A new study conducted by the National Koriema Medical Center in Japan reveals that 7% of young people aged 10 to 19 suffer from social media addiction. These findings highlight the growing concern regarding the negative effects of these platforms on the mental health of youth.
The study, which included over 9,000 participants, found that young people are the most active users of social media, with many struggling to reduce the time they spend on their phones. The survey was conducted from January to February 2025, with participants randomly selected from 400 locations across the country.
Survey Details and Findings
The questions posed to participants included inquiries about their attempts to reduce social media usage and whether they had lied to friends or family about the time spent on these platforms. According to the results, 30% of the youth experiencing this issue spend more than six hours online during workdays, while the figure rises to 62% on weekends.
These findings serve as a wake-up call for the Japanese government, as the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has begun discussions with relevant agencies on how to address this phenomenon. The center emphasized the importance of establishing clear guidelines for smartphone use among children, including setting appropriate times and places for usage.
Background & Context
Japan is considered one of the developed countries facing increasing challenges due to excessive technology use. In recent years, the rates of social media usage have risen significantly, leading to a surge in mental health issues such as depression and anxiety among youth. Previous studies have shown a correlation between excessive social media use and rising rates of crime and psychological problems.
In a similar context, countries like Australia and Indonesia have imposed restrictions on social media use among youth, prohibiting individuals under the age of 16 from accessing these platforms. These measures aim to protect children and adolescents from potential risks.
Impact & Consequences
These results underscore the importance of community awareness regarding the risks associated with social media. Addiction to these platforms can exacerbate psychological and social issues, necessitating government intervention and collaboration between families and schools. Furthermore, promoting awareness about responsible technology use is essential for safeguarding youth.
Moreover, the negative effects are not limited to Japan; they extend to many countries worldwide, where youth face similar challenges. Therefore, sharing experiences between countries can contribute to finding effective solutions.
Regional Significance
In the Arab world, youth also face increasing challenges due to excessive social media use. As reliance on these platforms in daily life grows, Arab governments and communities must take similar steps to protect youth from potential risks. These steps could include enhancing digital education and raising family awareness about managing technology use.
In conclusion, the results of this survey serve as a call to reflect on how to use social media responsibly, as there must be joint efforts to protect youth from the risks associated with addiction to these platforms.