Virtual Mode Of Communication And Teenagers
We have seen that the recent two years of human life have been defined by the pandemic. This has necessitated us to adopt alternative means of interaction, without which life would be stagnant. This aberration from the usual life had many ripple effects. On one hand, it has opened enormous opportunities for us to engage with each other. On the other hand, it has deprived individuals of their familiar mode of communication and interaction.
Consequently, novel methods of exchange such as online conferences, increased use of telephones, teleconsultations, text messaging apps, etc, have gained prominence. These technologies have thus been involuntarily incorporated into the life of all, including teenagers. However, if we keep apart the utility of the new mode, it becomes a double-edged sword. Increased exposure to online media has its own ill effects. It has been found that the primary receptors of these changes are teenagers, who rely on them completely for their education.
Studies have shown that increased use of online media for interaction among students has led to post-traumatic stress disorder in many teenagers. It has also been discovered that there is an increasing trend of “FOMO” or Fear Of Missing Out, among teenagers. Although it sounds like a silly young thing, the flip side of the new reality that people are being forced to cope with is the mental imbalance and insecurity caused due to a lack of socialization with peer mates.
The above-listed problems coupled with other peripheral issues such as health problems due to increased screen time, feeling of isolation, lack of study environment, hopelessness, uncertainty, etc, have made the mental state of teenagers more fragile. There are also instances when poor connectivity hinders seamless communication of students, which is another cause for behavioural change. Seeing ones own face during online conferences have led to insecurities which causes zoom dysmorphia. 80% of American and Australian women are dissatisfied with their bodies to some degree. Insecurities caused due to the virtual world is a major contributing factor to this issue.
It has to be noted that more serious threats such as cyberbullying, social media addiction, and more, would have a profound impact even on the self-determination of students. It is a well-known fact that simulated interactions through these online platforms cannot replicate the warmth that actual emotional exchanges can provide.
Some evident repercussions of such drastic changes to students’ lifestyle could be emotional outbursts and restlessness in some groups, while it could be inactivity and malaise in some others. If unchecked, it could even lead to depression and suicidal thoughts. These short term behavioural reflections, if unidentified, for a long time could lead to permanent personality change. The indicators of personality change ranges from inferiority complex, superiority complex, and ADHD or Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder.
Teenage is a phase when personality development happens at an accelerated rate. Any disruptions in their way of living will be contributing to their personality evolution.
However, during pandemic related lockdowns, the life of teenagers revolved mainly around their parents and immediate surroundings. This could help in developing emotional bond with parents and siblings. Such revived contacts can be imperative for foundational development in their personality.
Other than mental health issues, teens are at a risk of getting in contact with toxic people through social media, which can eventually lead to them being exploited. We all have been shocked to hear about the recent death of Manasa, a fourth-year student at Indira Gandhi College Kothamangalam who was shot by Rakhil, who got in touch with her through Instagram.
Death caused by online game addiction is also on the rise. Darshan, a 16-year-old boy of Puducherry deceased due to brain haemorrhage caused by playing online games continuously. He was reportedly playing for four hours after attending online classes. The boy collapsed and was brought to the hospital. An autopsy identified a cerebral haemorrhage as the cause of death.
Another case was reported in Andhra Pradesh where a boy refused food and water intake for many days as he was indulging in playing the popular online game PUBG. The boy suffered from dehydration and was deceased.
Pragmatic solutions to these issues are yet to be found. As the younger generation is witnessing a dramatic shift in the method of interaction, we need to qualitatively upgrade social media platforms. While new methods of passing time and entertainment are natural, the importance of taking care of ones health as well as indulging in these hobbies in moderation is an important factor that needs to be given more importance.
A majority of the Indian population is below 20 years of age. A country which is harbouring the youngest population in the world cannot afford to expose its citizens towards these ominous threats. Immediate measures must be taken to resolve this issue.
For coming up with an approach to resolve an issue, the first step is to acknowledge that such an issue exists. Living in denial might delay the realization, but not the outcome. So, the opinion of students, especially teenagers, must be sought to deal with the issue. Students and their parents must be made aware of the stark reality that exists, and various possible dangers connected to it. Cyber safety must be one of the priorities of the government. Counseling sessions must be made mandatory in all schools and colleges. Apart from that, there must be a feedback mechanism whereby a periodical behavioural change of students can be monitored and reported.
The new methods adopted for communication and interaction is nothing but a tool to sustain continuity in the life of students. ‘The new normal’ should not be taken in a negative sense, rather, it is just a precautionary step taken during COVID time. In this delicate phase, both in terms of the situation around us as well as the mental state of teenagers, we should ensure that the core problem is ‘addressed’, rather than being ‘handled’. This is the approach to tap the teenager population and turn them into ‘human capital’ for the future years to come, while ensuring that they get to lead happy and healthy lives in the process.
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