Today, social media has become a significant part of our lives. Many young people spend a large portion of their day looking at their phone or tablet screens. They share photos, watch videos, and post comments on social media. However, spending too much time online can negatively affect the mental health of young people.
Constantly seeing other people’s lives on social media can make some teens feel like they are not good enough. They may think, “Why am I not as pretty as them?” or “Everyone looks so happy—why am I not?” These thoughts can lower their self-esteem. Excessive screen time can also lead to sleep problems, difficulty focusing, and weakened real-life relationships.
So, how can we find a balance? First, individuals should limit their time on social media. Setting daily screen time limits can be helpful. Families and teachers should educate young people about this issue and promote digital awareness. Fun offline activities like reading books, going for walks, or spending face-to-face time with friends can be great alternatives to screen time.
As a society, we can launch awareness campaigns and include digital balance education in schools. This way, we can live with technology in a healthy way while protecting our well-being.
Let’s remember: social media is just a tool—it should not be the center of our lives.