suicide rates have risen sharply amongst
teenagers worldwide in recent years, fueled
partly by the rise of technology and social
media, forcing social networking companies to
take combative action.
But it is clear that networks need to do more. In
the UK, teachers are warning of “sadfishing” - a
growing “behavioral trend”, where people make
“exaggerated claims about their emotional
problems to generate sympathy” online,
which often results in increased mental health
problems down the road. And for those who are
genuinely suffering from debilitating conditions,
such behaviors are particularly harmful.
In today’s “looking glass,” we’re able to choose
between the real world and a comfortable
version of reality on our smartphones. Instagram
and Facebook timelines are not reality, where
everything and everyone is constantly positive,
happy, and successful. That in itself can influence
young people’s perceptions and expectations,
encouraging them to make dangerous choices.
What’s good to hear, however, is that Instagram
and Facebook are experimenting with hiding
likes though only in some markets. Whether
this will encourage us to spend less time on our
phones and more time experiencing real things
with real people remains to be seen - but it’s
certainly a start.
Image: Prateek Katyal