Young generation in danger: Social media puts a strain on mental health!

Young generation in danger: Social media puts a strain on mental health!

The European research project “PROMISE” starts on April 30, 2025 under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Adrian Meier from the Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU). The aim of the project is to improve the mental health of young people while increasingly integrating social media into their everyday lives. For this purpose, funding of 1.5 million euros was awarded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) for a period of three years as part of the CHANSE/NORFACE program.

Social media is inextricably linked to the lives of today's youth. However, recent studies show signs of a crisis in the mental health of this age group. “PROMISE” examines specific measures to optimize the use of platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat. Planned measures include adjustments to the design of the platforms, filtering of problematic content and the banning of harmful features such as infinite scrolling.

Problematic use and its consequences

Problematic use of social media can manifest itself in addiction-like symptoms that have a negative impact on everyday life. Studies have found a clear connection between this use and reduced mental and social well-being. Those affected also report higher substance use, poorer sleep and lower school performance.

Need for action and preventive measures

Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge from the WHO highlights the importance of media literacy and advocates the introduction of age restrictions for social media. However, positive aspects such as social support from peers are also mentioned. Social media makes a valuable contribution to social networking, especially for non-problematic users.

The “PROMISE” approach aims to derive evidence-based recommendations for action to protect the mental health of young people. The target groups include prepubescent children aged 10 to 12, adolescents aged 13 to 17 and young adults aged 18 to 25. An important part of the project is the involvement of young people through a youth advisory board and co-creation workshops.

The need for interventions that are age-appropriate, gender-sensitive, and culturally appropriate is undisputed. In addition, the WHO calls for more investment in health-promoting school environments and evidence-based programs. Open dialogues about digital well-being in families and schools as well as further training for educators and health professionals to strengthen digital skills are also on the agenda.

The success of the project is achieved through close collaboration with practical partners, NGOs and European regulatory authorities. The aim is to empower young people to make informed decisions about their online activities and protect their mental health.

For more details on the challenges and solutions in the area of ​​social media and mental health, see Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg comprehensive insights. Those too WHO provides important information that underscores the importance of this topic.