Too much digital engagement of Bangladeshi young generation is increasingly becoming a double-edged sword, fueling addiction, anxiety and a decline in real-life social, and academic performance alongside rising mental health challenges.

In today’s hyper-connected world, social media has become a powerful tool for communication, creativity, and information sharing. But, for the young generation in Bangladesh,

With over 45 million active social media users in Bangladesh, most of them under the age of 30, platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have deeply infiltrated youth culture.

But psychologists warn that excessive and unsupervised usage is contributing to rising mental health issues, especially depression, low self-esteem, sleep disturbances and poor academic outcomes.

A recent study by the Bangladesh Institute of ICT in Development (BIID) revealed that teenagers and young adults spend an average of 5 to 8 hours daily on social media, far exceeding global health recommendations. Many respondents admitted feeling anxious or restless when disconnected from their phones.

The growing grip of social media on Bangladesh's youth has raised alarm among health experts, educators, and parents alike, as recent surveys reveal a disturbing link between excessive online engagement and rising mental health challenges among young people.

A nationwide study conducted by the Anchal Foundation, involving 1,773 students from various educational institutions, has found that nearly 86% of young respondents believe internet usage is a major contributor to mental health issues.

Among them, more than one in four (26 percent) attribute their psychological stress entirely to prolonged exposure to digital platforms. The report highlights troubling patterns, including sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression and a decline in academic focus.

Over 59 percent of the students acknowledged that their study habits were disrupted due to constant social media use, while others reported increasing feelings of isolation and withdrawal from real-world interactions.

“The pressure to be online, maintain a perfect image, and respond instantly is pushing students toward burnout and detachment,” said Sadia Mahjabeen, a psychologist working with university students in Dhaka.

“We are witnessing a steady rise in screen-induced stress and anxiety,” she said. Meanwhile, a separate youth poll conducted by UNICEF Bangladesh through its U-Report platform reinforces these concerns. Among nearly 29,000 respondents, two-thirds said that misinformation and fake news are the leading causes of stress online.

Another 14 percent cited cyberbullying and negative comments, while a similar percentage pointed to exposure to harmful or upsetting content. According to UNICEF, the majority of young people believe that more must be done to protect them online—52% of respondents supported the introduction of stronger rules and guidelines to prevent the spread of hate speech and online harassment.

Experts say the popularity of short-form video platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts is reshaping how young people process information.