KATHMANDU: Social media has become an integral part of daily life, with people increasingly connected to platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) from morning until night.
Originally designed for information sharing, expression, and entertainment, these platforms are now often criticized for amplifying abusive language, negative commentary, and sensational content.
In many cases, once an incident becomes public, a wave of abusive and judgmental reactions follows even before facts are fully verified. Such online behavior can damage the social reputation of individuals involved. Psychiatrist Basudev Karki says this growing trend is having a serious impact on mental health, social relationships, and collective thinking.
According to him, the rise in negativity on social media is closely linked to individual mindset and the surrounding social environment in which it develops. He explains that a person’s upbringing, education, family values, and cultural background strongly influence their online behavior.
Dr. Karki also notes that social media algorithms tend to promote negative and sensational content because such posts generate more engagement. Controversial and emotionally charged content typically receives more likes, shares, and comments, which encourages platforms to circulate it more widely.
He adds that repeated exposure and reward for such behavior reinforces it further. “Reinforcement plays a major role in human behavior. When negative expressions receive attention or popularity, people are more likely to repeat them,” he said.
The impact of social media behavior is also linked to migration and social separation, he suggests.
According to Dr. Karki, many Nepalis working abroad, particularly in Gulf countries, are engaged in physically demanding labor. He argues that limited exposure to structured dialogue, mental health awareness, and balanced social interaction may contribute to more emotionally driven and impulsive responses online.
He says Nepali society has developed a tendency to prioritize sensationalism over intellectual debate, a pattern that is increasingly reflected on social media. He argues that excessive use of social media is no longer just a habit but a mental health concern.
According to him, excessive engagement with digital platforms is now widely recognized globally as a form of addiction. Just as people can become dependent on alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs, similar addictive patterns are emerging with social media use.
He explains that overuse of social media can lead to stress, poor impulse control, social withdrawal, and reduced self-esteem. In some cases, online bullying and trolling can place individuals under severe psychological pressure, increasing the risk of self-blame, hopelessness, and isolation due to attacks on social reputation.
Weak regulation in Nepal
Dr. Karki notes that many developed countries have begun introducing age limits and time restrictions on social media use, with stricter rules for children. However, in Nepal, he says, the situation has become more complicated because technological access has expanded faster than digital literacy.
“We have entered the digital age, but we have not developed digital literacy,” he said, adding that lack of awareness has led to increasing misuse of technology.
Commenting on the mention of social media as a source of income in public asset declarations by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Dr. Karki criticized what he described as a lack of proper regulation. “Instead of controlling and regulating it, influential institutions are promoting it. What message does this send to the younger generation?” he questioned.
He further said that incidents of cybercrime, online fraud, and psychological harm through social media are rising, but policy-level understanding and serious debate remain insufficient.
What is the solution?
Dr. Karki emphasizes that awareness is the key solution. He says responsibility must be shared by educators, parents, policymakers, media, and social leaders. Influential figures, he adds, should use social media responsibly rather than merely as a tool for income or popularity.
“People should first ask themselves: what am I doing, and what impact does it have?” he said.
He also calls for digital literacy and mental health education from the school level, along with stronger discussion on platform accountability, content regulation, and legal frameworks.
Dr. Karki concluded that while social media has connected society in many ways, it is also deeply influencing human behavior and relationships. “It should not be seen only as a technology issue, but as a matter of mental and social health,” he said.
He warned that if unchecked, excessive and unregulated use of social media could damage social harmony and mental well-being, especially among the next generation, stressing that awareness and regulation are essential safeguards.
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