The High Price of Likes: Unveiling the Toll of Social Media on Youth Mental Health
Many of you are familiar with the heart-wrenching story of our family. Our beloved daughter Maddie tragically took her own life at the tender age of fourteen, forever altering the lives of our family and friends. Unfortunately, our story is not unique. In the wake of this devastating loss, Maddie's mom, our boys, and our friends have embarked on a personal mission to share our experience, raise awareness about youth mental illness, and advocate for improved access to support for affected families. However, amidst all the attention and discussion surrounding this illness, particularly through social media channels, we must address a critical question: Are we inadvertently glamorizing suicide and planting the idea of despair in our youths' minds?
In my upbringing, suicide was seldom discussed, as it was rarely publicized. Personally, I had never known anyone who had taken their own life or even attempted to do so. While we all faced our fair share of heartache and disappointment, the thought of ending one's life due to relationship troubles or poor test results never crossed my mind. By openly discussing mental illness and suicide, we may reduce the stigma surrounding these topics, but are we unintentionally romanticizing suicide as a viable option for despairing youths? I understand that these campaigns and efforts intend to combat this epidemic and bring positive change. However, can many of today's youth honestly claim that they have never been affected by someone's suicide or attempted suicide?
Social media is an ever-present force, and new platforms continue to emerge rapidly. Consider the youths who boast thousands or even tens of thousands of followers. A single post can potentially impact the lives of tens of thousands of people. It is both powerful and, at the same time, hauntingly dangerous. Among these thousands of followers, how many of these young individuals truly know and understand the intentions behind their followers' actions?
Engaging with social media exposes us to scrutiny, vulnerability, and personal attacks. Sharing personal stories opens us up to criticism and abuse. I have been fortunate to receive tremendous support from Facebook friends throughout our journey with Madeline, and my professional endeavours have been promoted through the blogs I post on LinkedIn. I am deeply grateful and humbled by the many reads and shares my posts receive. My blog reaches thousands of readers worldwide. The power and reach of social media are truly astonishing.
However, alongside the positive aspects, social media has its detractors. Some individuals read my posts about Madeline and mistakenly believe I am teetering on the edge of despair, at risk of taking my own life. People will always interpret things in their way. For me, writing serves as therapy. Though I may not always be in the mood to write, it helps me gain perspective and find solace. I feel a social obligation because I receive numerous personal messages from people expressing how my blogs have helped answer their questions, encouraged them to seek help, or provided comfort in knowing they are not alone in their suffering. To me, the benefits of social media far outweigh any public scrutiny it may invite.
The combination of social media and its impact on our youth deeply concerns me. Let me share a recent incident to illustrate my point. A close family friend confides in me regularly, and I am honoured that he feels comfortable opening up to me. However, he is a prime example of why I believe social media is perilous. In a world where likes and followers measure popularity, we allow people into our digital spaces without truly comprehending their intentions. This wonderful young person has been told by his "friends" to end his own life, and to make matters worse, several others in their circle liked this cruel comment. The callousness exhibited by some of today's youth is truly unfathomable. Do they even grasp the weight of their words when they put them into writing? How can such behaviour be tolerated in a world that claims to celebrate diversity? Regrettably, my young friend is not the only victim, as cyberbullying has driven numerous youths to take their own lives.
One notable victim of cyberbullying was Amanda Todd. The burden she carried became so overwhelming that she succumbed to grief and took her own life. Amanda's mother, Carol Todd, has since dedicated her life to raising awareness about cyberbullying through The Amanda Todd Legacy Society. Carol's work is truly remarkable. She speaks at events worldwide and influences public policy. She compels politicians, educators, parents, and youth to reconsider the consequences of their online actions. We must safeguard and preserve the innocence of our youth both in real life and within the digital realm. While Carol's efforts gain momentum, we need more champions and fewer victims like Amanda.
Let us engage in real conversations with our children. Let us make it our responsibility to be involved in their online and offline lives. Let us ensure our children feel supported even during their most isolated and vulnerable moments. Let us not be naive and believe that these issues only affect other people's children.
I have started a charitable arm within The Finish Line Group called the Hopeful Horizons Fund. It is intended to act as a dynamic savings vehicle for their kids and has access to various mental health resources for parents and their kids. The proceeds will be donated back to youth mental health charities, so they can continue to provide services to this underfunded epidemic.
Together, we can make a difference and protect the well-being of our youth.
