacy and Awareness:
Digital media empowers youth to raise awareness about social issues and participate in activism campaigns
Career Development:
Platforms like LinkedIn can help young people network professionally and explore job opportunities.
Negative Impacts of Digital Media
Cyberbullying:
Online harassment and negativity can significantly impact young people's mental wellbeing.
Social Comparison:
Exposure to curated online profiles can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem due to comparisons with others.
Addiction and Excessive Screen Time:
Excessive use of digital media can lead to issues like sleep deprivation, reduced physical activity, and potential addiction.
Privacy Concerns:
Sharing personal information online can pose risks related to privacy and data breaches.
Source: Pew Research Centre, Common Sense Media, Mayo Clinic, New Report Academy
What APA Says about Social Media
The American Psychological Association (APA) says that social media use can negatively impact the mental health of young people. The APA has found that teens who spend a lot of time on social media are more likely to experience poor mental health.
Signs Social Media Use is Negatively Impacting our Teen
➢ Miss out on real-world friendships and socialization opportunities.
➢ Become highly self-critical (often due to comparisons to false realities presented on social media).
➢ Experience cyberbullying.
➢ Feel increased levels of depression, anxiety, stress or isolation.
➢ Struggle to concentrate at school or at work.
➢ Fail to sleep soundly or get a good night’s rest.
➢ Stop practicing positive self-care and self-reflection.
Source: The Annie E. Casey Foundation
Here is a table showing the countries with the most screen time:
| Country | Time Spent On The Internet |
|---|---|
| South Africa | 10 hours 46 minutes |
| Brazil | 10 hours 19 minutes |
| Philippines | 10 hours 27 minutes |
| Argentina | 9 hours 01 minute |
| Colombia | 9 hours 01 minute |
| Chile | 8 hours 36 minutes |
| Mexico | 8 hours 07 minutes |
| Malaysia | 8 hours 06 minutes |
| Thailand | 8 hours 06 minutes |
| Russia | 7 hours 57 minutes |
| Indonesia | 7 hours 42 minutes |
| Egypt | 7 hours 41 minutes |
| Portugal | 7 hours 37 minutes |
| U.A.E. | 7 hours 29 minutes |
| Turkey | 7 hours 24 minutes |
| Saudi Arabia | 7 hours 02 minutes |
| Taiwan | 7 hours 14 minutes |
| Israel | 7 hours 08 minutes |
| Romania | 7 hours 03 minutes |
| The United States | 6 hours 59 minutes |
Source: Statista.
Psychological Consequences of Excessive Screen Time
➢ According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and World Health Organization (WHO), excessive screen time can lead to several negative psychological consequences, including increased anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, social isolation, decreased attention span, behavioral issues, and potential difficulties with emotional regulation, particularly in children and adolescents.
➢ A study published in BMC Psychology found that increased screen time correlates with higher instances of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
➢ JMIR Mental Health reported a moderate association between problematic social media use and depression among adolescents and young adults.
Physical Hazards of Excessive Screen Time
➢ The physical hazards of excess screen time are numerous, with the most common being eye strain, neck and shoulder pain, and back pain. Eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a common condition caused by prolonged exposure to computer screens, smartphones, and other digital devices.
➢ The symptoms of computer vision syndrome include eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain.
Source: American Optometric Association Computer Vision Syndrome. 2022
Mental Hazards of Excessive Screen Time
➢ Excessive screen time can have a detrimental effect on mental health, particularly among young people. Research has shown a correlation between increased screen time and increased levels of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
➢ One study found that adolescents who spend more than five hours per day on digital devices are 70% more likely to have suicidal thoughts or actions than those who spend less than an hour a day.
Source: Twenge JM, Joiner TE, Rogers ML, Martin GN. Increases in depressive symptoms, suiciderelated outcomes, and suicide rates among U.S Adolescents after 2010 and links to increased new media screen time Clin Psychol Sci 20186
Balancing Screen Time for Better Mental Health
To mitigate the negative effects of excessive screen time, it’s crucial to establish healthy digital habits:
Set Screen Time Boundaries: Limiting daily Screen time can help prevent the onset of mental health issues. Engaging in offline activities, like physical exercise, sports etc.
Encourage in-Person Interactions: Face to Face Social Interactions are very important for emotional development.
Model Healthy Digital Behaviour: Parents and caregivers should exemplify balanced Screen use, demonstrating the importance of unplugging and engaging in real-world activities.
Educate About Responsible Media Use: Teaching youth about the potential risks of digital media and promoting critical thinking can empower them to make healthier choices online.
Conclusion:
While digital media is an integral part of modern life, it’s essential to balance screen time to safeguard the mental health of young individuals. By fostering healthy digital habits and encouraging offline engagements, we can help youth navigate the digital world without compromising their psychological well-being.
Written by Aamir Manzoor
Kashmir, India.