Social networks intensify concerns about physical image, generating insecurity and isolation. The negative impact on the mental health of the young generations is aggravated by misinformation and conflicts in the online environment. Psychologists offer recommendations to combat these influences.
Social networks are an integral part of the lives of young people. Source: freepik.com
A recent poll conducted by World Vision Romania shows that 66 percent of adolescents in Romania feel judged for how they dress due to the pressure imposed by social networks.
Also, 47 percent of them feel the pressure to look perfect, and 60 percent have resorted to extreme or unhealthy diets to change their weight.
The impact of social networks on mental health
Without a clear mental map of ethical landmarks and values for a balanced life, the psychic health of the young generation is deeply influenced by the tendencies of misinformation and split in the virtual environment, says Silvia Ciubotaru, psychologist and psychotherapist, coordinating the platform “in a relation”.
“We tend to express an idea quite often, which says a lot:” Let’s get rid of the screens. ” And, indeed, the advice are the same that we find throughout the Internet. We must leave the house, interact with people, do sports, sleep at decent hours, read and so on. But it is quite difficult for adolescents to apply these tips, no matter how well intended they are, especially if they do not have the necessary support to implement them ”says the psychotherapist Silvia Ciubotaru.
According to her, each such recommendation must be accompanied by an essential question: “How do I get to do things?” For example, if we recommend playing sports, how do they get sports if they have no money to go to the room? Or if they are afraid to expose themselves because of their physical appearance, fearing that they will be judged or laugh at them?
Adolescents need patterns of behavior from adults. It is essential for parents and educators to be examples of positive behaviors, emphasizes the psychotherapist.
“It is very difficult to convince children to read if they do not see adults reading. The same, about the time spent in front of the screens. In vain does the mother tell them not to keep an eye on the phone, if she herself stays on the phone or laptop. The models offered by their parents through their behaviors are extraordinarily important. He sits on the phone and “scrolling”, ignoring each other, it will not be a positive experience for anyone. The real connection, even if it is not profound, must be based on the common interests of the people ”, says the psychotherapist.
Digital education for young people
Adults around young people must have patience, attention and sincere curiosity towards them, without criticizing or correcting, adds Silvia Ciubotaru. Adolescents react quickly to any accusative attitude, and authority must be based on respect.
“” Prohibitions can be imposed – for example, an adult may prohibit a child or adolescent from using social networks or take other restrictive measures like this. Unfortunately, more and more parents resort to such prohibitions, and the results, especially as children grow up, are increasingly adverse. Virtually.adds the psychotherapist.
In the interest of the child and the adolescent, they must be educated to use these digital tools as tools, not to become a tool of social networks, people, business and those who take advantage of them, concludes Silvia Ciubotaru.
Young people, advised to develop their own identity
Psychologist Keren Rosner recommends that teenagers build their own ideal, based on authenticity, not imitation.
“When a young man is inspired by someone else and wants, from his whole being, to be a copy of that person, he does not contribute anything. If he wants to be a valuable person, a teenager must come with his own contribution. In order to form an opinion and understand what he wants, he must think, to think, It refers only to people on the Internet, but can include real -life models, characters from movies or books ”says psychologist Keren Rosner.
Young people are encouraged to build an ideal that will go through their own filter, to know exactly what they fit, what they want and what they make happy, adds the specialist.
“In many cases, entering this game of imitation, they have no satisfaction and are not satisfied, because it is not their idea and may not suit them. On the other hand, they can never be perfect as another person, because each individual has his own personality, behavior and mentality, and imitation will never work in full.” adds the specialist.
Tips for young people who face the group pressure
According to the psychologist, it is understandable that teenagers need a group and it is natural to want belonging, to be like the others in the group, to adopt similar behaviors. However, this does not mean that everything they do or someone says without discernment.
“The future adult who does not develop his own identity risks to reach a confusion of his own person”, emphasizes the doctor.
On the other hand, there are teenagers who feel marginalized because they cannot satisfy their desire to become like the people they admire.
“This is the drama of young people who feel rejected, who feel that they are not like the others, and try to enter groups, with the impression that they are not accepted. In this case, they can find a model on the Internet and have the feeling that if they imitate that person, they will gain the same success. This is not true, because it is not a problem. They are not considered good, beautiful, elegant or popular. says the psychologist.
The psychologist encourages teenagers to find their own passions and to contribute uniquely to their community, rather than trying to imitate other successful people on social networks.
“Regardless of the field, it has to create something, to be good in that thing, to make an original contribution. There is no teenager who cannot discover a strong point to develop. It will become his exchange currency, and the relationships with others will be appreciated for what he is really, not for what he wants to be. Developed, shown and appreciated ”, Keren Rosner said.
