THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL STATE OF YOUTH: SOCIAL WORK WITH ADOLESCENTS IN THE ERA OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

Introduction. In modern society, where digital technologies have penetrated all areas of life, social media has become an essential part of young people’s daily existence. This is especially true for adolescents who actively use these platforms for communication, self-expression, and acquiring information. At the same time, there are numerous studies indicating the ambiguous impact of social media on the psycho-emotional state of youth. On one hand, these platforms can provide a space for support and development, where young people can find like-minded individuals and express themselves. On the other hand, social media can become a source of stress, anxiety, depression, and social isolation due to comparing oneself with others, abusing anonymity, and other factors. Purpose. To analyze the impact of social media on the psycho-emotional state of youth and define the role of social workers in supporting adolescents in the digital age. Scientific novelty. 1. The scientific approaches to studying the impact of social media on the psycho-emotional state of adolescents have been generalized and systematized, considering cognitive-behavioral, emotional-regulatory, and socio-psychological factors. 2. For the first time, the relationship between social media activity and the level of emotional intelligence of adolescents has been analyzed in the context of social work, determining the depth of their engagement in virtual interactions and the impact on their psychoemotional state. 3. A conceptual model of social support for adolescents has been formulated, which takes into account the specifics of their interaction with the digital environment and focuses on preventing the destructive impact of information technologies on their psyche. 4. Socio-psychological risk markers associated with excessive or problematic use of social media, which can be used by social workers as indicators for timely intervention, have been identified. Conclusions. The results of the study indicate that social media has become an integral part of adolescents’ daily lives, significantly influencing the formation of their psycho-emotional state, personal identity, and social behavior. This influence is ambivalent: on the one hand, digital platforms promote the development of communication skills, self-expression, seeking support, and building social capital; on the other hand, they provoke feelings of anxiety, social isolation, dependence, lower self-esteem, and emotional instability.