THE EDITOR: In today’s digital era, smartphones and social media platforms have become virtual companions for adolescents. These platforms not only connect users with friends and trending gossip, but also immerse them in the lives of influencers, celebrities and global events.
As adolescents increasingly turn to social media for communication and interaction, it is clear that these platforms play a vital role in their psychosocial development (Seneka et al 2022).
The 2000s witnessed significant rise in social media use, a trend that coincided with alarming rises in mental heath issues and suicide rates among youth, often dubbed digital natives or Generation Z (Twenge et al 2019). While the precise causes of these mental health challenges remain elusive, numerous studies have found that social media engagement can be a critical contributor.
Consequently, there is a growing concern among scholars and the public about the amount of time adolescents spend on these platforms, their online activities, and the adverse effects on their overall well-being.
Additionally, research findings indicate that social media can have both positive and negative effects on adolescents’ well-being.
On the positive side, social media use increases communication abilities, self-expression, self-exploration, skill development, and networking capabilities.
Multiple studies suggest that individuals had a positive relationship with social media when actively interacting with family and close friends, having a social support system, a sense of society/community, and life satisfaction.
On the other hand, the drawbacks of social media use include the risk of peer pressure, poor social interaction, unsupervised social relations, cyberbullying, inappropriate content, sleep deprivation, anxiety, low self-esteem, internet addiction, depression, social isolation, exploitation, phishing and sexual harassment, dissatisfaction with body image and with real life, and impaired school performance.
Thus, the questions posed in numerous reports is: Who is the most vulnerable or at risk when using social media platforms, and why do some adolescents benefit from social media while others are negatively affected?
A study has found that adolescents may be at risk due to specific characteristics such as anxiety, a strong desire for performance, a yearning for self-improvement, and the need to connect with peers who share similar interests online to develop a sense of belonging (Li et al, 2021).
Furthermore, Winston et al (2022) observed that adolescents who frequently engage in broadcasting activities on social media face the highest risks of self-harm, anxiety, depression, and poor overall well-being (mental, social, and emotional) one year later.
The literature found that five indicators – loneliness, depression, anxiety, social comparison, and fear of missing out – were positively related to high social media usage and a decline in individuals' well-being.
Therefore, research has suggested that social media can affect adolescents based
