Youth Climate Anxiety Soars: Combating Eco-Anxiety in the Social Media Age
Young people around the world are increasingly experiencing eco-anxiety, an emotional distress caused by concerns about the shifting environment and the growing climate crisis. Social media plays a significant role in exacerbating this anxiety, exposing young users to alarming information and the risk of misinformation. As a result, many young people are feeling helpless, fearful, and even despairing about the state of the planet and its future.
A global survey conducted in 10 countries including Brazil, India, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Australia revealed that young people aged 16 to 25 are extremely worried and feel sad, powerless, helpless, and betrayed by their governments when it comes to environmental protection. The survey also found that the adverse impacts of the climate crisis were felt more acutely by youth in the Global South.
Furthermore, eco-anxiety is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, stress, lower self-reported mental health, and functional impairment. This is concerning, especially considering that globally, one in seven 10 to 19-year-olds live with a mental health condition, and suicide is the fourth-leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds. In Indonesia, for example, around one in three individuals aged 10 to 17 showed symptoms of a mental disorder in the past year.
The correlation between eco-anxiety and exposure to climate change information is significant, especially through social media channels. Biased algorithms on platforms like Facebook and Twitter create echo chambers and filter bubbles, reinforcing existing viewpoints and exposing young people to unbalanced and biased information about climate change. This overexposure deepens the effects of eco-anxiety, particularly for those already dealing with mental health conditions.
In light of these concerns, there is a need for governments to safeguard young people from the negative aspects of social media while still allowing them to engage in climate action. Building media literacy education in schools and youth networks can increase awareness about climate change and help young people critically evaluate the information they encounter online. Actively involving young people in climate initiatives and establishing youth advisory boards can ensure that their voices are considered in decision-making processes.
Additionally, collaborations between governments, social media platforms, and news outlets can develop appropriate climate change reporting guidelines. Positive news stories about climate action have been shown to improve young people’s mental and social well-being, and these stories should be amplified. By engaging with young people and addressing their eco-anxiety, we can work towards a healthier and more sustainable future.
In conclusion, the issue of youth climate anxiety is a pressing concern that needs to be addressed. By mitigating the negative impact of social media, providing mental health support, and amplifying positive climate stories, we can help alleviate eco-anxiety and empower young people to take meaningful action on climate change. Governments, educators, and technology platforms all have a role to play in safeguarding the well-being of our youth while fostering a sense of hope and agency in the face of the climate crisis.
