Assessing Youth Dependency on Social Media: An Analytical Study

The pervasive influence of social media on contemporary youth has sparked considerable academic interest, particularly in understanding the extent and implications of their dependency on these platforms. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to youth dependency on social media, with a focus on the psychological and social consequences of this phenomenon. Through a critical review of existing literature, the research identifies key issues such as social comparison, smartphone addiction, and the Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) as significant contributors to the increasing reliance on social media among young individuals. The findings reveal a complex interplay between social media use and the mental health of youth, suggesting that while social media offers benefits such as connectivity and access to information, it also poses risks related to psychological well-being and social behavior. The paper concludes with recommendations for fostering responsible social media use, emphasizing the need for strategies that mitigate the negative impacts while leveraging the positive potential of these platforms. This study contributes to the broader discourse on digital media and youth, offering insights that are pertinent for educators, policymakers, and mental health professionals in addressing the challenges posed by social media dependency