According to Dr Rakesh K Chadha, head of the psychiatry department at Amrita Hospital in Faridabad, increased involvement with social media and digital interactions is having a major impact on the mental health of young people in India.
Dr Chaddha emphasises that late childhood and adolescence are crucial periods for personality development, which continues to take hold into one's early 20s. However, the rise of technology, particularly social media, is introducing new mental health challenges into these formative years.
“Advancements in information technology and the proliferation of social media use are exacerbating mental health problems among adolescents and young adults aged 15-25,” explains Dr Chadha. He attributes this trend to several factors, including reduced physical activity, disrupted sleep patterns, and the prevalence of instant messaging, which limits time for reflection. Additionally, a decline in face-to-face interactions also contributes to these problems.
One notable impact has been the rise in Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), also known as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Dr. Chaddha reports that the prevalence of EUPD has more than doubled in the past 10 to 20 years. If left untreated, EUPD can have a severe impact on social and occupational functioning and is often accompanied by other mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and increased risk of suicide.
Dr Chadha notes that substance abuse, especially alcohol and illegal drugs, is on the rise among young people aged 15-25. Depression and anxiety disorders are becoming more common, and self-harm is being reported more frequently. These trends highlight the growing mental health challenges facing young people today.
A recent study published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry put the prevalence of BPD among university students at 22%, up from 15% in 2019 and 9% in a global meta-analysis in 2016. The data indicates a significant increase in BPD cases in India, with clinical settings reporting an increase in the number of cases over the past decade compared to 20-30 years ago.
Additionally, there are increased risks associated with cybercrime, including bullying, financial fraud and exposure to inappropriate content. Cyberbullying in particular can exacerbate mental health problems and lead to depression, social withdrawal, self-harm and substance use.
Dr. Chaddha stressed the need for healthy lifestyle interventions and called on parents, educators and policymakers to raise awareness and support young people's mental health. As digital interactions continue to shape modern life, addressing these concerns is essential to foster a healthier future for young people.
