In an era dominated by digital connectivity and on-demand entertainment, a leading mental health expert warns that these very forces are actively cultivating a rise in anti-social and harmful behaviors among adolescents and young adults. Mrs. Veronica Eze, Founder of Adicare Rehabilitation Home and a Psychiatric Nurse, argues that the unchecked narratives within these industries are not merely reflecting culture but are dangerously shaping it.
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Eze’s central concern lies in the normalization of pathology. “The entertainment industry has not been helpful in curbing anti-social behaviours,” she states. “It systematically portrays destructive acts—like smoking hard drugs, glorifying violence, and engaging in crime—as a standard, even glamorous, part of life.” This goes beyond simple depiction; it creates a powerful social learning model. When youths idolize artists and influencers who engage in these behaviors, the message received is that such conduct is a viable path to success, popularity, and coping. The expert laments that this leads directly to real-world consequences: increased experimentation with substances, desensitization to violence, and a warped sense of social norms, all of which can precipitate mental health crises and “mental derailment.”
The role of social media compounds this issue exponentially. Eze acknowledges its value as a technological innovation but highlights its dual-edged nature. Platforms are often used to curate a highlight reel of life—”to exaggerate strengths and achievements”—while masking vulnerability. This creates a pervasive “comparison culture” where young users constantly measure their own reality against the polished facades of others. The result, as Eze notes, is a documented spike in psychological distress. “Research has shown that teenagers who spend excessive time on social media are more likely to be stressed, depressed, anxious, and sleep-deprived.” Furthermore, the algorithmic nature of these platforms can trap users in echo chambers that reinforce negative behaviors and ideologies, creating a feedback loop that feels inescapable.
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So, what is the path forward? Eze calls for a multi-tiered intervention. Firstly, she advocates for proactive government regulation. “I believe the government can help by regulating what comes out of the entertainment industry,” she says, suggesting content guidelines that prevent the glamorization of hard drug use and violence, similar to regulations on tobacco advertising. Secondly, she emphasizes the critical need for digital and media literacy education from a young age. Youths must be equipped to critically deconstruct the media they consume, understand the manipulative nature of algorithms, and recognize the difference between curated online personas and complex reality.
Ultimately, Eze’s argument is a call for collective responsibility. “We need to get to the point where we care for ourselves, especially as mental health is concerned.” This means parents engaging in open dialogues about media consumption, educators integrating mental wellness into curricula, and content creators embracing ethical storytelling. The goal is not to eliminate social media or entertainment, but to foster a healthier ecosystem that raises responsible, resilient youths capable of navigating the digital world without being consumed by it. The future societal cost of inaction, as outlined by this expert, is far too great to ignore.
