Adolescent Mental Health Rise with Online Culture in Argentina, Spain

In Argentina, mental‑health specialists report that the word “suicide” is now being used by children and early teenagers to express frustration and distress. Official data show suicide has become the second leading cause of death among 10‑ to 19‑year‑olds, with 11.6% of all suicides in 2023 involving people under 20. The Ministry of Public Guardianship recorded a surge in hospitalisations for suicidal risk among minors after 2022, and the National Epidemiological Bulletin logged more than 22,000 suicide‑related incidents between April 2023 and October 2025, 94% of which were non‑fatal attempts. Experts such as psychopedagogue Candela Astudillo note, “Son expresiones que están socialmente más naturalizadas que antes,” attributing the trend to constant exposure to violent and adult‑oriented content on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

In Spain, psychologists warn of a growing “looksmaxxing” craze among adolescent boys, driven by incel‑linked forums and amplified by the same social‑media algorithms. Influencers promote extreme body‑modification practices, including early testosterone use, severe dieting, and even self‑injury to achieve an idealised masculine look. Psychologist Irene Urdiales explains, “La idea de que el valor personal y el éxito afectivo depende casi exclusivamente del atractivo físico,” highlighting the risk of frustration, resentment and mental‑health deterioration among youths who internalise these unrealistic standards.