Teenagers Are Vulnerable To Validation Due To Social Media, The Effect Of Increasing Mental Disorder Risks

Illustration of social media. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - The pressure to always appear perfect on social media affects the psychological condition of teenagers. Features such as likes, comments, and repost often make them feel they have to get recognition from the digital environment.

Ketika respons yang diterima tidak sesuai keharapan, banyak remaja mengalami penurunan suasana hati, kecemasan, dan rasa tidak aman terhadap diri sendiri.

Psychologist Vera Itabiliana explained that various interaction features on social media ranging from likes, comments, to reposts are often considered as benchmarks for social acceptance. For some teenagers, the number of likes shows whether they are accepted or not. Comments are seen as an important form of assessment, while reposts are considered as recognition of their existence," he said from Jakarta, Thursday.

He added that for certain groups of teenagers, the increase in the number of likes can have a major impact on their emotions throughout the day. Not infrequently, uploads are deleted if the interaction is deemed unsatisfactory.

According to Vera, the psychological pressure can cause fear of falling behind trends (PHMOs), unhealthy social comparisons, to potential bullying. Teenagers are prone to comparing their lives with other people's uploads that seem perfect, including those related to body performance, academic achievements, and lifestyle.

"The pressure to appear ideal is very strong, both about body image and achievement," he explained.

The need to always be connected makes many teenagers spend long time in front of the screen. The uncontrolled use of social media can end in sleep shortages, which then deals with the risk of increased anxiety and depression.

When asked about the impact on mental health, Vera said, "sleeping delays due to excessive screen time are directly related to the increasing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression."

For this reason, he emphasized the importance of the role of parents and the environment in assisting teenagers in being able to use social media in a healthy manner. Social media, he said, should be a space for expressing, learning, and building positive relationships instead of sources of pressure.

He also encourages an increase in digital literacy so that teenagers understand that self-worth is not determined by the number of indicators appearing on digital platforms. ajak remaja builds a supportive circle of friendship and limits excessive exposure, especially before bed," he said.

If the use of social media has interfered with daily functions, Vera advises teenagers to seek professional assistance through counseling or therapy.