- By Sakshi Gupta
- Tue, 16 Apr 2024 04:07 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
JE Education Desk: Although social media offers students a platform to connect with academic communities, fostering a sense of belongingness and support, and has become a powerful tool for raising awareness about mental health issues, students' overindulgence in the virtual world thrusts them into a vicious environment that is inimical to their overall well-being.
Ms Alka Kapur Principal of Modern Public School, shares how social media is impacting students well-being.
Insidious threats
Social media platforms offer a wealth of information, but they also present potential downsides, such as information overload, which can lead to cognitive fatigue and compromised focus on critical academic material. The prevalence of curated content on social media can create a culture of comparison, causing students to question their own accomplishments and worth about others.
Fear of missing out (FOMO) is another issue that can elicit feelings of isolation and inadequacy among students. The constant exposure to social events and activities may instill a sense of exclusion, impacting mental well-being and contributing to stress.
The constant stimuli and rapid-fire nature of social media interactions can lead to a superficial engagement, compromising focus on complex academic tasks and potentially leading to a decline in overall academic performance. Moreover, excessive online engagement can lead to a reduction in face-to-face interactions, hindering the development of social skills like non-verbal communication and empathy. The worst thing is that it disrupts sleep patterns, impacting mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being.
Strategies for overall well-being
Recognizing the role of social media in influencing sleep patterns, relationships, and misinformation is crucial for understanding its impact on student mental health. That’s why conscious and controlled access is the key to healthy utilization of resources, including social media.
To support students’ mental health, they should access social networks following set time limits. They need to adopt a thoughtful approach that includes digital literacy skills, open dialogues about social media's impact, and a balance between online and offline activities. Cultivating mindfulness and resilience can help students harness the positive aspects of social media while mitigating its drawbacks, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling experience in the digital era.
Regular breaks from social media can help students disconnect and focus on real-life connections and activities. Schools and parents should educate students on cyberbullying and its impact, encourage open communication about online experiences, and promote real-life interactions.
Mindful posting encourages students to think before posting, reducing the risk of regrettable posts. Moreover, providing resources like counselling or workshops on digital literacy and mental health can help students manage their social media use effectively. Implementing these strategies requires collaboration among educators, parents, and students, creating an environment that promotes open discussion about social media use and its effects on well-being.
Bit of the Byte
As social media continues to shape students' lives, it presents both opportunities and challenges. The allure of social media often competes with the demands of studying, reading, and completing assignments. Balancing online engagement and dedicated study time is crucial. Implementing strategies like setting specific time blocks or using productivity apps can help students safeguard their academic performance. By recognizing and addressing distraction pitfalls, students can harness the positive aspects of social media while maintaining a focused approach to their educational endeavours.