SOCIAL MEDIA AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH: EXPLORING THE DIGITAL WELL-BEING PARADIGM

Abstract

In the digital age, social media platforms have become deeply embedded in the daily lives of adolescents, offering avenues for social interaction, identity formation, and self-expression. However, this increasing online engagement raises pressing concerns about its implications for adolescent mental health. This paper explores the evolving concept of digital well-being and examines how prolonged exposure to social media may influence emotional, psychological, and social development during adolescence. Drawing from current research and psychological frameworks, the study highlights both the positive and negative impacts of social media use, including issues such as cyberbullying, social comparison, anxiety, and digital addiction. It also investigates protective strategies and digital literacy approaches that promote healthier online behaviors. By adopting a balanced perspective, the paper aims to contribute to the understanding of how digital well-being can be cultivated to support mental health in young people navigating online environments.