Beyond stories and feeds: the influence of social media on the mental health of high school students

Abstract

Digital Information and Communication Technologies represent a relatively recent phenomenon in society. In this context, it is essential to understand not only the effects associated with the indiscriminate use of these technologies but also how individuals perceive and interpret their experiences within these digital environments. This study aimed to describe high school students’ perceptions of the use of Digital Information and Communication Technologies, especially social networks, and their influence on aspects of mental health. It is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, conducted with 21 students of both sexes enrolled in a state public high school in the municipality of Mirabela-MG. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The analysis of the narratives indicated that some participants associate the use of social networks with experiences such as aesthetic and lifestyle comparison, which may be related to feelings of anxiety and body dissatisfaction, a theme recurrent in some of the studies reviewed. The study underscores the need for intersectoral actions among school, family, and health services aimed at promoting health education and the conscious use of technologies, thereby supporting self-care and the holistic development of young people in an increasingly digitalized society.