The use of social media has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the rise was initially not noticeable or taken seriously by people, the constant use and need for social media platforms for marketing and connecting with people during the lockdown have made a lasting impact in the minds of teens.
Academic and Government-Backed Studies
The post-COVID era is a place where anything and almost everything revolves around social media reach and validation. Whether it is OTT platforms, PR marketing through Instagram Reels, or keeping one’s college societies relevant among young people, social media is central.
A large-scale cohort study by the BMC Public Health reports that in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, those using social media more than three hours a day are more likely to experience depression than non-users, linking use of social media and depressive symptoms in adolescents.
An Indian cross-sectional study about the harmful effects of excessive screen time and social media on mental health, involving 1,392 Indian teens and young adults, revealed that 37.9% had depressive symptoms while 33.3% showed signs of anxiety.
A 2023 report by the U.S. Surgeon General states that about 95% of teens are active social media users, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety by two times.
Most parents claim that this addiction is due to giving children early access to gadgets as well as online school activities during the pandemic, according to a report published by LocalCircles, a community social media platform.
Several other studies also show developing feelings of FOMO, sleep deprivation, and online comparison, giving rise to body image and mental health issues.
Recent Cases Raising Alarms
A nursing student in Ahmedabad broke her own hand on purpose to skip exams so she could continue watching reels. The teen then reported herself to Tele MANAS, a mental health helpline and central government project, seeking help for her excessive addiction. The aspiring nurse finally wrote her exams after four months of extensive counseling.
Another case in Haridwar made headlines, in which a son killed his father, claiming he was repeatedly scolded for his social media and gaming addiction, while a girl committed suicide following her parents’ refusal to let her play mobile games.
Other side effects besides addiction include harassment against women, relentless cyberbullying, body-shaming, and trolling. Students and activists have often been bullied online for their political and academic views, forcing them to withdraw from digital platforms. The development of AI has also added to the problem, with deepfake images and videos being misused.
Balancing Connectivity with Caution
While the post-COVID boom revolutionized how we connect, create, and consume, it also opened floodgates to a host of psychological and social issues. To address this growing concern, especially among the younger generation, it is necessary for society to come together and focus on stronger digital literacy, mental health support, and platform accountability, with educational institutions and tech companies working together to create safer online ecosystems. India’s youth may be more connected than ever, but the connection must be matched with care, safety, and responsibility.
