· Pro. RK Jain “Arijit”

Human civilization was once threatened by external pollution—from smoke, from plastic, From chemicals. But today the most deadly pollution is kept in our pockets – the glowing screen of the mobile and the world of social media running on it. This pollution is not visible, But it weakens the mind and consciousness from within. This is not for the body, Self-confidence, Eats away self-esteem and hope. This is the reason why depression has increased among youth in the last few years., The role of social media in the incidents of loneliness and suicide has become increasingly discussed. This technology came as a means of convenience, But uncontrolled use has turned it into mental poison.

The most profound impact of social media is on the tendency of comparison in the young minds. This platform creates a virtual world where every person shows only the brightest side of his life. expensive cars, great trips, Seeing these scenes of attractive faces and continuous success, an ordinary youth unconsciously starts considering himself a failure. He begins to feel that everyone else has gone far ahead of him in the race of life. This constant comparison gradually weakens the self-confidence and starts breaking the person from within.

Psychologists say that feedback on social media – likes, Comment and share—creates a kind of psychological addiction. Every time a post gets a reaction, So a chemical called dopamine is activated in the brain., Which gives momentary happiness. But this happiness binds the person to seek the same reaction again and again. When the expected response is not received, So disappointment and restlessness increases. Gradually this mental dependence makes the person’s self-esteem completely dependent on external acceptance.

Another serious aspect of this problem is cyber bullying. Social media gave freedom of expression, But it also opened new avenues of insult and harassment. People make fun of others by hiding behind anonymous identities, Make derogatory comments or make private photos viral. Self-esteem is extremely sensitive during adolescence and young adulthood.; In such a situation, public insult becomes mental trauma. In many cases, this insult is so deep that the victim youth starts feeling helpless in front of the society.

Another important fact is that social media is weakening the real relationships of youth. First person family during times of grief or stress, Used to search for solutions among friends or society. Now the same person expresses his feelings on the screen. But in the virtual world, sensitivity has often been replaced by reaction and entertainment. Many times people take even serious pain lightly or make it a joke. As a result the victim feels more isolated.

The impact of digital addiction is also clearly visible on the daily routine of the youth. Being active on mobile till late night affects sleep., Which is very important for mental health. irritability due to lack of sleep, Anxiety and lack of attention increases. studies, It has a negative impact on career and social life. When the person repeatedly feels failure or imbalance, So the feeling of despair starts deepening within him.

Another dangerous trend of social media is the illusion of the “perfect life”. This platform hides the complexities of real life and brings out only the charming moments. Conflict, Failures and moments of ordinary life are almost missing. As a result, young people watching think that everyone else is happy and successful., They are the only ones struggling. This confusion gradually weakens self-esteem and creates a negative outlook towards life.

Studies conducted in several countries in recent years indicate that there is a clear link between excessive use of social media and increasing mental problems among youth. Worry, Depression, Self-doubt and loneliness—all of these problems can be exacerbated by uncontrolled social media use. When a person is constantly immersed in a virtual world, So his ability to cope with the challenges of real life gradually begins to weaken.

The solution to this problem does not lie only in staying away from technology., Rather, it is hidden in its judicious use. It is necessary to make the youth understand that the world seen on social media is not the whole truth. This is only a chosen and decorated part of life. If youth understand this difference, So they can avoid the trap of comparison and disappointment. Along with this, digital discipline is also equally important – use for limited time., Regular relaxation and participation in real life activities.

The role of family and educational institutions is also very important. Parents should maintain communication with children and try to understand their emotional state. Mental health and digital literacy should be made part of the curriculum in schools, So that the youth can recognize the dangers of the online world. If society can create an environment of sensitivity and support in time, So many tragic incidents can be prevented.

It is not possible to deny technology today, Because she has become involved in the heartbeats of our lives. The question is not whether social media should remain or not., Rather, it is about the wisdom and responsibility with which we use it. If it is used in a balanced and conscious manner, So this is the medium of knowledge, It can become a powerful bridge of creativity and communication. But if control is lost, So these flashing screens are gradually becoming mental poison and draining the energy of our young generation., Can swallow confidence and hope from within.

Today there is a need that the society should seriously understand this invisible threat. Plastic pollutes the environment, But the unbalanced influence of social media can pollute the mind and thoughts. If we want to give youth a safe and powerful future, So we have to teach them real life values ​​more than virtual glitter. Only then this generation is not in the darkness of despair, Rather, it will be able to move forward in the light of confidence and balance.