Social media addiction - the 'damaging, negative impact' | ITV News

Summary

In this insightful discussion, a group of young individuals from various backgrounds and professions share their perspectives on the rising mental health issues among millennials and Gen Z. They explore the impact of social media, societal pressures, and the struggle to balance multiple responsibilities. The conversation delves into the accessibility and affordability of mental health care, the cultural stigmas surrounding it, and the importance of addressing mental health from a young age. The participants also critique the media's portrayal of mental health, emphasizing the need for a more empathetic and accurate representation.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The script discusses the increased visibility and discussion of mental health issues among young people, particularly millennials and Gen Z.
• 📱 The impact of technology and social media is highlighted as a factor contributing to mental health pressures, with the ease of comparison to others' lives.
• 🏫 The script mentions the academic pressures faced by students, with some dropping out due to mental health conditions, indicating the stress in educational environments.
• 💊 Financial struggles are noted as a barrier to accessing mental health care, with the cost of medication being a specific concern.
• 🤔 There's a debate about whether the societal expectations to excel in multiple areas simultaneously contribute to mental health issues.
• 🍽️ The script uses the metaphor of needing to make every activity 'Instagram-worthy' to illustrate the pressure to perform and share life events on social media.
• 💬 The conversation touches on the lack of immediate professional help for mental health issues, with long waiting lists for therapy being a common issue.
• 🌍 Cultural differences in addressing mental health are mentioned, with some communities relying more on prayer and less on professional care.
• 🏥 The script points out the lack of appropriate facilities for mental health care, comparing it to physical health care where there are clear pathways.
• 📸 There's criticism of the way mental health is sometimes portrayed in the media, questioning whether it's for entertainment or genuine support.
• 🤝 The participants in the script agree that while mental health is being talked about more, there's still a need to ensure the conversation is constructive and helpful.

Q & A

What is the general consensus among the participants about the prevalence of mental health issues among young people today?

The participants believe that mental health issues have always been present but are now more openly discussed and recognized. They suggest that the pressures and societal expectations have changed over time, leading to increased visibility and reporting of mental health problems.

How does technology impact the mental health of young people according to the discussion?

The participants suggest that technology, particularly social media, contributes to mental health issues by enabling constant comparison with others' lives and promoting an 'all-at-once' mentality, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and stress.

What is the role of educational institutions in the mental health struggles faced by students, as mentioned in the transcript?

The transcript indicates that the stress of academic life can lead to mental health issues, with one participant mentioning that over half of their cohort dropped out due to mental health conditions.

How do societal expectations and social media influence the perception of success and self-worth among young people?

The participants discuss that societal expectations and social media create a pressure to excel in all aspects of life, leading to a fear of missing out and a need for validation through likes and shares on social media.

What challenges do young people face in accessing mental health care and treatment, as discussed in the transcript?

The transcript highlights issues such as long waiting lists for therapy, the financial burden of prescriptions, and the lack of immediate help for those in non-crisis situations.

How do cultural factors influence the perception and treatment of mental health issues?

The participants mention that in some African and Eastern cultures, mental health issues are not well understood and are often addressed through prayer or religious means, rather than seeking professional help.

What is the impact of financial constraints on individuals' ability to maintain their mental health treatment?

One participant shares that they have not taken their antidepressants for about two years due to financial constraints, choosing to prioritize other bills over their medication.

How does the media's portrayal of mental health contribute to public understanding and misconceptions?

The transcript suggests that the media often uses imagery that may be sensationalized or stigmatizing, such as pictures of people holding their heads in distress, which may not always contribute positively to the understanding of mental health.

What are the participants' views on the necessity of professional care for mental health issues, as opposed to relying solely on religious or spiritual practices?

While acknowledging that religion can provide comfort to some, the participants emphasize the need for professional care in addressing mental health issues, suggesting that prayer alone is not a sufficient solution.

How do the participants perceive the societal pressure to constantly perform and achieve, and how does this affect mental health?

The participants feel that there is an expectation to excel in every aspect of life, which can lead to stress and mental health issues, especially when individuals feel they are not living up to these expectations.

What insights do the participants offer regarding the early onset of mental health issues and the importance of addressing them in schools?

The transcript indicates that mental health issues can start early in life, with the participants discussing the need for awareness and support in schools to help young people cope with the pressures they face.