The Influences of Social Media and Internet Addiction on Youth: Observing How FOMO Moulding Indian Mental Well-Being and Development

The widespread impact of social media and internet addiction on young people in the digital era has raised serious concerns, especially in nations like India. The quick advancement of technology and the pervasiveness of smartphones have drastically changed how kids connect with the outside world, build social bonds, and define their identities. Although there are many advantages to these technological developments, such as the availability of educational materials and the capacity to communicate with people around the world, they also present significant difficulties. Due to the proliferation of social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Tik-Tok, and YouTube, youngsters are under pressure to project idealized images of themselves, which frequently causes anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. The notion of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), which is made worse by continuous exposure to the carefully manicured online lives of influencers and peers, lies at the heart of this problem. Children who experience this phobia become unduly preoccupied with upholding an online persona, spending inordinate amounts of time on their gadgets at the expense of in-person interactions, exercise, and academic achievement. These behavioural and psychological problems are becoming increasingly noticeable in India, where children's use of smartphones and the internet is growing quickly. The issue is made worse by the dearth of adequate guidelines for appropriate internet use, which leads to many children being addicted and suffering from its detrimental effects. This study looks at the intricate relationship between internet addiction, social media addiction, and young people's psychological health, with an emphasis on India. It draws attention to how unrestrained usage of digital platforms might interfere with developmental processes, resulting in decreased academic performance, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, it highlights how crucial parental participation, educational initiatives, and community efforts are to promoting digital literacy, establishing sensible screen time restrictions, and promoting offline activities. The study promotes a balanced approach to technology, arguing that encouraging responsible and thoughtful internet usage can lessen the negative impacts of social media addiction and help Indian children develop more holistically and with better mental health.