Disclaimer: The following may contain words and themes that may be sensitive to some users. This material is for educational and awareness purposes only.
A whistleblower has accused META of underplaying the actual risks its teenage users face, despite the Tech giant agreeing to an 18 billion dollar settlement over the next decade. Arturo Bejar, a former Facebook safety engineer, says that the settlement does not even address the tip of the iceberg that is the mental health implications caused by social media addiction among teenagers. In the Indian context, this highlights a larger problem that may need immediate intervention.
Nearly half of India’s present population is Gen Z or under 30-years-old and lives their life on social media. According to India’s Economic Survey 2025-26, digital addiction is now considered a health threat in India. It has strongly highlighted a lack of “academic and workplace productivity” due to poor sleep, distractions and loss of focus. There are also several reports on cases of increased anxiety and depression due to the comparative mentality that is now normalised because of social media.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has issued guidelines for online safety, including limitations on screen time. The important question here is who is checking? According to India Today, nearly 35 crore users in India accessed social media on a regular basis, deepening their general digital addiction. Several Indian and global studies have confirmed a rise in mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety and poor self-esteem, as a result of social media and digital addiction among those below 30. What are some of the mental and physical dangers that arise from excessive use of social media?
The Danger of Isolation
The social media trap loops individuals into isolating from the real world and building a virtual safety zone, especially for those with introverted personalities, victims of bullying, etc. This can increase the risk of online abuse, harassment or sexual predation, besides unchecked content consumption in growing minds. It also isolates many teenagers and youth from their families, communities and even friends, furthering poor social and communication skills. The most dangerous is the blurring of lines between the virtual world, which becomes actual reality, and can cause absolute mental health breakdowns when confronted and shut down.
The Ill Effects of Doomscrolling
The uncontrollable engagement with negative and disturbing content, including social unrest, crime, etc even when it makes you feel depressed, anxious or unhappy. This can affect the normal functioning of the brain and cause sleep disorders, irregular moods and laziness, etc.
The Poison of Social Comparison
Social media opens up a Pandora’s box of content that can trigger and breed issues of self-esteem and self-worth. Influencers can trap the viewer into a toxic cycle of desire and obsession for things that do not necessarily suit them. It further breeds feelings of not being good enough, not doing well enough and a deep sense of lack or failure in some which further incites depression, anxiety and even suicidal tendencies provoked by low self-esteem.
Overuse Causes Early Burnout
Constant usage is known to worsen eyesight and memory, reduce social skills and cause early burnout caused by stress and negative thinking. What was once known to affect only adults is now finding a home among youngsters, particularly below the 35-year limit. However, with every problem comes a solution and here are some very simple steps that can help when effectively implemented.
The Positive Outcome of a Digital Detox
Set a time-limit on the hours spent on social media, which is best monitored by an adult or another person (in case of adults with addiction). Connect with people who do not use the phone obsessively and follow pages and people who encourage us to reconnect with the body and nature, offline.
Physical Exercise uplifts Mental Health
Walking, sports, art and dance or any activity that requires offline participation will help the body and mind ease into a pattern that is not dependent on screen time to relax and stay healthy.
The Magic of Mindfulness
Writing down possible reasons for the obsession or trigger and reading it daily can help the mind identify it as a problem. Meditation and Yoga also help calm the mind and allow it to feel safe without using distraction as an escape. Digital Addiction is a rising health threat, but it can also be treated in a country like India that is home to ancient mindful and health techniques. In severe cases, there is no shame in getting therapy or speaking to people because no problem lies without a cure. The choice lies with us.
References +
- GOV PRESS RELEASE: India Economic Survey https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2219931®=48&lang=2
- India Today: Economic Survey flags youth digital addiction https://www.indiatoday.in/health/story/economic-survey-warns-of-dangerous-digital-addiction-among-indias-youth-2859703-2026-01-29
- NDTV: META pays billions over teen harms in US…https://www.ndtv.com/opinion/meta-pays-billions-over-teen-harms-in-us-in-india-algo-runs-unchecked-11969262
- Sukoon: India’s social media addiction: Know the signs and take your time back https://www.sukoonhealth.com/blog/how-to-manage-social-media-addiction-in-indian-teens/
