How Media Shapes Our Minds and Mental Health
Mental health is shaped not only by biology and personal experiences but also by the environments in which we live, learn, and interact. In the third episode of our conversation with renowned psychiatrist Dr. Ambreen Ahmed, the discussion focused on the powerful influence of media, social media, parenting, education, and community support on mental well-being.
How Media Shapes Attitudes and Identity
According to Dr. Ambreen Ahmed, media plays a significant role in shaping how people see themselves and others. Television dramas, films, advertisements, and online content influence perceptions of beauty, success, gender roles, and social behavior.
When media repeatedly promotes narrow beauty standards or stereotypical gender roles, these messages can affect children’s self-esteem and expectations about themselves and others.
At the same time, media also has the potential to create positive change by discussing important social issues, challenging harmful stereotypes, and portraying empowered and diverse role models.
Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
Dr. Ahmed emphasized that social media is neither entirely good nor entirely bad.
On the positive side, it helps people stay connected, access information, and build communities. However, excessive or unhealthy use can contribute to several mental health challenges.
Mental Health – Cyberbullying
One of the most serious concerns is cyberbullying. Unlike traditional bullying, online harassment can follow children and teenagers everywhere, making it difficult to escape.
Mental Health – Comparison Culture
Social media often encourages people to compare their lives with carefully curated versions of others’ lives. Constant exposure to filtered images, luxury lifestyles, and seemingly perfect experiences can negatively affect self-esteem.
FOMO: Fear of Missing Out
Many young people experience anxiety because they feel they are constantly missing opportunities, experiences, or social events that others appear to be enjoying.
Mental Health – Addiction and Screen Dependency
The reward systems built into social media platforms can encourage addictive behavior. Likes, comments, followers, and notifications create temporary feelings of validation, making it difficult for some users to disconnect.
Gaming: Finding Balance
Gaming itself is not necessarily harmful. However, problems arise when gaming begins to replace healthy activities such as studying, exercising, socializing, and sleeping.
Dr. Ahmed stressed the importance of communication and negotiation between parents and children. Rather than imposing sudden restrictions, parents should understand their children’s interests while also helping them maintain healthy boundaries.
The Critical Role of Teachers
Children spend a large portion of their lives in school, making teachers essential partners in promoting mental health.
Teachers can help by:
- Recognizing signs of depression and anxiety
- Identifying learning difficulties
- Understanding individual differences among students
- Creating supportive classroom environments
- Encouraging open communication
A strong teacher-student relationship can help children feel safe discussing their concerns and challenges.
Child Sexual Abuse: The Importance of Communication
One of the issues Dr. Ahmed highlighted as particularly important is child sexual abuse.
Children who experience abuse often remain silent due to fear, shame, or lack of trust. Creating open lines of communication between children and trusted adults is essential.
When children know they can speak openly without judgment, they are more likely to seek help and support.
Mental Health Awareness and Resource Gaps
Despite increasing awareness, many people still do not fully understand mental health conditions or their symptoms.
Important topics such as:
- Stress management
- Emotional well-being
- Healthy relationships
- Prevention of mental health problems
- Self-care
remain under-discussed in society.
Dr. Ahmed also pointed out that mental health resources remain limited. The number of mental health professionals is far below what is needed, and many people are unaware of existing support services and helplines.
Why Mental Health Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Mental health care should not be limited to psychiatrists alone.
Primary healthcare providers, teachers, community leaders, parents, and policymakers all have a role to play in recognizing and supporting mental health needs.
Building awareness at every level of society can help identify problems earlier and improve access to support.
Building Healthier Communities
Dr. Ahmed concluded by emphasizing the importance of creating supportive communities.
Parks, sports facilities, community centers, volunteer opportunities, support groups, and public spaces where people can connect all contribute to better mental health.
Human beings thrive when they feel connected, valued, and supported. Communities that encourage interaction, physical activity, volunteering, and meaningful relationships can strengthen both individual and collective well-being.
The modern world offers incredible opportunities for connection and learning, but it also presents new mental health challenges. Social media, gaming, media influence, educational pressures, and changing social norms all affect how people think, feel, and relate to one another.
Dr. Ambreen Ahmed’s message is clear: awareness, communication, balance, and community support are essential if we want to build a mentally healthier society for future generations.
