THE IMPACT OF EXPOSURE TO SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUNG ADOLESCENTS WITH A FOCUS ON INSTAGRAM

Abstract

 Social media and the internet are a reality that permeates contemporary life. The facilitated access to technology substantially reconfigures how they establish their interpersonal connections, express their opinions while exploring the virtual universe. The article investigates the comparison with idealized standards of beauty and success, can lead to problems such as the deterioration of self-esteem, the emergence of anxious and depressive cuadros, sleep disturbances and distortions of self-image. It is noteworthy the ability of Instagram to instigate feelings of inadequacy and loneliness among young people, who feel excluded from the idealized narratives on the platform. The deleterious effects of cyberbullying and the social pressure that permeates the virtual environment stand out, as consequences for the mental health of young adolescents. The relationship between the excessive use of Instagram and the challenges faced in sleep, concentration and emotional regulation makes evident the contribution to a vicious cycle. The method in this study is qualitative, using the literature review that seeks to identify through detailed descriptions and theoretical concepts. The research interprets the use and exposure and the intentions of the individuals investigated, when exposed to the platform, providing a representation of the mental health picture through behaviors such as self-esteem, comparison, sleep disturbances and mental disorders of the young people involved. Preventive strategies that include the promotion of self-esteem and the establishment of healthy limits, aiming to mitigate the effects of the impact of exposure on the mental health of young adolescents, with a focus on Instagram, deepen the understanding of the psychological factors.