#SocialMedia

A major new study from researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has found a significant association between increased social media use and rising depression rates among young adolescents—a finding that is especially relevant as Thai families grapple with the impact of digital technology on youth mental health. The research, published this week and covered by KQED, tracked nearly 12,000 children and adolescents nationwide over several years and revealed that their social media usage rose sharply between the ages of 9 and 13, paralleled by a concerning 30% uptick in reported depressive symptoms during the same period.

A surge in dating app use among younger generations is taking a significant mental and emotional toll, with psychologists warning of a growing epidemic called “dating burnout.” According to a 2024 Forbes Health/OnePoll survey, almost 80% of Gen Z and Millennials report feeling exhausted by the experience — a figure echoed by global and local research into the widespread effects of digital dating fatigue. For Thailand’s young urbanites, increasingly turning to apps to expand their social circles or seek relationships, the findings raise crucial questions about the impact of online matchmaking on wellbeing and how to approach romantic connections in the digital era Forbes.

Millennial parents are facing parenting pressures and challenges more complex—if not downright unimaginable—than those experienced by earlier generations, according to new research and real-life accounts. From the insistence of “always-on” work culture to soaring living costs, a childhood defined by digital immersion, and a barrage of social expectations, the millennial parenting experience is rewriting what it means to raise children in the 21st century. The implications are profound—not just for families, but also for schools, community institutions, and Thai society navigating rapidly shifting social norms.

A wave of parents championing a more relaxed approach to motherhood — known as “Type B” moms — is taking over social media, sparking fresh debate on what it means to be a good parent in the digital age. The trend, documented in a recent feature by TODAY.com (today.com), has resonated across continents, including among Thai families increasingly exposed to both traditional ideals and modern parenting advice.

The emergence of “Type B” moms reflects a cultural shift in attitudes towards motherhood. For years, many parents — especially mothers — have felt pressure to portray a picture-perfect household: immaculate living rooms, rigorously structured routines, and children whose schedules rival corporate meetings. These images, amplified by social media, have shaped expectations for Thai mothers as well, where harmony and order are highly valued in both family and societal contexts.

A new trend is emerging among mothers worldwide—a growing embrace of the ‘Type B’ mom identity that stands in stark contrast to the traditionally idolized, “perfect” parenting image long prevalent on social media. This movement, spotlighted in a recent TODAY.com article, is sparking conversations among experts and parents alike about the impact of parenting styles on both child development and maternal well-being (today.com).

The significance of the ‘Type B’ mom trend lies in its open rejection of rigid perfectionism and its celebration of patience, flexibility, and emotional support. For many Thai mothers, who often navigate the expectations of extended families, cultural pressure for “organized motherhood,” and the realities of modern life, this trend offers a refreshing alternative, raising important questions about balance, self-care, and children’s needs in Thailand today.

A growing body of scientific research suggests that turning down the volume on our egos—focusing less on self-centeredness and more on humility, empathy, and growth—may be a key to greater happiness and resilience. In a culture increasingly dominated by loud personalities, especially on social media and in public life, new studies are bringing fresh attention to the psychological and social benefits of nurturing what psychologists call a “quiet ego.”

Modern life tends to reward those who promote themselves. The prolific rise of influencers, the ever-present pressure to stand out on social networks, and the competitive edge in the workforce all encourage loud, self-focused behavior. Yet, as highlighted in a recent Atlantic article, there is evidence that this cultural shift coincides with record-high levels of depression and declining overall well-being, especially among young people.

Concerns are mounting globally and in Thailand over the growing impact of social media on youth mental health, as the latest research warns of increasing rates of depression, anxiety, and other psychological issues strongly linked to digital engagement. Amid calls for regulatory interventions, parental vigilance, and enhanced media literacy, the rising tide of evidence signals the need for urgent action to protect the well-being of the next generation.

The rapid rise in social media usage among children and teenagers is reshaping traditional childhood experiences while spawning new psychological risks. A recent press call by the Kids Code Coalition – highlighted in a KRCR News Channel 7 report – drew attention to mounting concerns, featuring advocates pushing for warning labels on social media platforms similar to those required for tobacco or alcohol. The coalition cited a surge in mental health crises coinciding with expanded social media use, particularly following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meta Chief Executive Officer’s latest sweeping vision imagines a near-future where most people’s friends—and even therapists or business aides—are artificial intelligence (AI) bots available through familiar platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Mark Zuckerberg’s comments, which came in a May 2025 podcast, have ignited a wide-ranging debate about the promises and perils of AI companions as a solution to the world’s loneliness epidemic, while raising searching questions for Thailand’s digitally savvy population.

Meta’s recently launched AI site has transformed private prompting into a public, social experience, causing both fascination and discomfort among users and experts. As the world’s leading social media company, Meta is experimenting with a Pinterest-like social feed for its Meta AI chatbot, allowing users to share their AI prompts and generated content with the world in just a few clicks. This change marks a significant shift from the traditional, private experience of using generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Claude, where prompts and outputs remained mostly confined to the user unless deliberately shared elsewhere.

A recent revelation that researchers from the University of Zurich secretly infiltrated a major Reddit discussion forum with AI bots has sparked global outrage and renewed concerns over the ethical boundaries of artificial intelligence in online communities. The covert experiment, carried out on the subreddit r/changemyview, has prompted Reddit leadership to consider legal action, while community members and digital rights advocates warn of broader implications for public trust in digital interactions (NBC News).

Recent research and expert opinion highlight a growing trend worldwide: children are reaching puberty earlier than previous generations. This shift, described in a new book by a leading US clinical psychologist and echoed by global medical research, has deep implications for both physical and mental health. For Thai families, understanding what early puberty means—and how to support children through it—has never been more important.

