Explorando o impacto das redes sociais na ansiedade dos adolescentes: estratégias a partir da abordagem cognitivo-comportamental

Abstract

Since the internet began to consolidate in the early 2000s, what we now call "social networks" have emerged from it. These social networks have spread and become part of the lives of the vast majority of Brazilian teenagers. As indicated by research conducted by TC KIDS ONLINE BRASIL, the published data show that 93% of young Brazilians use social networks. However, despite being a significant source of information, social networks also have their downsides. The negative aspect studied in this work is how these networks affect teenagers' anxiety and the strategies to prevent it according to cognitive-behavioral therapies.

The objective of this research is to discuss the anxiety present in the lives of Brazilian youth and, more specifically, to present the relationship between the use of social networks and anxiety among these adolescents. It also aims to elucidate ways to cope with anxiety caused by social networks based on cognitive-behavioral theory.

The research was conducted as an integrative systematic review to understand the chosen subject based on previously published studies, using an investigative method. The descriptors "adolescents," "anxiety disorder," and "social networks" were used in the SciELO Brazil database, as well as sources like PubMed, PsycINFO, and the DSM-V. The research, carried out on March 6, 2023, applied the "Portuguese" filter. Other consulted sources included psychology and psychiatry journals and websites, along with the DSM-V.

Upon analyzing and studying the selected texts, it becomes evident that social networks influence adolescents' mental health, with a focus on anxiety. According to a master's research study at the University Center of Lisbon in 2022, participants with higher Trait Anxiety spend more time on social networks. This influence may arise from the idea of perfection that social networks can convey, often leading to lifestyle comparisons, self-esteem issues, and FOMO (fear of missing out), giving rise to dysfunctional automatic thoughts that cause psychological discomfort. Cognitive-behavioral therapy offers several mechanisms for dealing with anxiety that can be applied in this context of distress caused by social networks, including Dysfunctional Thought Records (DTR), evidence examination, defense attorney techniques, and decatastrophizing. Based on these techniques, it may be possible to reduce the intensity of anxiety caused by adolescents' use of social networks.

This research highlights the relationship between the use of social networks and mental health, focusing on anxiety. In addition to this relationship, it was also possible to study how cognitive-behavioral therapy can play an educational role in helping adolescents deal with anxiety potentially caused by social networks in their daily lives. It is crucial to emphasize that anxiety and anxiety disorders can have various origins and can be managed in numerous ways. Therefore, cognitive-behavioral therapy does not replace psychotherapeutic follow-up but also serves as a psychoeducational tool that can be helpful for adolescents or individuals of all ages in coping with the anxiety generated daily by social networks.