A study finds that social media negatively affects the way young people see themselves. According to researchers, they pose a "serious risk" to the mental health of children and young people.
Three in four children, from the age of 12, said they dislike their bodies and feel uncomfortable about their physical appearance. Among young people aged 18 to 21, this figure rises to eight in ten.
The study warns that the impact of social media could harm the health of young people and future generations.
Almost half of the young people surveyed said they have become more withdrawn, started exercising excessively, isolated themselves from others, or engaged in self-harm. The main cause, according to them, is offensive comments and online harassment about their physical appearance.
Four in ten young people said they experience mental health problems. Nearly one in five struggles with body image issues, while 14% deal with eating disorders, such as extreme food restriction. Yet, only one in ten of those who need help is actually receiving treatment.
The survey found that 97% of children over the age of 12 use social media. Even though nearly 70% said social media makes them feel stressed or depressed, young people still spend an average of 3.65 hours a day on these apps.
Many of them said they continue using these apps despite believing that the content and algorithms are negatively affecting their mental health. This was acknowledged by 54% of children aged 12–14, 60% of those aged 15–17, and 71% of young people aged 18–21.
Meanwhile, 95% of respondents said they feel powerless to quit social media. They also said they are four times more likely to turn to apps than to family or friends when they feel bad about themselves or their bodies.
The study was conducted by stem4, a youth mental health organization. The survey included 1,024 children and young people between the ages of 12 and 21. The organization called for urgent action on this issue.You said: edhe titullin
