A recent report suspects 6% of Japanese individuals between the ages of 10 and 29 are displaying signs of pathological social media use. This correlation is raising concerns among health professionals and educators in Japan, highlighting the need for increased awareness and countermeasures against internet addiction. The report's findings, although preliminary, are fueling ongoing discussions about the mental health impacts of excessive social media usage.
In Japan, where technology use is commonplace, there is a growing concern about the potential negative effects of excessive social media use, especially among young people. Citizens value harmony and social cohesion, hence concerns rise when excessive SNS (social networking service) use appears to disrupt these values. Additionally, there's an increased focus on mental health and how digital habits may contribute to issues like depression, loneliness, and anxiety.
Similar concerns exist in the US and EU, where studies have linked excessive social media use with negative impacts on mental health, including increased rates of depression and anxiety. However, the approach to addressing this issue varies. In the US, there's an emphasis on individual responsibility, while in the EU, there could be more regulatory interventions.