According to her, users tend to compare their lives with what they see on social media, forgetting that this is often just a façade. "People present themselves in the best light, creating ideal images. They write scripts, choose costumes, and rehearse their speeches. As a result, teenagers may start suffering from anorexia or bulimia by comparing themselves to the ostentatious lives of others," the psychiatrist explained.
Additionally, negative consequences include sleep problems, increased irritability, and loss of interest in real social life, as individuals begin to immerse themselves more in the virtual space.
Yulia Ulitina emphasized that the acceptable amount of time spent online depends on each person's individual activities.
"Watching educational and documentary films can help develop intellect and establish new neural connections. At the same time, for watching entertaining videos online, it is better to limit the time to two hours a day to avoid degradation," she advised.
The psychiatrist also noted that if children spend too much time on their phones and exhibit cognitive function impairments, such as aggression or decreased attention, parents should discuss the need to reduce time on social media with them.
"It is important not to resort to violence, not to shout, and not to destroy the devices. Instead, it is better to have a calm conversation about the problem," Yulia Ulitina recommended.
