Gen Z Sounds the Alarm: More Than Half Have Faced Cyberbullying

The Impact of Social Media on Young Minds

We repeat the same ritual every day: open our phones, scroll, hit “like” leave a comment. It is a quick emotional hit, an easy escape from reality. But this momentary pleasure comes at an ever-higher cost. The influence of social media on our mental health is far greater than we want to admit.

The Digital Wellbeing 2025 report leaves no room for doubt. Researchers surveyed 1,000 people aged 16-24 and discovered that, while social media provide entertainment and connection, they cost young people their peace of mind, mental health, and sense of security.

The report strikes at the heart of the issue — appearance. Social media make young people view themselves through filters and impossible ideals. As many as 91 percent of young women feel pressure to look perfect. Among men, the figure is only slightly lower — 75 percent. This shapes how they think about themselves and the world around them.

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Toxic Pressure to Be Perfect

The pressure is so intense that more than half of young women think about plastic surgery. This is no longer a passing trend — it is everyday reality for a generation raised on Instagram. A staggering 82 percent of respondents admit that social media worsen their body image. For many, the mirror has become an enemy, and every selfie a test of whether they are “good enough” to show the world.

It is no surprise that 87 percent of young people believe social media harm their mental health. Nearly as many — 85 percent — feel dissatisfied with their lives when they compare them to the “perfect lives” of others online.

Worse still, 45 percent fear they are addicted to social media — and this affects other aspects of their daily lives. But how exactly?

Both Mind and Body Suffer — and the Scale Is Shocking

Hours spent scrolling mean giving up other activities. This is not the only negative effect. Many snack while browsing — just like in a movie theater. Screens also disrupt sleep and concentration. No wonder 73 percent of respondents say social media harm their physical health.

Specifically:

• 48 percent report worse sleep because of time spent online.
• 25 percent say their diet and physical activity have declined.
• 36 percent admit their studies suffer because they spend too much time on their phones.

Online Hate Becomes Everyday Reality

Physical well-being is one thing, but safety is an even bigger concern. Generation Z does not feel safe online. More than 58 percent have experienced cyberbullying, and 62 percent of those cases involved women. It is no surprise that one in three young women is afraid to share her opinions online.

These numbers should be alarming — the internet was supposed to be a place to freely express yourself and have open conversations, even about taboo topics.

Experts Call for Change

“This report shows that we are all responsible for creating safer structures and processes on online platforms. We must ensure that everyone has the skills they need to navigate the online world in a way that supports health and well-being,” explains Dr. Radha Modgil, a well-being expert quoted in the report.

Is this the last chance to restore a healthy relationship with the internet — before an entire generation loses its sense of security?

Read the original article: Młodzi biją na alarm. Aż 58 proc. z nich padło ofiarą cyberprzemocy