Social media impacts mental health and information accuracy

Discussions regarding the impact of social media highlight both its utility and its risks to mental health and information integrity. In Mexico, a seminar hosted by the Faculty of Medicine addressed how digital platforms influence identity, social perception, and well-being. Experts noted that social comparison and the ‘fear of missing out’ (FOMO) can lead to low self-esteem and loneliness, while algorithms may create echo chambers that reinforce specific ideas. There is also a noted risk of compulsive use among adolescents.

In Colombia, the role of social media during natural disasters, such as recent earthquakes, has been scrutinized. While these platforms allow for real-time reporting and locating missing persons, they also facilitate the rapid spread of misinformation. The use of artificial intelligence to create manipulated content has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood. Reports indicate that 78% of people in Colombia have been exposed to fake news in the last year, with many expressing concern over the difficulty of verifying digital information during crises.