IMPACT OF SCREEN USE ON ADOLESCENTS' WORSENING MENTAL HEALTH

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.15951225240215

• Palavras-chave: Mental health. Screen. Social Media.

• Keywords: Mental health. Screen. Social Media.

• Abstract:

  Excessive screen time, especially on social networks, has been associated with increased rates of anxiety and depression. The aim of this study is therefore to develop a study on the impact of screen use on the mental health of adolescents, showing how excessive use harms their quality of life. The methodology used in the study was a literature review, based on books and scientific articles from various databases on the subject. The results showed that excessive exposure to digital content, especially on social networks, can negatively affect young people's self-esteem, increase feelings of isolation and interfere with their ability to socialize in the real world. In addition, there is evidence that overexposure to screens directly affects adolescents' brain development, compromising cognitive functions such as attention, memory and emotional regulation. The conclusion emphasizes that the solution does not lie in banning the use of screens, but in promoting conscious and balanced use, which is why it is essential for parents, educators and health professionals to encourage healthy habits, such as setting limits on screen time, encouraging physical and social activities in person and digital education for a more conscious and safe consumption of content.