The Crisis of Mental Illness Linked to Social Media

Social media is identified as a significant factor in the escalating mental health crisis among youth, with the argument that it causes, rather than merely correlates with, mental illness. The discussion highlights how excessive screen time, averaging six to eight hours per day for teens, contributes to rising rates of anxiety and depression. It contrasts parents’ overprotection in real-world settings with their underprotection in the virtual sphere, where children are often left to explore online without adequate guidance. This lack of supervision in digital environments raises concerns about what children are exposed to and the potential long-term effects on their mental health.