Digital media and its impact on mental health and identity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46502/issn.1856-7576/2024.18.04.20Keywords:
Media influence, media literacy, mental health, identity, social network analysis, school curriculum.Abstract
The ubiquity of digital information has transformed the way young people interact with media and construct their identities. This reality poses challenges, such as the dissemination of fake news and the impact on mental health. This study explores the relationship between middle school students in Colombia and the digital age, aiming to understand how they navigate the vast ocean of digital information and how this influences their media literacy, mental health, and identity in the school environment. A mixed methodology was employed, combining surveys and interviews to collect data on media consumption habits, identity perceptions, and experiences related to mental well-being. The results revealed a gap in students' ability to discern the veracity of information and manage the pressure to present an ideal online self-image. Furthermore, a prevalence of feelings of stress and anxiety associated with the use of digital media was observed. It is concluded that it is crucial to implement robust media education in school curricula to equip young people with the skills necessary to interact critically and healthily with digital media in the modern era.
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