Kathmandu. Social media is no longer just a platform to share photos and videos. For Jenji, it’s increasingly linked to their identity, confidence, and happiness. A new study has revealed that the likes, comments and followers they receive on social media are now affecting the mental health of young people.
The study was conducted by Dr. Vivek Oberoi, professor of the Department of Sociology at Government Arts Girls College in Kota, Rajasthan, India. It was led by Jyoti Sidana. The 25-day study involved interviews with 141 female students from various colleges. It sought to understand the impact of social media on young people’s emotions, relationships and mental health.
Mood Influenced by likes and views
According to the study, 82.9 per cent of the girls said that the likes, comments and views they get on their posts have a direct impact on their mood. While 9.8 percent said it had some effect. Only 7.3 per cent of female students admitted that social media reactions do not affect their mood.
According to research, likes and views are no longer just numbers. For many young people, they have become a measure of their identity and acceptance. Many people start to feel less important if a post doesn’t get the response they expect.
Thousands of followers, still lonely
The most surprising statistic of the study was that 61 percent of the girls said that they feel lonely in real life even though they have thousands of followers on social media. The students involved in the research said that online friendships lack the intimacy that face-to-face relationships provide. The support of family and close friends is most useful in difficult times.
Hard to stay away from the phone{
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The study found that 48.2 per cent of girl students immediately check their phones when they receive a notification. Meanwhile, 43.9 percent admitted that they do not have a fixed amount of time to use their phones. This means that even for no reason, they often look at their phones all day long. About 70% of the girls said they want to stay away from social media for some time, but it is not easy for them to do so.
Trolling also causes stress{
In the study, 61 per cent of the girls said that trolling or negative comments made them feel stressed or unhappy. In addition, 43.9 percent believe that social media is increasing pretentiousness. 41.5 percent said it affects their real identity. Another 14.6 percent believe that social media encourages people to spend more.
What does the study say?
According to research, Jenji is the first generation to live with the internet and social media since childhood. This has provided them with many new opportunities, but it has also increased problems such as comparison, loneliness, stress and excessive dependence on social media.
What should be done?
Research suggests a periodic digital detox. It is important to spend more time with family and friends. A person should not base his happiness and confidence on the basis of likes, comments or followers. Real relationships and face-to-face interactions are still considered to be the most important for mental health.
