This study delves into the impact of the increased use of electronic appliances on the younger generation, particularly focusing on the risks of addiction and mental health issues. The main objectives are to explore the correlation between technology usage and psychological problems among individuals born after 2000, and to assess the influence of educational interventions and parental controls in moderating these effects. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected in line with the findings of the report by GSMA, DOCOMO, and Net Children Go Mobile (2014), which includes data from European countries such as Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Romania, and the UK. The results indicate a strong association between excessive screen time and elevated rates of depression, detachment from reality, and trauma among youth.
Furthermore, the study highlights the necessity for educational institutions to incorporate digital literacy modules into their curricula, which would help students navigate the digital world more responsibly.
Encouraging physical activities and face-to-face social interactions is also recommended to counterbalance the extensive use of screens. Policymakers are urged to develop frameworks that protect young individuals from the adverse effects of prolonged technology exposure, including regulations on screen time, content appropriateness, and online privacy protections.
These recommendations aim to optimize the benefits of technology while minimizing its negative impacts on the younger generation, thus fulfilling the study’s objectives and providing a basis for future policy and educational strategies.
Author(s) Details:
Refik Ramadani
Department of Computer Science, Public University Kadri Zeka & quot; Gjilan, Republic of Kosovo.
Recent Global Research Developments in Social Media Use in Children and Adolescents: A Case Study
Mental Health Impacts: A scoping review published in BJPsych Open examined the relationship between social media use and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety in youth under 25 years old. The review found that shorter, purposeful social media use (≤3 hours/day) is associated with better mood and psychological well-being. However, excessive use can lead to negative outcomes like depression and anxiety [1].
Risks and Preventive Measures: Another study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health focused on the potential risks of social media use in children and adolescents. The review identified several adverse consequences, including sleep disturbances, addiction, anxiety, and body image issues. The study emphasized the need for increased public and medical awareness and preventive measures [2].
Problematic Social Media Use: Research published in Child Development explored the prevalence of problematic social media use among young adolescents across 29 countries. The study found that a significant percentage of 11- to 15-year-olds reported high levels of problematic social media use, highlighting the need for targeted interventions [3].
References
- Hilty DM, Stubbe D, McKean AJ, et al. A scoping review of social media in child, adolescents and young adults: research findings in depression, anxiety and other clinical challenges. BJPsych Open. 2023;9(5):e152. doi:10.1192/bjo.2023.523
- Bozzola E, Spina G, Agostiniani R, Barni S, Russo R, Scarpato E, Di Mauro A, Di Stefano AV, Caruso C, Corsello G, et al. The Use of Social Media in Children and Adolescents: Scoping Review on the Potential Risks. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022; 19(16):9960. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19169960
- Bozzola, E., Spina, G., Agostiniani, R., Barni, S., Russo, R., Scarpato, E., … & Staiano, A. (2022). The use of social media in children and adolescents: Scoping review on the potential risks. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(16), 9960.
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