Netflix’s latest psychological thriller, Adolescence, has struck a nerve by portraying the raw realities of adolescent life in the digital age. Through the gripping story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper, the series dives into emotional isolation, social media pressure, and the relentless need for validation. Beyond its narrative, Adolescence opens up a necessary conversation on the impact of the digital world on young minds.
The series begins with 13-year-old Jamie’s arrest for the murder of a classmate. As the investigation progresses, layers of psychological trauma emerge. Co-creators Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham have intentionally focused on the experiences of a teenager, reflecting on how early exposure to the online world can shape young identities. The sheer desperation for approval, propagated on social media, is alarming. But how real is this crisis? We discuss.
VALIDATION TRAP
For today’s young minds, self-worth often hinges on digital approval. From Instagram likes to engagement on comments, social media algorithms are designed to keep one engaged, encouraging a continuous loop of seeking external validation.
Dr. Kamna Chhibber, Head, Mental Health, Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Healthcare, says the psychological consequences of this cycle are often underestimated.
“Social media foster a culture of instant gratification. Adolescents frequently equate their self-worth with how others perceive them online, leading to heightened anxiety, self-doubt, and even depressive tendencies.”
This external validation can become addictive. Each like or share triggers dopamine, reinforcing the need for further approval. When validation is absent or negative feedback arises, it can result in emotional withdrawal or aggressive behaviour.
Swati Chopra, a journalist and a single parent to a 9-year-old boy, has been conscious of this risk from an early stage. Her parenting approach emphasises self-validation rather than external praise. “When my son achieves something, my first question isn’t, ‘Are you proud of me?’ It’s, ‘Are you proud of yourself?’ I want him to value his own effort and feel proud internally.”
OPEN COMMUNICATION
Despite parental controls and safety features, inappropriate content continues to seep through digital platforms. Swati recalls her son encountering a dating app ad on YouTube while watching football videos.
“He asked me about it. Rather than avoiding it, I explained it to him in simple terms. I believe in answering his questions directly — if I don’t, he’ll find his answers elsewhere, and that could be harmful.”
Dr. Chhibber agrees that avoiding tough conversations increases a child’s curiosity, often leading them to unreliable sources for answers.
The need for transparent dialogue becomes even more evident when children absorb harmful stereotypes from digital spaces. Swati recalls a moment when her son said, ‘Mom, because you’re a girl, you can’t be stronger than Papa.’ That opened up a long conversation about gender equality. I explained how strength isn’t defined by gender. Being a single parent, my son has seen firsthand that women are just as capable.”
These moments of curiosity are opportunities for parents to instil critical thinking and challenge harmful narratives.
DEALING WITH TOXIC IDEOLOGIES
A particularly unsettling theme explored in Adolescence is the spread of toxic masculinity through online “manosphere” communities. Concepts like the “80:20 ratio,” which claims that 80% of women are only attracted to the top 20% of men, foster insecurity and resentment in young boys.
Tanushree Bhargava, a clinical psychologist (RCI), Yatharth Hospital, Noida Extension, warns that these ideologies can severely impact self-perception.
“Exposure to hyper-masculine and misogynistic content shapes harmful beliefs. For boys struggling with self-esteem, these spaces provide a false sense of belonging, often leading to aggressive behaviour and warped perceptions of relationships.”
Swati believes that constant conversations about respect and equality are necessary to counter these narratives.
“It’s important to address these ideas before they become ingrained. I’ve taught my son that respecting women isn’t just a rule — it’s a reflection of his own character.”
CYBERBULLYING HAS MANY FACES
Bullying has evolved in the digital world. What may appear as a harmless emoji can have malicious intent. Slang, acronyms, and cryptic messages are often used for exclusion or mockery, making it harder for adults to detect cyberbullying.
Bhargava explains the psychological impact of such behaviour. “Unlike in-person interactions, online bullying lacks empathy. A single negative comment can feel overwhelming for a teenager. Without intervention, this can lead to severe emotional distress.” Parents should remain attentive to behavioural shifts, such as withdrawal, mood swings, or reluctance to use devices.
What’s astonishing? Most of the time, both the parents and the child aren’t aware of the underlying effects of social media on adolescents.
“They often come in with indirect symptoms, and it’s only after a detailed conversation that we uncover how much social media may be playing a role on their mental health. Some of the direct and indirect signs we see include — complaints from parents like mobile or screen addiction, school refusal, academic difficulties, mood swings, impulsivity, trouble with attention and focus, anxiety, worries about their physical appearance, low self-esteem, obsessive behaviours, social withdrawal, challenges in making friends, and family conflicts or attachment issues. These symptoms might seem unrelated at first, but when we look deeper, it often becomes clear that social media is a significant factor in their overall well-being,” Bhargava shares.
SETTING BOUNDARIES
Swati has implemented clear boundaries for her son’s digital use. His video games are chat-disabled to prevent exposure to harmful conversations. “He wasn’t happy at first. But once I explained the dangers of online interactions, he accepted it. Children today need explanations, not just rules. When they understand the ‘why,’ they’re more likely to comply.”
While restrictions are necessary, Swati believes in reinforcing trust. “Even if he breaks a rule, I remind him that I trust him. Taking away privileges may stop behaviour temporarily, but it won’t teach accountability. Trust encourages better decision-making.”
Bhargava echoes this sentiment, emphasising that punitive measures can harm parent-child relationships. “When mistakes happen, respond with understanding. This creates a space where children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences without fear of punishment.”
NEED FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION
While parents play a crucial role in shaping children’s digital habits, schools and policymakers also have a responsibility to create safer online environments. Media literacy programs that teach critical thinking and emotional resilience can equip adolescents to navigate social media responsibly.
“Mental health support must be accessible, and conversations about digital well-being should be normalized within schools,” says Dr. Chhibber.
In India, where approximately 253 million adolescents are navigating this digital maze, the absence of culturally relevant media addressing these challenges is glaring. Unlike Western shows like Euphoria or Adolescence, Indian storytelling has yet to offer significant representations of the psychological effects of digital life.
HOW TO DEAL WITH IT?
For Swati, the goal isn’t to keep her son away from the digital world — it’s to guide him through it. “It’s impossible to block everything. But by building trust, keeping conversations open, and explaining the risks, I can help him navigate this world responsibly.”
Adolescence serves as a stark reminder of how unchecked digital influence and unaddressed emotions can lead to dangerous outcomes. But with conscious parenting, open communication, and collective effort, things can change.
Remember: If we don’t guide them through the digital world — someone else will. (Agencies)
