Experts observe that more and more young people are suffering from the dynamics of social networks
Meta, which controls Facebook and Instagram, opened 2024 by announcing changes to guidelines to protect teens on its apps. According to the tech biggies, some sensitive content will be hidden based on the age of the user, among other resources that aim to minimize the impact of social networks on the mental health of young people.
For the psychologist Alice Munguba, specialist at the children’s center a Holistic psychiatrythe measure is very important because adolescence is a formative period in which the boundaries between the real and the virtual blur.
“Adolescence is a phase in which we appreciate others much more, the group of friends becomes enormously important. Adults often forget that in this phase of personality formation, the opinions of others have a very subjective influence, so like what you read, what you watch, and this is where online content about self-mutilation, eating disorders, among other topics that will be limited by social networks come into play”, explains the professional.
Erasure and social anxiety
For the psychologist it is important that technology companies recognize that, although control over the use of social networks rests with parents, they too must take responsibility and limit sensitive content transmitted and disseminated virtually, even if it is known that there are other problems – such as cyberbullying and deletion – which require other treatments, sometimes even from a legal or health point of view.
For Daniela Araújo, psychologist coordinator of the Child and Youth Center of Holiste Psiquiatria, more and more children and adolescents arrive at clinics with episodes of emotional suffering linked to the imbalance between the real and virtual world.
“Mental health professionals are reaping some consequences and I believe this is the future. We realize that young people arrive infected by the imaginary world of social networks and unprepared for the reality of human relationships, which is the difference, the difficulty of coexistence” , highlights.
With this predominance of online relationships, including expectations about the future, many teenagers dream of going viral, of becoming digital influencers, in addition to the vulnerability that adolescence represents, since it is the phase of building personality, losing online approval, i.e. , being deleted online becomes a real trigger and can even trigger mental disorders.
Vanessa Lopes’ participation in BBB
Influencer Vanessa Lopes surprised BBB 24 attendees by quitting the game in her first weeks of confinement. The participant’s mental health had already attracted the attention of colleagues on the program and the public due to her somewhat “lost” behavior. Since leaving the program, the young girl is receiving psychiatric treatment at home, according to a medical bulletin published by the family.
“Vanessa Lopes’ participation is a delicate topic because we cannot diagnose or speak without following the case, but we can hypothesize the difference between the real world and the virtual world. Not that this is her case, but this difference between virtual and virtual “The reality can shake some people and trigger situations of mental suffering. It is not surprising that many young people abandon their studies because living together has become a source of disabling anxiety”, he underlines.
For the psychologists of the Holiste child and youth centre, the effects of high exposure and presence in the virtual environment will increasingly show their potential and harmful consequences, just analyze that screens are entering the lives of children ever earlier, starting from early age They have their smartphones in their hands.
The ideal for managers is to always seek a balance between online games and playing in person with the class.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
