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Anxiety, depression, and emotional problems are on the rise across the globe, cutting across boundaries of culture, geography, and socio-economic status. The World Health Organisation says ‘one in seven’ have a mental health disorder in 2026.
According to the World Health Organisation, ‘one in seven adolescents worldwide has a mental health disorder.’ Such statistics obviously cannot be ignored.
This generation of teens is the first to be raised in an environment where technology dominates everyday life. Social media, texting, and algorithm-driven sites shape the way teens think about themselves, their futures, and the world around them.
Excitement and dopamine associated with instant connectivity have significant drawbacks and can lead impressionable young people into a spiral of seeking validation, constant comparison, and being wrapped up in emotional overload.
But the WHO is dispelling the notion that technology alone is the driving factor.
What the data shows is a steady upward trend rather than a sudden spike. Anxiety and depression remain the most reported conditions among adolescents, but the study also notes increases in stress-related disorders and emotional difficulties linked to school, family life, and social environments.
The organisation attributes this rise to a combination of factors, including prolonged economic uncertainty, academic pressure, and reduced access to early support services. While digital platforms are frequently cited in discussions around youth mental health, the WHO frames online life as one influence among many, adding a layer of underlying stress in most cases rather than being the direct source.
