#Socialmedia

A major study confirms a troubling link: as preteens spend more time on social media, their risk of depressive symptoms rises. This finding matters for Thai families, teachers, and policymakers aiming to safeguard young people’s mental health in a digital age.

Researchers from UCSF analyzed data from a large, long-term study of nearly 12,000 children, following them from ages 9–10 into early adolescence. They found that daily social media use increased from about seven minutes to 73 minutes over three years, while depressive symptoms rose by about 35 percent. Importantly, the study shows that greater social media engagement precedes increases in depressive symptoms, suggesting the online environment itself can influence mood, not just reflect existing struggles. In Thailand, where smartphone use among youth is widespread, these findings prompt urgent questions about digital wellbeing and support systems in schools and communities.

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 major study from researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) finds a significant link between growing social media use and rising depression among young adolescents. The findings are highly relevant for Thai families navigating the impact of digital technology on youth mental health. The research followed nearly 12,000 children and teenagers over several years and showed sharp increases in social media use between ages 9 and 13, coinciding with a 30% rise in reported depressive symptoms.

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.

Millennial parents face pressures that often feel overwhelming by design. A blend of nonstop work culture, rising living costs, and a child-rearing landscape shaped by digital immersion is redefining what it means to raise children in the 21st century. The shift affects families, schools, and Thai communities as social norms evolve at a rapid pace.

Traditionally, parents from Gen X and the Baby Boom era relied on stable routines, predictable work hours, and strong extended-family support. Today’s millennial parents juggle flexible careers, urban living, and a fierce demand for constant involvement in their children’s lives. In Thailand, urban households report similar strains, with many moms and dads balancing careers and caretaking under intense social scrutiny.

Dating apps have surged among Thailand’s urban youth, but new research warns of a growing mental health burden. A 2024 survey by Forbes Health and OnePoll found that nearly 80% of Gen Z and Millennials feel exhausted by dating experiences. This pattern mirrors broader global studies and local observations of digital dating fatigue affecting well-being and social connections.

Across Bangkok and other cities, the romance search often promises excitement. Yet a 12-week study of almost 500 dating-app users found rising emotional exhaustion and self-doubt the longer people stay active. Those already dealing with depression, anxiety, or loneliness were especially vulnerable, sometimes entering a cycle of swiping and messaging that deepened isolation rather than fostering real connection.

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 growing number of parents advocate a looser approach to motherhood, known as the “Type B” mom philosophy. The trend has gained traction on social media and in global coverage, inviting fresh discussion about modern parenting for Thai families balancing work, tradition, and online influence.

The Type B movement signals a shift away from the perfection ideal that once dominated parenting culture. In many households, immaculate spaces, rigid schedules, and calendars packed with activities have become the norm, a reflection of high expectations amplified by online communities. In Thailand, where harmony and order are highly valued, the trend resonates with parents who juggle work responsibilities, extended families, and child-rearing duties.

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 global trend is reshaping how mothers define “good parenting.” The so-called Type B mom identity rejects the pressure to be perfect, embracing patience, adaptability, and emotional support. This shift is sparking conversations among Thai families about child development, maternal well-being, and practical everyday life.

For Thai mothers, balancing extended-family expectations, cultural norms around organized motherhood, and the pressures of modern life can be exhausting. The Type B approach offers a healthier alternative that prioritizes connectedness and resilience, inviting families to rethink routines, self-care, and what children truly need in today’s Thailand.

A growing body of research suggests that softening our egos—focusing less on self-promotion and more on humility, empathy, and growth—can boost happiness and resilience. In a world that often rewards loud voices, new studies highlight the benefits of cultivating a “quiet ego.”

Modern life tends to celebrate visibility. Influencers rise, social networks urge us to stand out, and competition in the workplace pressures self-promotion. Yet recent research shows that this cultural shift may accompany higher levels of stress and lower well-being, especially among younger people. The idea of a quiet ego offers a balanced approach to identity: healthy self-awareness paired with genuine care for others.

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.

A growing body of research shows social media is taking a toll on young people’s mental health worldwide, including in Thailand. Experts link rising depression, anxiety, and other distress signals to digital engagement. Regulators, parents, and schools are being urged to act now with stronger media literacy, healthier online habits, and safer platform design.

The surge in social media use among children and teens is reshaping childhood experiences and introducing new psychological risks. A recent briefing by the Kids Code Coalition highlighted in national media coverage, where advocates called for warning labels on social apps similar to tobacco or alcohol disclosures. The coalition points to an uptick in mental health crises that coincides with greater online activity, especially after the pandemic.

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.

A recent podcast appearance by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has sparked a global debate about AI companions. He envisions a near-future where many people’s friends, therapists, and even business aides are artificial intelligence bots integrated into familiar platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. The dialogue now turns to whether AI friends can truly ease loneliness or simply reshape human connections.

As loneliness rises worldwide, Meta markets AI-powered chatbots as virtual confidants, support systems, and entertainment partners. Citing research showing substantial portions of adults feel regularly lonely, the company argues that scalable AI could address disconnection. Meta’s Llama models and a new AI app aim to weave these bots into daily digital life, from casual chats and memes to mental health support and simulated companionship. In this framing, technology promises a practical remedy for social isolation.

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 has turned private AI prompts into a public, social experience. Its new AI site lets users share prompts and generated content in a feed similar to social posts. This marks a shift from the private use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Claude, where prompts stay with the user unless shared intentionally.

This development reframes human-AI interaction for a broad audience. In Thailand and across Asia, social features on AI platforms could influence how people learn, create, and communicate online. As Thai schools and workplaces increasingly adopt AI for education, health, and creative tasks, understanding public prompting becomes more relevant. Meta’s social feed aims to lower barriers for “AI newbies” by making the process visible and encouraging experimentation. Yet it also raises questions about privacy, content quality, and digital culture.

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.

Recent findings reveal that researchers from a major European university secretly used AI-powered accounts to influence discussions on Reddit, including the r/changemyview forum. The study has prompted a strong reaction from Reddit’s leadership and raised urgent questions about consent, ethics, and trust in online communities. In Thailand, where social media is a principal source of news and dialogue, the episode highlights the need for digital literacy and stronger safeguards in online spaces.

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.

A growing global trend shows children entering puberty earlier than previous generations. A new book by a leading US clinical psychologist, reinforced by international research, signals far-reaching implications for physical and mental health. For Thai families, understanding early puberty and how to support children through it is increasingly essential.

Puberty has long marked the transition from childhood to adolescence, typically beginning around age 10 for girls and 12 for boys. Recently, doctors and parents note signs of development in children as young as six. As urban living increases in Thailand and academic pressures grow, the gap between physical changes and emotional readiness widens. Observers say ages six to twelve are a critical window for guiding children before adolescence accelerates.

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).