Social media is everywhere. From the moment we wake up to the moment we fall asleep, platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook shape how we see the world and ourselves. What started as a way to connect has now evolved into something much bigger—and more complicated. While social media offers great benefits like global connection and creative freedom, it also has a quiet power that can influence our behavior, emotions, and even the decisions we make. This article explores how social media subtly affects our psychology and public opinion—and why it’s time to think seriously about our digital habits.
Why Social Media is So Addictive
On average, people spend about 151 minutes a day on social media. That adds up to over 36 full days each year. But why do we keep coming back? Platforms are designed to hold our attention. Features like endless scrolling, real-time notifications, and personalized content work together to keep users engaged. These design tricks trigger the brain’s dopamine system—the same system linked to reward and addiction.
For teenagers especially, social media creates a loop of validation through likes and shares. While wanting approval is normal, the constant need for digital validation can harm mental well-being and reduce attention spans. Many young users now report feeling anxious or distracted when they’re offline.
The Power of Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels have become one of the most dominant features on social media. In 2025 alone:
• Over 2 billion people interact with Reels each month.
• More than 200 billion Reels are viewed daily across Instagram and Facebook.
• Reels outperform regular video posts by 22% in engagement.
• Accounts with over 50,000 followers upload Reels every other day.
These short videos have a massive global audience. India leads with 385 million users, followed by the United States, Brazil, and Indonesia. After TikTok was banned in India, Instagram Reels quickly took its place, becoming a cultural and marketing phenomenon.
Even advertising has shifted. Reels ads now reach over 675 million users. And interestingly, small accounts (under 5,000 followers) have the highest engagement rate—about 3.81%—while large influencer accounts see lower interaction rates.
A Real-Life Look at Algorithmic Influence
Imagine someone recently searched for luxury watches online. Suddenly, their Instagram feed is filled with watch ads, influencers wearing designer watches, and even tips on how to afford them. This wasn’t random. Algorithms tracked the user’s interest and began shaping their feed accordingly. The more the person scrolls, the more they are pushed toward making a purchase.
Another example: after a tough day or emotional argument, someone scrolls Instagram for comfort. The algorithm responds with emotional videos, motivational quotes, and breakup content—quietly reinforcing their mood and affecting how they think and feel.
Social Media, Self-Esteem, and Mental Health
One of the most troubling aspects of social media is how it shapes self-image. People are constantly exposed to polished, edited, and curated versions of other people’s lives. This often leads to unrealistic comparisons and feelings of inadequacy.
Studies have shown a strong link between excessive social media use and anxiety, especially in teenagers. It can distort reality and make people feel like they’re not doing enough or not good enough. For children and adolescents, whose brains are still developing, these effects can be long-lasting.
What Governments Are Doing
Some countries are taking strong steps to protect the younger generation. In a groundbreaking move, Australia became the first country to pass a law banning social media for children under the age of 16. Other countries like France, the European Union, and several others are following a different path by enforcing strict parental control modes. These actions reflect a growing global concern about the long-term effects of digital exposure on children. These nations are taking youth mental health seriously, and the results of these decisions will surely show in the years to come.
Social Media and Public Opinion
Beyond personal influence, social media now plays a huge role in shaping public debates and political beliefs. A study by the Oxford Internet Institute found that disinformation campaigns were active in 76 out of 81 countries they reviewed. In many cases, governments or private groups used social media to push political agendas, control narratives, and sway public sentiment. This raises serious concerns about democracy and the future of free thought.
What Can Be Done?
Tackling the challenges of social media isn’t simple, but it is possible. Here are some steps we need to take:
1. More Transparency – Tech companies must be clearer about how their algorithms work and how user data is used.
2. Media Literacy Education – Schools should teach young people how to think critically, identify misinformation, and avoid digital manipulation.
3. Ethical Design – Platforms should move away from features that encourage addiction and instead prioritize users’ mental health.
4. Better Regulations – Governments should enforce stronger laws to ensure safer, more responsible online spaces.
Social media is not the enemy—but it’s also not as innocent as it seems. It has the power to connect and uplift, but also to manipulate and harm. The goal isn’t to quit these platforms entirely, but to approach them mindfully. With the right balance, education, and ethical practices, we can enjoy the benefits of social media while protecting ourselves—and especially our children—from its hidden dangers. As more countries begin to take action, it’s clear the world is starting to wake up to this modern challenge. The question is: will we change in time?