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Jaipur, July 29 - For Generation Z, the likes, views, and comments received on social media have evolved beyond mere digital feedback; they now serve as indicators of happiness, popularity, and self-worth. A sociological study has revealed that many young women experience anxiety, feelings of rejection, and loneliness when their posts do not garner the expected responses. This finding emerged from a 25-day research led by Dr. Jyoti Sidana from the Sociology Department at Government College for Women in Kota.

The study involved 141 undergraduate and postgraduate female students from various colleges, aiming to explore the psychological and social impacts of digital dependency. According to the findings, 82.9% of the participants indicated that the number of likes and comments on their social media posts directly affects their mood.

Meanwhile, 9.8% acknowledged that this influence is somewhat significant, while only 7.3% claimed that online feedback has no impact on their emotional state. Dr. Sidana noted, 'For today's generation, likes and views are no longer just numbers; they have become measures of popularity, identity, and social acceptance.' She added, 'When a post does not receive the anticipated response, many young individuals start to feel less accepted or valued compared to others.'

The tendency to constantly compare oneself to others' successful posts can exacerbate feelings of inferiority, anxiety, and disappointment. The study also found that 61% of the students reported feeling lonely in real life despite having thousands of followers on social media. They expressed that online relationships often lack emotional depth and cannot replace face-to-face connections based on trust, affection, and emotional support. Dr. Sidana emphasized that many young people feel that the satisfaction derived from real-life interactions is more enduring, whereas virtual relationships do not provide the same emotional support.

She stated, 'Social media can offer temporary happiness, but online relationships cannot stand by you in tough times or resolve real-life issues. This is why many individuals feel lonely despite being digitally connected.'

The study revealed that 48.2% of the students check their phones immediately upon receiving notifications, while 43.9% admitted they do not have a specific time for checking their phones, indicating a habit of frequent mobile phone usage throughout the day.

Approximately 70% of the participants expressed a desire to reduce their mobile phone and social media usage or to completely disconnect for a while, but they find it challenging to do so. According to the study, 43.9% believe that social media promotes a culture of appearances, while 41.5% feel it has impacted their real identity. Additionally, 14.6% acknowledged that social media encourages unnecessary spending.

The pressure to maintain an 'ideal image' online is affecting the self-esteem and mental health of youth. About 61% of the students reported feeling stressed or troubled by negative comments or trolling on social media, while 39% stated such comments do not affect them. Dr. Sidana pointed out that Generation Z, the first 'digital natives' raised with the internet and social media, has been presented with numerous opportunities, but it has also brought challenges such as anxiety, social comparison, loneliness, and digital dependency.

She warned, 'If a digital balance is not established in a timely manner, the impact on mental health and social relationships could deepen.' The study recommends regular digital detoxes, more direct communication with family and friends, not determining self-worth based on likes and followers, and maintaining a better balance between digital and real life. Dr. Sidana concluded, 'Real relationships and social connections are the strongest foundations for emotional health. Face-to-face conversations provide long-term emotional support, unlike virtual interactions.'