Extensive use of technology, social media is detrimental to mental health, says expert

Prayagraj: Extensive usage of technology and social media platforms is putting the mental health and personality development of local youth aged between 15 and 25 years at considerable risk, said doctors at MLN Divisional Hospital (Colvin).
They claimed that cases of mood swings and personality disorders have significantly increased, and they were attending 10-15 cases per month. Over 269 cases were reported in the past year.
Senior psychiatrist at Colvin hospital Dr Rakesh Paswan told TOI: "There is a significant increase in cases of mood swings and personality disorders among youngsters, and doctors are attending 15-20 cases monthly. If untreated, it can severely impact social and job-related functioning, and mental health issues like depression, anxiety and substance abuse." Dr Paswan said there is a close connection between excessive use of social media and personality disorders. "Some studies even show that in many personality disorders like histrionic, narcissistic, and borderline personality disorders, a person uses social media more and is also more affected by it. This means that due to excessive use of social media, many mild personality disorders turn into severe cases," he added. Paswan added that due to personality disorders, a person develops irritability, anger, sadness and lack of confidence while talking to people.
"The reason for personality disorders due to the use of social media is the chemical change in the brain in which dopamine and serotonin play an important role," he added. Dr Paswan further said many times it happens that excessive use of social media in childhood causes conduct disorder that later takes the form of anti-social personality.
The rise of social media and online interactions has had a negative impact on mental health. Increased screen time has led to less physical activity, disrupted sleep patterns, and reduced face-to-face interactions, which are all essential for mental well-being.Dr Paswan said health units have initiated an awareness campaign about the harmful effects of excessive digital technology use among youngsters. The hospital authorities are carrying out examinations, treatment, and counselling sessions for affected people.