“We’re Still Scrolling”: How Social Media Shapes the Mental Health of Youth
February 24, 2026 | By Abhishek
These are real voices. Real feelings. Real scrolls through the lives of young people in India today. In a country where over 491 million people are online and a large portion of them are under 25, the impact of social media on mental health is no longer a side conversation. It’s the main story. And it’s unfolding every day on our phones, through likes, loops, filters, and endless scrolling.
How social media shapes choices and identity
In today’s India, where millions of young people are growing up online, the emotional impact of social media is both intensely personal and broadly shared. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp have become central to daily life, yet features like endless scrolling, filters, and like counts quietly shape our self-worth. In my conversations with friends about the impact of social media on their mental health, one of the most common responses was that social media directly influences their choices and actions. Many of them admitted that they are frequently influenced by social media influencers, trying to outdo lifestyles and behaviours that they don't actually want in their real lives. Their thoughts and actions aren't entirely their own anymore; they feel like they are pretending to be someone they admire online. Over time, this imitation creates a gap between who they truly are and who they feel they need to be to gain validation. This disconnect can lower self-esteem, as they constantly feel inadequate or fake. It also leads to identity confusion, where they struggle to distinguish their real preferences, goals, and values from the curated personas they follow online.
Influencer culture and the pressure to perform
While some acknowledged that social media can have positive effects, they also noted a concerning trend: when people use social media to flaunt their wealth and power, it has a negative influence on youth. Although these figures are not the primary influencers most young people look up to, their flashy lifestyles attract attention and admiration from a section of youth, especially those lacking positive role models or economic opportunities. This can lead some to romanticize crime or risky behaviour, hoping to achieve similar status or recognition. Many young people aspire to live like these influencers, and this can lead them to engage in activities they never would have considered otherwise such as petty theft, online scams, or joining local gangs—all in an attempt to imitate the fast-paced, flashy lifestyles they see online. For some, it may also mean dropping out of school, prioritizing social media fame over education or work, or engaging in risky behaviour just to gain attention and validation, pushing them into situations they never intended to be a part of.
Why app bans don’t fix the bigger problem
When I asked my friends about the government’s policies regarding the banning of certain apps, such as TikTok in India, their perspectives were mixed. TikTok was once one of the most engaging social media platforms for youth, and its ban had a significant impact. On the positive side, TikTok gave many skilled and professional people an opportunity to influence and educate the masses, using their platform for social good. The app provided a space where people could showcase their talents and engage with others in a meaningful way. However, on the flip side, the ban had its drawbacks. Despite the ban, many young people continued to experience mental stress and health issues. After TikTok was banned, users migrated to platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat, which offer similar content and social pressures. As a result, the ban did not significantly reduce screen dependency or comparison-driven stress, limiting its effectiveness in improving youth mental health. Despite the government’s action, young people simply found alternative platforms to engage with, which didn’t change the overall impact on their mental health.
The emergence of mental health awareness
When I asked them if they hoped to see changes on social media in the coming years to better support their mental health, most said that mental health is still an emerging topic. It is only recently that the concept of mental health among youth has begun to gain traction, but for many, it is still considered secondary relative to other academic, social, and career-related priorities in their lives. Mental health is often something that isn’t openly discussed, especially in rural areas, where stigma and lack of awareness remain strong. In contrast, urban areas have seen more open conversations, supported by better access to education, digital media, and mental health services. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift even in rural regions, with more families beginning to recognise the importance of mental well-being.
To build on this progress, targeted awareness campaigns, school-based programs, and community health workers can play a vital role in normalizing mental health discussions across both settings. Parents are becoming more aware of the importance of mental health and are encouraging their children to engage in media in a more balanced way, alongside physical activities. According to the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16 by NIMHANS, 10.6% of adults in India suffer from mental disorders, and since the pandemic, people have begun to take mental health more seriously.
That said, in rural areas, many young people still engage with social media without doing any productive work, and the concept of mental health is often non-existent for them. They mostly use these platforms to watch short videos, follow viral trends, or share content for likes and attention, often without any clear purpose or gain. This is largely due to a lack of education and awareness about their own well-being. While social media continues to shape their lives, they may not yet recognize the toll it’s taking on their mental health.
At the same time, many young people are also using social media in positive ways to raise awareness about mental health, share personal experiences, support one another, and follow pages that promote self-care, motivation, and learning. Platforms are also being used to access free counseling, join mental health communities, and learn mindfulness practices.
Moving toward a healthier digital future
As awareness grows, both on social media platforms and in homes, we can hope for a more balanced and supportive digital future. But this change also begins with us by setting boundaries on screen time, curating healthier online spaces, and being more mindful of what we consume. Talking openly about our emotions, reaching out for help when needed, and encouraging our peers to do the same are small but powerful steps toward protecting our mental well-being in the digital age.
In conclusion, while social media continues to shape the lives of young people in India, its impact on mental health cannot be ignored. As the digital landscape evolves, so too must our approach to mental well-being. The conversation around mental health is just beginning, but it’s clear that youth are looking for safer, more authentic spaces online.
About the author
Abhishek Raj is a second-year B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) student at Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj. He has a keen interest in legal aid services, corporate law, as well as human rights and environmental law. Passionate about using law as a tool for social change, he actively engages in discussions around justice, access, and youth development.
Additional Tools and Insights 📚
Tips for Taking Care of Your Mental Health in a Digital World: Learn insights and strategies for protecting your wellbeing while staying connected.
GoodforMEdia Guides and Tools: Explore a list of resources created by youth to help their peers and adult allies navigate the positive and negative aspects of social media.
Sources 🔍
Kemp, Simon. “Digital 2025: India — DataReportal — Global Digital Insights.” DataReportal, 25 February 2025, https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2025-india. Accessed 18 November 2025.
Share Your Perspective 💬
Have tips, stories, or strategies for healthy social media use? Submit a testimonial to share your perspective and help others navigate online spaces. Learn more and share.