Social media has become an integral part of modern life, reshaping how people communicate, learn, and entertain themselves. However, its pervasive influence has led to adverse consequences, particularly for the younger generation. This research paper examines how social media impacts today's generation, highlighting its role in undermining mental health, fostering addiction, and promoting a superficial sense of connection.

The study delves into the concept of "social media murdering young brains," illustrating the cognitive and emotional toll it takes on youth. Additionally, it explores how excessive social media usage contributes to brain drain, stifling creativity and productivity. Precautionary measures are proposed to mitigate the over-influence of social media, emphasizing the superiority of traditional life characterized by genuine interpersonal relationships, mindful living, and a balanced lifestyle. The paper concludes by advocating for a return to the principles of traditional life to reclaim the essence of human well-being.

Introduction
The advent of social media has revolutionised the way people interact and share information. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have become indispensable tools for communication, entertainment, and self-expression. Yet, as social media penetrates every aspect of daily life, its drawbacks have become increasingly evident. The excessive use of social media has led to psychological, social, and cognitive challenges, raising questions about its long-term impact on society. This paper investigates the adverse effects of social media, particularly on the younger generation, and contrasts these with the benefits of traditional life, which offers deeper connections and a more meaningful existence.

How It Affects Today's Generation
The younger generation, often termed "digital natives," is most vulnerable to the allure of social media. Constant exposure to curated lives and unattainable standards perpetuated on these platforms fosters feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression. Social media's addictive nature, driven by algorithms designed to maximize user engagement, has led to a significant decline in attention spans and face-to-face interactions.

The obsession with "likes" and "followers" has replaced authentic self-worth with external validation, creating a generation that struggles with self-identity and emotional stability. For this purpose, they are ready for everything they do not care about obscenity, nudeness or anything else. Sometimes they perform dangerous stunts they lead to cause their death.

Some of the most notable incidents highlighting the dark side of social media are:
Case Study:

1. Sofia Cheung story: A 32-year-old social media influencer from Hong Kong, tragically lost her life in July 2021 while attempting to take a daring photo for her Instagram followers. Known for her adventurous posts, Sofia fell 16 feet to her death from a waterfall in the Ha Pak Lai nature park while posing for a picture.[1]
   
   Sofia's death highlights the growing trend of individuals risking their lives for social media clout. Her story quickly went viral, prompting discussions about the dangers of performing life-threatening stunts to gain popularity. Experts have pointed out that social media algorithms, which reward risky and sensational content, may inadvertently encourage such dangerous behavior.[2] This incident is one among many that underline the urgent need for greater awareness about responsible content creation on social media platforms.
    
2. Vivek (2019): An 18-year-old from Bihar's Hajipur, Vivek, attempted a dangerous stunt for a TikTok video by running alongside a moving train. Unfortunately, he lost his balance, was struck by the train, and died from his injuries.[3]
    
3. Kumar (2019): A 22-year-old singer and dancer from Karnataka, Kumar, attempted a backflip for a TikTok video. He severely injured his spine and was later paralyzed before succumbing to his injuries.[4]
4. Nishant Saini and Deepak Saini (2024): Two friends from Alwar, Rajasthan, Nishant and Deepak, were performing a bike stunt while filming a social media reel. They collided with a car, leading to Nishant's death on the spot, and Deepak later died in the hospital.[5]
    
5. Karan Parmar (2024): In Madhya Pradesh's Morena district, 11-year-old Karan Parmar died after hanging himself while attempting a prank video for social media. He accidentally lost consciousness, leading to his death.[6]
    
6. The Tragic Tale of Amanda Todd: The case of Amanda Todd, a Canadian teenager who became a victim of cyberbullying. Amanda was relentlessly harassed online after an explicit photo of her was shared without her consent. The psychological distress ultimately led her to take her own life, sparking global conversations about the dangers of social media and online harassment. This case underscores the need for stronger safeguards against cyberbullying.[7]
    
7. Social Media's Role in the Death of Vismaya Nair (2021): The tragic case of Vismaya Nair, a 22-year-old medical student from Kerala, India, underscores the dangerous impact of social media on personal lives. Vismaya was found dead in her marital home in June 2021, following alleged harassment over dowry. Vismaya had shared images and messages with her relatives via WhatsApp, detailing the physical abuse and dowry harassment she suffered at the hands of her husband.
   
