Maintaining Mental Health and Psychological Balance Amidst Social Media Pressures

Social media has fundamentally reshaped lifestyles globally, and Indonesia is no exception, with daily usage rates among teenagers reaching staggering levels. Data from the Association of Indonesian Internet Service Providers (APJII) reveals that in 2025, approximately 93% of adolescents aged 13–19 actively used social media, dedicating an average of 5.8 hours per day to these platforms. This intense engagement transforms social media from a mere entertainment tool into a significant space that shapes users' mindsets, emotions, and identities.

Beyond connectivity, this pervasive use carries substantial psychological consequences. The Indonesian Ministry of Health reported in 2023 that about 20% of the population, or 54 million people, suffer from emotional mental disorders. Alarmingly, 9.8% of adolescents have experienced thoughts of ending their lives. Further research from the University of Indonesia indicates that 95.4% of young people aged 16–24 have shown symptoms of anxiety, with 88% experiencing symptoms of depression.

While social media is not the sole cause, numerous studies consistently link its intensive use to declining mental health, particularly among adolescents and young adults. This phenomenon creates a digital paradox: technology intended to simplify life can become a source of new psychological stress. Constant social comparison, the pursuit of validation through likes and followers, fear of missing out (FOMO), and exposure to cyberbullying all contribute to reduced psychological well-being.

These issues are particularly relevant when discussing the so-called "strawberry generation" – young people who grew up with social media and are perceived as more emotionally vulnerable. This article aims to analyze how social media pressures impact mental health and psychological balance in Indonesia and identify strategies for maintaining well-being amidst unavoidable digitalization.