A new wave of research highlights a troubling connection between high social media use and the amplification of delusional thinking, raising fresh concerns about the impact of online platforms on mental health. The phenomenon, described as “Delusion Amplification by Social Media,” points to a worrying trend: while digital tools connect millions, they may also embolden certain mental health disorders, like narcissism, paranoia, and body dysmorphia, particularly among vulnerable users (The Conversation, PsyPost).
Social media has quickly woven itself into the fabric of everyday life, from the halls of Bangkok high schools to นครราชสีมา’s bustling cafes. Thai people, like others worldwide, use these platforms to maintain friendships, promote businesses, and exchange ideas in new ways never seen before. But as the prevalence of social networking continues to grow, so does concern about its darker side. The recent systematic review by Bernard Crespi and Nancy Yang, published in April 2025, systematically analyzed hundreds of scientific articles and concluded that high social media use is closely associated with mentalistic traits and delusional disorders—patterns that should not be ignored by the Thai public or policymakers.
Delusions, in this context, refer to beliefs that clearly contradict reality, such as the conviction that one is extremely attractive (narcissism), that a celebrity is secretly in love with you (erotomania), or the persistent misperception of one’s body shape (body dysmorphia, anorexia). Social media provides an environment ripe for such thinking: users can curate images, receive instant validation through likes, and construct the digital version of themselves in whatever ways they wish, insulated from the reality checks of face-to-face social contact. The authors argue that these platforms can “amplify” delusional thinking by circumventing the subtle, corrective feedback that people receive during physical, in-person social interaction.
The findings present critical implications for Thailand’s society. According to a 2023 report by Hootsuite and We Are Social, Thais rank among the world’s top nations for daily social media use, averaging over two hours online each day. This digital immersion can leave young people in particular—the digital native generation—most at risk if they already struggle with self-esteem or mental health vulnerabilities. Indeed, local clinicians and educators report rising rates of body image disorders and anxiety among Thai teens, possibly mirroring these global patterns (The Lancet).
Dr. Crespi and Dr. Yang’s model, dubbed “Delusion Amplification by Social Media,” suggests that certain people—those with an underdeveloped sense of self, often due to early social adversity—are drawn to social media because it lets them bolster fragile identities. But instead of healing, the constant comparison, performance, and validation-seeking can worsen symptoms, amplifying both positive delusions (excessive self-regard) and negative ones (feelings of persecution or self-loathing).
Their findings are echoed by other recent international research, such as a Simon Fraser University study which revealed that social media’s focus on aesthetic beauty and online perfection especially fuels delusional thinking and body-related disorders (bioengineer.org). Meanwhile, a systematic review published in BMC Psychiatry proposed that the features of mainstream platforms—such as endless scrolling, algorithmic amplification, and the ability to curate online identities—directly encourage these dangerous forms of mental escapism (BMC Psychiatry).
Thai culture has traditionally valued close community life, face-to-face respect (ไหว้), and subtle social harmony (เกรงใจ). These values can buffer against the worst excesses of online life. However, the ongoing shift to digital communication, especially among urban youth, means that traditional protective factors may be eroding. As Dr. Suvimon Phongsathorn, a psychiatrist specializing in adolescent health in Bangkok, told the Bangkok Post: “We’re seeing more young patients for issues related to body image and social anxiety. Social media can reinforce false beliefs about beauty, popularity, or social status that simply aren’t true in the real world.” Her observation mirrors the global pattern, but also highlights the way local context and culture shape the risks faced by Thai youth.
Expert advice focuses on increased awareness and self-monitoring. Dr. Crespi’s team suggests individuals examine their online habits critically, recognizing when engagement becomes compulsive or is tied to negative emotions. “We must become aware of the rift between our online and offline selves,” the authors explain, “and what drives them.” For Thai parents, educators, and community leaders, this means fostering open conversations about image, belonging, and mental health, rather than treating social media as a simple source of fun or business opportunity.
Data from the National Institute of Child and Family Development (NICFD) at Mahidol University show that Thai teens with higher daily social media usage are up to 30% more likely to report symptoms of depression and self-esteem issues—a trend that aligns with the “delusion amplification” hypothesis. These findings are significant at a time when Thailand is grappling with a rising national youth suicide rate and mental health professionals are in short supply in rural provinces.
A major challenge is the seductive nature of these platforms: sophisticated algorithms are designed to maximize engagement and encourage recursive feedback loops, rewarding attention-seeking behavior while penalizing attempts at healthy disconnection. “For some users,” says Dr. Saranrat Jirapat, a digital culture specialist at Chulalongkorn University, “logging off isn’t just about self-control; it’s about tearing themselves away from a system that’s designed to be addictive.”
Internationally, the pattern is much the same. According to research published in The Lancet, adolescent health and mental wellbeing are closely linked to online behaviors, with policymakers in Europe and the US considering regulations to protect youth from excessive exposure and algorithmic manipulation (The Lancet). In Thailand, governmental initiatives like the Digital Economy Plan and Mental Health Master Plan are beginning to address these risks, but implementation remains patchy and urban-rural divides persist.
Looking to the future, there are two primary recommendations from the emerging body of research: First, individuals and families should cultivate a more mindful and critical approach to social media, setting boundaries and prioritizing face-to-face social interactions wherever possible. For example, families might schedule technology-free meals, schools might offer workshops about digital literacy and body positivity, and mental health campaigns might be rolled out across LINE or TikTok to reach at-risk teens in their comfort zones.
Second, further research—and open acknowledgment of the risks—are needed. As the authors put it, “We must extend the delusion amplification model and better determine the psychological and neurological differences between in-person and virtual interactions, and what mental problems they can cause.” Thai universities, NGOs, and policymakers have an opportunity to lead in this area, designing culturally sensitive studies that consider the unique values and pressures of Thai society.
Ultimately, as more evidence emerges, the question for Thai society will not be whether to reject digital technology, but how to use it wisely. As we say in Thai, “กินข้าวให้ถูกต้อง กินสื่อให้พอดี”—just as we must eat wisely to be healthy, we should consume media mindfully for mental health. By raising awareness, supporting one another, and fostering open dialogue, all levels of Thai society can learn to recognize the distortions of the digital mirror—and help the next generation stay grounded in reality.
For those concerned about the impact of social media on themselves or loved ones, experts recommend regular “digital detox” days, consulting with mental health professionals when needed, and maintaining strong community ties—whether through family, temple, or other forms of in-person contact.
Sources:
- The Conversation - Amplifying delusions: How social media can negatively impact our mental well-being
- PsyPost - Social media’s disturbing role in “delusion amplification”
- StudyFinds - Social media ‘becoming breeding ground’ for delusions
- SFU Research Reveals Link Between Social Media Usage and Escalation of Delusional Disorders
- BMC Psychiatry - Delusion Amplification by Social Media
- The Lancet - Navigating the complexities of adolescent health and social media
- Healthline - Your Guide to Creating a Healthier Relationship with Social Media
- National Institute of Child and Family Development, Mahidol University