Social Media Balance

Narrator: Three students debate if universities should educate students on managing social media use. Ananya: I think universities should start offering sessions or workshops on managing social media use. We all use it daily, but few people talk about how it's affecting our mental health, especially with things like comparison, FOMO, and constant notifications. Chris: That's a good point, Ananya. I've definitely found myself scrolling through feeds late at night and then struggling with sleep or anxiety. It's almost addictive. I think students underestimate how much time and energy social media drains. Betty: I get that, but don't you think it's a bit extreme for universities to get involved in how students use their phones? Everyone's habits are different. Some people use social media for staying connected, and it's not necessarily negative for everyone. Ananya: True, Betty. But the idea isn't to ban our usage. It's to create awareness. Just like how universities promote mental health resources or stress management techniques, they could guide us on setting healthy boundaries with apps we use constantly. Chris: I agree with Ananya. It's not about policing students. It's about helping them recognise unhealthy patterns. A lot of us don't realise the toll endless scrolling takes on our focus, self-esteem, or even our productivity Betty: Fair enough. Maybe if the university offered optional workshops or integrated it into wellness programmes, students could choose to engage with it. I just wouldn't want it to feel forced. Ananya: That's reasonable. And the content could be practical, like how to set app limits, take digital detoxes, or recognise when social media is affecting mood. Even brief interventions could make a big difference. Chris: Plus, with things like cyberbullying and online harassment being more common now, students should know how to protect themselves. Emotional safety online is as important as physical safety on campus. Betty: I hadn't thought about that angle. And with everyone curating perfect lives online, it's easy to fall into the comparison trap. Maybe some honest conversations about that would help normalise those feelings. Ananya: Exactly. We need spaces where students can reflect on how these platforms are shaping their self-image and mental wellbeing. Universities can lead that dialogue in a non-judgemental way. Chris: Even partnering with psychologists or digital wellbeing experts could make the sessions more effective. It shouldn't just be a lecture. It should offer practical takeaways students can use daily. Betty: If it's done with empathy and flexibility, I think a lot of students would actually welcome it. Especially during exam season or orientation week, when stress is already high. Ananya: Social media isn't going anywhere, but that means it's even more important to understand its influence. Being mindful about it should be part of how we care for our mental health. Chris: And if universities can help students find that balance, it shows they care not just about academic performance, but about long-term wellbeing too. Betty: Yeah, I guess that's what it comes down to. Equipping students to thrive both online and offline.