Traditionally, puberty marked a transitional period from childhood to adolescence, typically starting around age 10 for girls and 12 for boys. But in recent years, doctors and parents alike have noticed that children as young as six are showing physical signs of development, outpacing their emotional and cognitive maturity. As Thai society becomes increasingly urbanized and children’s free time shrinks—driven by academic pressures and technology—this gap between body and mind is widening. According to the US psychologist cited in the Boston Globe report, ages six to 12 are now seen as the most crucial window for parents to influence and guide children before they are swept up in the whirlwind of adolescence.

Popular health trends recently have seen a surge in interest in so-called “cortisol bellies” and “cortisol faces,” fueled by viral social media posts and a spike in online searches for cortisol-related health advice. These buzzwords, while catchy, attempt to simplify the highly complex biological processes behind how our bodies respond to chronic stress—sometimes sparking unnecessary worry among Thai and global audiences.

Cortisol, often dubbed the “stress hormone,” is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a critical role in helping the body respond to stress. When stress levels rise, so does the production of cortisol, which can affect multiple body systems—regulating metabolism, controlling blood sugar, influencing immune responses, and aiding in fat storage. According to a recent report by the National Post, online searches for information on cortisol, its “trigger foods,” and supposed “cortisol detoxes” have climbed dramatically in the past year, reflecting the growing anxiety about how stress hormones may visibly influence appearance and health (MSN).

A new survey from Pew Research Center sheds fresh light on the evolving relationship between teenagers, social media, and mental health—revealing a complex mix of concern, ambivalence, and growing skepticism among youth and their parents. As Thai families navigate similar digital landscapes and mental health challenges, understanding these new findings can provide important context, guidance, and food for thought.

The recent Pew study, conducted between September and October 2024, surveyed 1,391 teenagers aged 13-17 and their parents in the United States. It found that concerns about youth mental health continue to rise, with both parents and teens increasingly linking these worries to the pervasive presence of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. The findings are particularly relevant for Thailand, where internet and social media penetration among teens is among the highest in Southeast Asia, and public debate has intensified over the psychological well-being of digital natives (see: Pew Research Center).

In a fast-changing digital landscape, Thai parents face unprecedented challenges—some of which may come as a shock. As children grow up surrounded by screens, social media, and a seemingly endless cycle of online stimulation, their developing brains and emotional wellbeing may be at higher risk than previously understood. Recent research and global headlines underscore the importance of understanding the profound ways that technology is reshaping childhood—and what every parent needs to act on before it’s too late.

Hollywood actor Penn Badgley’s recent disclosure about his struggle with body dysmorphia has resonated widely, igniting crucial conversations about mental health, celebrity culture, and the influence of media on self-image both in the West and here in Thailand. In a heartfelt interview with The Guardian, Badgley—best known for his roles in “Gossip Girl” and “You”—shared, “I know that I hated my body and simply wanted a different one…I was jumping wilfully into, but also being thrust into, this world where the more conventionally beautiful I seemed, the more successful I might be, the more value I might have” (The Guardian). His frank admission has sparked international attention, highlighting the often-hidden torment experienced by people living with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and underscoring the urgent need for public awareness and intervention—especially in visually oriented societies.

Thai readers may remember the spectacular social media phenomenon a decade ago, when people across the world — from celebrities to schoolchildren — doused themselves in ice water for the original Ice Bucket Challenge. Launched in 2014, the trend raised over US$220 million globally for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), known in Thai as โรคกล้ามเนื้ออ่อนแรง (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and brought international attention to a previously little-known disease. Now, in 2025, the challenge is back — but with an urgent new purpose: breaking the silence around mental health, especially among young people (NBC News, New York Times).

In an era marked by economic volatility, global trade uncertainties, and the unrelenting pressure of leading large organizations, CEOs are reimagining their approaches to stress management—drawing from meditation, nature immersion, and even curated social media use to maintain their well-being. A recent report from Business Insider highlights how prominent executives are using a mix of traditional and modern wellness tactics to thrive under pressure, offering practical insights for leaders and professionals in Thailand who may be experiencing similar workplace stressors (Business Insider, 2025).

A new survey from the Pew Research Center underscores a generation increasingly ambivalent about social media: while most American teens credit social platforms with boosting connections to friends, nearly half now say these sites have a mostly negative effect on people their age—up markedly from just two years ago. The report, released April 22, 2025, is a comprehensive reflection of shifting attitudes among teens and their parents, highlighting mounting concern over youth mental health amid unprecedented digital exposure. For Thailand—a nation ranking among the world’s leaders in internet and smartphone usage among youth—these findings ring alarm bells about the potential risks and opportunities facing its own adolescents in the digital age. (Pew Research Center: Teens, Social Media and Mental Health)

A recently shared personal account by Jacob Skidmore, an Ohio-based TikTok creator diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), is igniting global and local conversations about stigma, mental health, and the reality of living with NPD. The story, covered by Newsweek and rapidly circulating on social media, highlights how individuals with this diagnosis face not only challenges from the disorder itself but also substantial social vilification and misunderstanding. For Thai readers, the viral nature of this discussion offers an opportunity to reflect on how mental health terminology and stigma play out both globally and in our own society.

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).

A revived version of the iconic “Ice Bucket Challenge” is sweeping across social media, this time with a heartfelt mission: raising awareness for mental health. Launched in April 2025 by Active Minds—a prominent US-based non-profit—the campaign encourages participants to douse themselves with ice water while sharing stories about mental health, aiming to spark conversation and end stigma worldwide. While reminiscent of the original ALS fundraising phenomenon of 2014, the new challenge’s “deeper meaning” lies in fostering an open dialogue about struggles that too often remain hidden, a cause especially resonant given today’s post-pandemic mental health crisis.