Wednesday, January 8, 2025 – SMA Pangudi Luhur Bernardus Deltamas hosted an interactive dialogue titled “The Influence of Social Media on the Mental Health of Young Generations.”
This event was part of the Community Service program initiated by Jakarta International University (JIU) and was enthusiastically attended by students from grades 10, 11, and 12.
The interactive dialogue was opened by the Principal, Ms. Lidia Martanti, S.Si., who warmly welcomed the JIU team, including the Rector, Dr. Agus Hartadi, S.E., M.A., and two main speakers, Mr. Yustinus Yuniarto, S.S., M.M., and Ms. Gloria Pratiwi Waang, S.E., M.B.A.
In her speech, Ms. Lidia appreciated JIU’s initiative to share important insights on the impact of social media on the mental health of young generations.
The main speakers from JIU’s Information Systems Program, Mr. Yustinus and Ms. Gloria, provided various perspectives on the influence of social media. While social media serves as a platform for social interaction and learning, it also has negative aspects to be cautious about, such as anxiety, sleep disorders, and unhealthy social comparisons. Phenomena like Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), cyberbullying, and dependence on online validation are common issues among teenagers.
Mr. Yustinus highlighted research findings showing that using social media for more than three hours a day increases the risk of depression and loneliness. Meanwhile, Ms. Gloria offered practical mitigation tips, such as building healthy offline relationships, setting time limits for social media use, and practicing digital mindfulness. She also encouraged students to talk to trusted individuals or seek professional help if needed.
The Q&A session was the most anticipated moment. Students actively asked questions about managing academic stress and maintaining positive social relationships. The speakers’ inspiring answers provided concrete solutions for students to face challenges in the digital era. A token of appreciation was presented by the school to the JIU team as a symbol of gratitude for their contribution.
This interactive dialogue not only provided new insights but also highlighted the importance of maintaining mental health in the digital age. Through activities like this, JIU hopes to continue supporting the development of Indonesia’s young generation to be healthier, both mentally and socially.
