Digital Pressure and Spiritual Coping: Social Media and Adolescent Mental Health in Catholic Schools in East Indonesia

The increasing integration of social media into adolescent life has prompted concerns regarding its psychological impact, especially in educational environments lacking digital literacy support. This study investigates how social media use affects the mental health of Catholic secondary students under the Yaswari Foundation in the Archdiocese of Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, and examines the role of Catholic spirituality and institutional support as coping mechanisms. The research adopted a descriptive qualitative method using a collective case study design within a constructivist paradigm. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, limited participatory observation, and analysis of digital artifacts, involving 32 students, 4 religion teachers, 3 counselors, and 2 priests. Thematic analysis revealed five dominant patterns: self-expression and identity formation, social comparison and psychological strain, emotional disturbances, spiritual coping mechanisms, and institutional responses. Findings show that excessive social media use correlates with emotional distress, including depressive symptoms, anxiety, and disrupted concentration. However, spiritual practices and theological concepts such as Imago Dei significantly enhanced students’ resilience and self-esteem. Despite partial school interventions, institutional policy gaps remain. The study concludes that integrating value based digital literacy and structured spiritual formation within Catholic schools is essential for promoting adolescent well-being in the digital era.