The effect of social media on teenagers can be significantly detrimental to mental health. This ‘reel and shorts viewing disorder’ is increasing rapidly in our society. Short videos have the power to attract the audience, and watching these videos is so enjoyable that our mind compels us to watch more and more of them. Teenagers spend most of their time scrolling, which is a very dangerous activity for them. Initially, they find scrolling fun. When they spend their precious two or three hours a day scrolling, they are not able to do anything productive because they lose their ability to concentrate and can no longer focus on anything like reading a book or watching a movie.
Due to this excessive tendency of using social media, our youths are getting distant from their families, parents and friends. When they close social media apps and get out into the real world, they feel isolated, which can lead to mental health issues and anxiety. People who are known as content creators on social media only share photos, videos, statuses and vlogs in which they show their successful and luxurious lives. And such content makes the viewers, especially youth, feel inferior. Then they want to earn money without spending time and effort. They want to earn without thinking whether it is the right way to earn or not, and this may even lead them to crime and mental health problems.
Counseling for our youth is needed at this time. By organising seminars and interactive sessions in colleges and universities, we can guide the youth by informing them of the negative aspects of scrolling and social media all the time and encouraging them about offline activities. And we can encourage them to indulge in productive activities and play physical games that are healthy for their body and mind. We can encourage them to spend time with their families and friends. The government can play an effective role in this regard. Youth is our future. It’s time for all stakeholder to guide them in the right direction.
Muhammad Abdullah Safdar
Islamabad
