Social media has become an indispensable entity in the lives of Indian teens, with significant influence on their daily activities, interactions, and self-perception. Even though social media can be a venue for creativity, connection, and knowledge, excessive usage can take a toll on mental health.

Teenagers usually compare their lives to what seems perfect on the social platforms—Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. This comparison culture fosters insecurities and self-doubt in a teenager because of the projection of worth based on likes, comments, and follower counts. Such validation-seeking behaviour may lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, or even depression.

Among these evils is cyberbullying. Insulting and trolling on social platforms can deeply affect the psyche of young minds, with some ending up bearing long-lasting psychological scars. Other than that, pressure to keep up with trends plagues many teens, fueling feelings of stress and exclusion if they don't behave like the crowd.

Another impact is that excessive screen time interrupts sleep patterns, as most teenagers end up compromising rest for endless scrolling. Sleep deprivation contributes to mood swings, deteriorating academic performance, and lowered resiliency to stress. Most of these platforms with addictive designs trap the user in a loop of notifications and dopamine hits, making it difficult for them to unwind.

Despite all this, however, social media is not all bad. Social media helps teens express themselves, find supportive communities, and get information of great value. Positive or motivational and mental health awareness campaign-based accounts can also offer and provide inspiration and help.

To reduce its negative impact, parents and educators can play a very significant role by promoting digital literacy and encouraging participation in offline activities. Setting boundaries for screen time, open discussions regarding mental health issues with teens, and encouraging critical thinking about online content can make social media usage more responsible.

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