A growing body of research links heavy social media use with amplified delusional thinking, raising new questions about how online platforms affect mental well-being in Thailand. Researchers describe a pattern called Delusion Amplification by Social Media, where digital environments can intensify certain mental health symptoms rather than alleviate them.
Social media is now a staple in Thai life, from Bangkok schools to provincial cafes. People use these platforms to connect, promote ideas, and run businesses. Yet concerns about their darker effects grow as online engagement rises. A comprehensive study published in 2025 analyzed hundreds of articles and found that high social media use is associated with stronger tendencies toward narcissism, paranoia, and body image concerns. These insights are relevant for Thai educators, clinicians, and policymakers seeking to protect vulnerable users.
In this framework, delusions refer to beliefs that clash with reality, such as exaggerated self-importance, fantasies of romantic interest from a public figure, or persistent misperceptions about body image. Social media enables curated identities and rapid validation through likes, often shielding users from real-world checks. The researchers argue that online environments can amplify delusional thinking by bypassing the corrective feedback present in face-to-face interactions.
The implications for Thailand are significant. Data from global social media surveys show Thai users spend substantial time online daily, a pattern that elevates risk for young people who may already struggle with self-esteem or anxiety. Local clinicians report rising concerns about body image and social anxiety among Thai teens, consistent with global trends.
The proposed model suggests that individuals with an underdeveloped sense of self—often shaped by early social adversity—may seek validation on social platforms. However, constant comparison and performance pressures can worsen symptoms, increasing both inflated self-perception and negative beliefs about persecution or self-loathing.
International studies echo these findings. Research from Canadian and European institutions highlights how emphasis on online appearance and perfection can fuel delusional thinking and body-related disorders. Experts emphasize that platform features such as endless scrolling, algorithm-driven feeds, and the ability to curate online personas reinforce mental escapism, not mental wellness.
Thai culture’s emphasis on community, respect, and harmony can offer resilience against online harms. Yet urban youth increasingly navigate digital life, potentially eroding protective social norms. A Bangkok-based psychiatrist notes rising cases among young people related to body image and social anxiety, underscoring the need for culturally informed responses that address online risks without stigmatizing technology.
Practical guidance centers on awareness and self-monitoring. Experts recommend examining online habits, recognizing when engagement becomes compulsive, and differentiating between online and offline identities. For families, educators, and community leaders, fostering open dialogue about appearance, belonging, and mental health is crucial. This means integrating digital literacy and body positivity into schools and community programs, and delivering mental health campaigns through popular channels to reach youth where they are.
Local research from Mahidol University indicates that higher daily social media use among Thai teens correlates with increased reports of depressive symptoms and lower self-esteem. These patterns come at a time when Thailand faces growing mental health concerns and a shortage of rural mental health services.
A key challenge is the design of these platforms. Algorithms aim to maximize engagement, creating cycles of attention that can be hard to break. Digital culture experts warn that successful disconnection requires more than willpower; it demands changes in platform design and user habits.
Regulatory and policy responses are evolving. International reports advocate for protective measures for young people, while Thailand’s Digital Economy Plan and Mental Health Master Plan are being shaped to address these risks. The rollout, however, must bridge urban-rural gaps and ensure practical implementation.
Looking ahead, experts offer two main recommendations. First, cultivate mindful, critical engagement with social media. Families can adopt technology-free meals, schools can offer digital literacy and body positivity workshops, and mental health messages can be tailored for platforms like LINE or TikTok to reach teenagers in familiar spaces. Second, expand research and openly acknowledge risks. Thai universities, NGOs, and policymakers have an opportunity to lead culturally sensitive studies that reflect Thai values and pressures.
Ultimately, the question for Thai society is not whether to embrace digital technology, but how to use it responsibly. As a common Thai saying advises, balance media use with real-life connection to protect mental health. By raising awareness, supporting one another, and encouraging open dialogue, communities can help young people stay grounded in reality.
If you or someone you know struggles with social media use and mental health, consider taking regular digital breaks, seeking guidance from professionals when needed, and strengthening in-person connections through family, temples, and community activities.