How is online social media negatively influencing our young people? In discussing this question, many point to “internet addiction” as the wellspring of related troubles and thus advocate gatekeeping the amount of time allowed online. But this author takes a different tack, arguing this issue must be reexamined from the psychological needs perspective of adolescents if we are to resolve not only the symptoms but also the root causes of this problem.
While written for a general audience, this work is well grounded in relevant theory and practice. Sifting through the varied modes of interaction used by today’s youth, the author points out that, besieged by peer pressure from both online and real-world communities, young people today are bereft of a “mental staging ground” where they can catch their breath and think. Of particular note, the author includes Asian cultural ideas about “shame” and “guilt” in the discussion. Ultimately, this book offers many practical counseling and self-help solutions.