The problem of social media use among teenagers is on the rise. That World Health Organization (WHO) revealed an alarming growth in addiction tendencies among teenagers, jumping from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022. Most disturbing is the gender gap: 13% of girls exhibit this behavior compared to 9% of boys.

Problematic media use is when someone uses media in a way that negatively impacts their daily life. This can include excessive use of social media, video games, or other screen media. Signs of problematic media use include:

• Mindlessly scrolling
• Feeling withdrawn when not online
• Obsessively follows strangers online
• Spending too much time online
• Doing risky things to get attention online
• Interferes with daily functioning

Problematic Media Use in Adolescents: Likewise, teens may face significant risks from problematic media use. Exposure to harmful or inappropriate online content has been linked to adverse mental health impacts. Worryingly, there have been several cases where teenagers have committed self-harm or died by suicide after encountering such dangerous content.

These habits often manifest in behaviors such as ignoring real-world responsibilities, becoming irritable without access to a screen, and not getting enough sleep. As teens spend more time browsing, parents worry about the long-term impact on mental health and personal growth.