Introduction
In today’s digital era, it is quite impossible to ignore the omnipresence of social media, especially among the youth. While these platforms have their pros, I believe their influence on young people is largely detrimental. From worsening mental health issues to eroding essential social skills, the negatives, in my view, far outweigh the positives. In this article, I will delve into these effects, while also including examples from news articles that mirror the current state of the youth and its relationship with social media.
Mental Health Crisis
Social media’s impact on mental health among Serbian youth is concerning. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat dominate their daily lives, and often promote some unattainable beauty standards and fostering feelings of inadequacy. These platforms serve as spaces where young people compare themselves incessantly to influencers and peers, which can cause anxiety and depression by its users.
An Oblakoder Magazin article revealed that the pressure to portray an idealized version of life often leaves young users feeling unfulfilled in their real life and real relations. Many Serbian teens find themselves trapped in a cycle of seeking validation through likes, comments, and shares. This compulsive need for approval adds to them feeling dissatisfied and emotionally exhausted.
Experts highlighted in Euronews.rs discuss how the excessive use of social media is linked to severe psychological repercussions, including poor self-esteem and social isolation. One psychologist noted that social media gives young people a false sense of connection, which cannot replace genuine, face-to-face relationships. The digital space often amplifies cyberbullying, a problem increasingly observed in Serbia, where many adolescents experience humiliation or harassment online.
Erosion of Social Skills
The overuse of social media does not just affect mental health—it also hampers the development of critical social skills. Constant scrolling through feeds and participating in online interactions reduce the time and effort that young people can and/or wish to dedicate to building meaningful relationships in person.
Social media fosters a tendency to communicate via emojis, memes, and abbreviated text, which oversimplifies complex emotional expressions. Over time, this diminishes the ability of Serbian youth to navigate real-life conversations effectively. According to a recent article from the Serbian newspaper Danas, more than 90% of young people in Serbia rely on social media and online platforms as their primary source of information. This over-reliance not only makes them vulnerable to misinformation but also discourages them from engaging in thoughtful discussions or questioning the content they consume.
Parents and educators report that young people are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with direct communication, such as making phone calls or holding face-to-face discussions. This discomfort spills into critical areas like academic presentations, job interviews, and everyday interactions, ultimately affecting their personal and professional growth.
Real-Life Examples and Stories
The negative impact of social media on Serbian youth is not an abstract concept; it is a reality reflected in real-life stories. Oblakoder Magazin shared the story of a young Serbian girl who fell victim to cyberbullying after posting a seemingly innocent picture. The relentless harassment she faced pushed her into depression, highlighting the darker side of the digital world.
Another case mentioned in Euronews.rs revolves around a group of Serbian teens who became obsessed with gaining online popularity. In their pursuit of likes and followers, they resorted to risky behavior, including participating in dangerous social media challenges. This led to serious injuries in some cases, underscoring the tangible consequences of prioritizing virtual fame over personal safety.
In addition, influencers play a significant role in shaping the perceptions and behaviors of young Serbians. As noted by Mladi.org.rs, many influencers fail to promote socially responsible content. Instead, they perpetuate materialistic and superficial values, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and encouraging excessive consumerism among impressionable youth.
The Good Side of Social Media
While the negatives of social media are undeniable, these platforms also offer potential benefits when used responsibly. Social media can be a source of inspiration, education, and connection for Serbian youth. For instance, many young people use platforms to access educational content, learn new skills, and connect with peers who share similar interests.
Influencers with a sense of social responsibility can serve as positive role models. As highlighted by Mladi.org.rs, there are Serbian influencers who use their platforms to promote mental health awareness, environmental responsibility, and community involvement. For example, a popular Serbian YouTuber has been using his channel to encourage young people to participate in charitable activities, showing the constructive side of digital influence.
Additionally, social media allows young Serbians to share their creativity with a global audience. Artists, writers, and musicians often use these platforms to showcase their talents, receive feedback, and even launch careers. This digital exposure provides opportunities that were previously unavailable in traditional settings.
Conclusion
In my view, the impact of social media on Serbian youth is overwhelmingly negative, affecting their mental health, social interactions, academic focus, and perception of themselves. This, of course, has not been a minor issue for quite some time; it is a crisis state, so to say, that demands constant attention and interaction from parents, educators, and policymakers. We as a society need to foster a healthier relationship with social media, encouraging more responsible use of it. By doing so, we can manage and try to find more good aspects of it and stop dealing with bad consequences only.
Sources
News Articles and Reports:
https://www.oblakodermagazin.rs/istrazivanje-stavova-mladih-o-drustvenim-mrezama
https://www.mladi.org.rs/drustvena-odgovoronost-influensera-i-influenserki