In an era dominated by likes, shares, and endless scrolling, The Darker Side of Social media looms large-scale, especially for the younger generation. What was meant for interaction and creativity has turned into a constant cycle of comparison, anxiety and a never ending quest for validation. Beneath the glittering facade of curated feeds lies a world where self-worth is measured in followers, while mental illness is internalized and worsened. It can’t be denied that this age has provided new avenues, but it has also made it a battlefield for the youngsters who seem to be forever fighting their sense of self confidence and mental health.
Just a decade ago, Social media penetration was almost non-existent In India but today it has completely changed the way people interact and seek information. While the positives of social media, enabling individuals to express themselves, promoting online activism and changing conventional business, are clear, there are negatives sensibly. The bane of falsehood, online harassment, racism, criticism, abusive content, needless seeking of social approval appear alarming. For the younger generation, the effects are even more profound, as the race for likes and shares often overshadows mental well-being, academic focus, and real-world social skills. In a rapidly digitizing India, the impact of social media is a double-edged sword, shaping society in ways both progressive and problematic.
While social media is a powerful tool for connecting and expressing yourself, it has also become a breeding ground for racism, abuse and violence. The anonymity provided by platforms often emboldens individuals to spread hate speech. Online spaces created to promote discussion are often hijacked by trolls and extremists. It encourages division and incites hostility. The unchecked spread of violent content and racist ideology not only normalizes such behavior, but it also poses a real-world threat by increasing social tensions.
One of the most critical problems with those influencers who just promote hate, vulgarity, abuse, racism is their ability to manipulate their audience. Children and Youth, in particular, are highly impressionable and can easily be misled into thinking that these toxic behaviors are a reflection of strength, power, or success. Instead of inspiring discipline and moral uprightness, they are breeding a generation that equates toughness with cruelty and disrespect. Such messages can lead to increased aggression, intolerance, and the normalization of harmful behavior among their audience, particularly children.
Exposure to content that glorifies violence, racism, and profanity can have detrimental effects on a child’s psychological development. Moreover, the use of profanity and the blatant disregard for respect can erode the moral foundation that parents and educators work hard to instill in children. Social media’s impact on mental health, especially among youth in India, is a growing concern. Studies indicate that 85% of Indian adolescents have experienced or engaged in cyber bullying, a figure significantly higher than the global average. This behavior, coupled with exposure to unrealistic standards portrayed by influencers, contributes to anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy among teens.
Adding on, a study by Sapien Labs revealed that Indian Youth aged 18-24 have some of the lowest Mental health scores globally, driven by excessive social media use, isolation , and the pressures of online comparison. The increased screen overuse and social media addiction are very strongly correlated with various psychological issues. Medical professionals and mental health specialists in India often voice worries about how social media affects mental well-being for teens and young grown-ups. The main problems these experts point out include:
- Higher levels of worry and low mood.
- Sleep disruption.
- Addictive behavior.
- Cyber bullying and harassment.
- Gender-specific issues.
- Family disconnection and aggression.
- Normalization of aggressive behavior and hate.
- Fear and mistrust.
The Digital Landscape is shaping our children’s mental Health. It’s high time to take responsibility by setting boundaries, fostering open communication, and educating children about the risks. Parents need to keep an eye on their kids and stay involved. If adults don’t watch out, they might face online bullying or pick up harmful ideas about race, violence, or abuse. When social media use goes unchecked, it can lead to big problems. Kids might start acting, have trouble at school, and find it hard to trust people in real life.
Social media plays a big role in shaping our world today, and we need to understand how it affects young people. Content that’s racist, abusive, or violent can hurt kids’ mental health and spread harmful ideas and actions. To tackle this problem parents, teachers, and lawmakers should work together. They can encourage kids to use social media judiciously, teach them how to understand digital content, and make sure platforms are held responsible for harmful stuff. By raising awareness and putting good plans into action, we can look after children’s mental health. This way social media can become a tool that helps kids grow and stay positive instead of causing harm.
(Author is Intern Doctor and Health Columnist. Email: [email protected])