   These messages were later shared on social media platforms, sparking widespread outrage and discussions on the dowry system and domestic violence in India. The virality of her story led to significant public pressure, prompting a swift police investigation and legal proceedings against her husband, who was convicted of dowry death and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Social media acted as a catalyst in bringing attention to the case, amplifying calls for justice and highlighting the pervasive issue of dowry-related violence in Indian society.[8]

Social Media Murdered Young Brain

Social media's impact on cognitive development and mental health is profound. Studies show that excessive screen time impairs memory retention, reduces empathy, and increases stress levels. The constant barrage of notifications and updates fragments attention, making it difficult for young people to focus on meaningful tasks. Additionally, cyberbullying and online harassment have become rampant, leading to severe psychological distress and, in extreme cases, tragic outcomes such as self-harm and suicide.

Evidence from Research

• A study conducted by Twenge et al. demonstrated a correlation between increased social media use and rising rates of anxiety and depression among adolescents.
  • The findings revealed that teens spending over three hours daily on social media were more likely to develop mental health issues than those with limited exposure.
  • These insights underline the urgent need to address this growing concern.^[9]
     

How It Causes Brain Drain

• Beyond individual harm, social media contributes to societal brain drain by encouraging passive consumption over active engagement.
  • It stifles creativity and innovation.
  • The rise of "doom scrolling" and endless content consumption has diverted energy from productive endeavors, leading to a decline in intellectual growth and problem-solving abilities.
     

Real-World Example: Declining Reading Habits

• The decline in reading habits among young people serves as a stark example.
  • According to a survey by the National Endowment for the Arts, the percentage of young adults who read for pleasure has significantly decreased.
  • Social media was cited as a primary distraction.
  • This cultural shift highlights the broader impact of digital distractions on intellectual development.^[10]
     

Precautions to Control the Over-Influence of Social Media

• Addressing the overreach of social media requires a multifaceted approach:
• Education and awareness campaigns should inform users about the potential harms of excessive usage.
• Implementing screen-time regulations, promoting digital detox initiatives, and encouraging offline activities can help mitigate its impact.
• Parents and educators must play an active role in guiding the younger generation toward a balanced approach to technology.
   

Policy Recommendations

• Digital Literacy Education:
  • Integrating digital literacy into school curricula to help students critically evaluate online content and manage their screen time.
• Government Regulations:
  • Introducing policies to limit the data collection and addictive design features of social media platforms.
• Community Initiatives:
  • Organizing local workshops and events promoting offline hobbies and social interactions.

Conclusion
In conclusion, while social media offers undeniable benefits, its overuse has significant drawbacks, particularly for the younger generation. The erosion of mental health, cognitive abilities, and social bonds underscores the need for a paradigm shift. Embracing the values of traditional life—rooted in real-world connections, mindful living, and personal growth—offers a path to reclaiming the essence of human well-being. By striking a balance between digital engagement and offline experiences, society can harness the potential of social media while safeguarding the holistic development of its members.

End Notes:

1. South China Morning Post, Hong Kong Instagram Influencer Sofia Cheung Dies While Taking Waterfall Selfie, (July 12, 2021), available at https://www.scmp.com.
2. The Guardian, Death by Social Media: The Risks of Dangerous Stunts for Online Fame, (July 15, 2021), available at https://www.theguardian.com.
3. India Today, Bihar: Boy Dies While Performing TikTok Stunt with Moving Train, (Aug. 1, 2019), available at https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bihar-hajipur-boy-dead-train-stunt-tiktok-video-1575843-2019-08-01.
4. The Hindu, Karnataka: Man Paralyzed After TikTok Stunt Dies, (July 14, 2019), available at https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/man-paralysed-after-tiktok-stunt-dies/article28120212.ece.
5. India Today, Rajasthan: Youths Performing Bike Stunts for Social Media Reel Die in Car Crash, (Sept. 22, 2024), available at https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/youths-performing-bike-stunts-shooting-reel-in-rajasthan-alwar-meet-car-accident-dead-2604225-2024-09-22.
6. The Telegraph India, Madhya Pradesh: Boy Dies While Shooting Prank Video for Social Media, (March 25, 2024), available at https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/madhya-pradesh-11-year-old-boy-dies-while-shooting-prank-reel-for-social-media-in-morena/cid/2035254.
7. Amanda Todd Foundation, Amanda's Story, available at https://amandatoddlegacy.org (last visited Dec. 24, 2024).
8. BBC News, Vismaya Case: How Social Media Amplified Justice for a Kerala Woman, (June 28, 2021), available at https://www.bbc.com.
9. Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K., Associations between Screen Time and Lower Psychological Well-being Among Children and Adolescents, Journal of Adolescence, Vol. 75, 2018, pp. 41–50.
10. National Endowment for the Arts, Reading at Risk: A Survey of Literary Reading in America, Research Report #47, 2020, available at https://www.arts.gov/ (last visited Dec. 24, 2024).

Written By: Gautam Kumar Mahto, Ph.D. Scholar In Radha Govind University, University Law College (Vinoba Bhave University), Hazaribagh