A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON MODERN YOUTH
Dr. Jaya Singh1, Sashank Sekhar Dayal2
Faculty of Arts & Humanities, The ICFAI University, Raipur, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India
Abstract: The proliferation of social media has brought about a change in the manner in which young people engage with one another and with society as a whole. This change has had a significant impact on the mental health of young people as well as their relationships with their contemporaries. The purpose of this sociological study is to investigate the myriads of ways in which social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok influence the psychological well-being of young people, as well as the development of their identities and their social behaviours. In spite of the many positive aspects of social media, such as increased opportunities for global connection, information sharing, and self-expression, this study finds that anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem are on the rise as a result of cyberbullying, online comparison, and the pressure to present an idealized version of oneself. These factors are increasing the likelihood that individuals will experience these negative emotions. The increase in the number of social contacts that take place online has corresponded with the reduction of real-world, face-to-face relationships and communication. Through trends, influencer marketing, and viral content, the study investigates the ways in which social media influences the culture, norms, and aspirations of young people, as well as the ways in which it reinforces the impact of peers. Due to the blurring of the barriers between one’s real and virtual identities, there are issues over the authenticity of one’s actions as well as the mental health of the individual. Additionally, research has shown a connection between excessive use of social media and addiction, a shortened attention span, as well as disruptions in both academic and personal life. The findings of this research indicate the important need for various programs that educate digital literacy, advise for parents, and legal measures to assist children in using social media in a responsible manner. The study indicates that the uncontrolled influence of social media poses a threat to the mental health and social development of young people, despite the fact that social media has a multitude of beneficial applications.
Keywords: social media, Youth, Psychological Impact, Social Behavior, Identity Formation, Mental Health, Cyberbullying, Anxiety, Depression.
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 04 2026: 151 – 165