According to a recent survey conducted by Fortis hospital, around 82% of high school students studying psychology in India have reported that social media has played a significant role in shaping their opinions and attitudes. The study sampled students from over 200 schools across key cities in the country, portraying a clear picture of the effect of digital platforms on the nation’s youth.
Public Perception and Misconceptions
The general consensus among the public indicates a belief that social media is addictive and harmful for young people. Many suggest that adolescents should limit or even avoid its use. However, this impulsive response neglects to consider that like many tools, social media can have both positive and negative effects which largely depend on how the user engages with the platform.
The Role of Social Media in Awareness and Education
Interestingly, the same study found that a significant 78% of the 4,000 polled students spent considerable time on social media daily. Despite the perceived addiction, these students believe that social media could be leveraged as a tool to spread awareness and debunk myths surrounding mental health issues.
Media Literacy Among Students
Regarding awareness about mental health, 46% of those surveyed felt that mainstream media was not doing enough in this area. Another 32% were of the opinion that mainstream coverage has, in fact, contributed to the stigmatization of mental health issues, not reducing it.
| Response | Students (%) |
|---|---|
| Social media influences attitudes | 82 |
| Time Spent Daily on Social Media | 78 |
| Mainstream Media Ignores Mental Health | 46 |
| Mainstream Media Increases Stigma | 32 |
Using Media as a Positive Tool
The Fortis survey also revealed a positive statistic – 94% of students believed that social media, if used correctly, could be a powerful tool for creating awareness about various issues. This finding demonstrates the need for children to understand that media is not a one-way communication channel.
The Need for Parental Involvement
Children need guidance from their parents or guardians about the authenticity of news and information they consume online. It is crucial for them to discern whether the news appeals to their emotions or is based on verified facts. Parents, therefore, have an essential role in promoting media literacy among their children. This would enable kids to utilize media platforms more effectively and responsibly, thereby turning these into beneficial tools rather than harmful distractions.
