Publications

In the past two decades, the pervasive influence of new media has significantly shaped the lives of today's youth,presenting both unprecedented opportunities and unique challenges. Social networking platforms offer dailyavenues for connecting with peers, classmates, and like-minded individuals. Extensive research has started touncover the impact of social media experiences on adolescents' mental well-being. While acknowledging theirdevelopmental benefits, it's imperative to recognize the potential risks associated with excessive social mediaengagement, particularly concerning the emotional health of young individuals. This research delves into thepotential and challenges posed by social media platforms on the mental health of youths. However, as the digitallandscape continues to evolve rapidly, further investigation is essential. Present studies often rely on self-reporteddata on adolescent media usage, limited to singular time points, thereby hindering definitive conclusions onwhether media use directly influences mental health outcomes or vice versa. Future research should adopt morecomprehensive approaches, such as direct observation of adolescents' social media activities, and move beyondtraditional notions of mere "screen time." It's crucial to explore specific social media experiences and individualtraits that render certain adolescents more susceptible to the positive or negative effects of social media.Keywords: Social Media, Youth, Mental Health, Adolescents, Digital Influence