In the eyes of a psychologist, the mental health issues of today's youth are quite intricately entangled.

However, when unraveling this thread, the internet, smartphones, and gaming culture inevitably come into play.

These three surround the younger generation like the air they breathe, but they are not necessarily good friends. Sometimes, they can be a headache.

First, let's look at the internet.

The internet is a modern-day infinite library and unlimited playground. In the past, one had to search through encyclopedias all day to find out something, but now Google can tell you in just one second. The problem is that amidst this flood of information, it is not easy for young people to distinguish between what is 'necessary' and what is 'unnecessary.'

In psychology, this is referred to as 'information overload,' where having too much information in the brain decreases concentration and leads to decision fatigue. This fatigue can, in the long run, lead to anxiety and lethargy.

Next, we have smartphones.

Smartphones are revolutionary tools that put the internet in our pockets. However, this can also be quite frightening. The notification sound from a smartphone stimulates our brain's reward circuit, releasing dopamine. The curiosity and anticipation of "Who sent me a message?" or "How many likes did I get?" become addictive and repetitive.

Especially, social media stimulates comparison psychology. Seeing friends' travel photos, seemingly perfect work lives, and beautiful selfies dozens of times a day leads to thoughts like 'Why can't I live like that?' Over time, self-esteem subtly decreases while anxiety increases.

And finally, gaming culture.

To be honest, I confess that I belong to the generation that spent quite a bit of time in arcades in the 90s, so I understand the allure of games well. However, today's games are incomparably more immersive than before. They perfectly combine story, graphics, and online communities.

In games, people create new identities and quickly experience a sense of achievement that is hard to obtain in reality. The problem is that this intense sense of reward is given in a much shorter time than in reality. As a result, tasks in the real world feel boring and less fulfilling. Psychologically, this is a change in 'reward sensitivity.'

These three— the internet, smartphones, and gaming— stimulate and exhaust the brains and minds of the younger generation in different ways.

The internet weighs down the mind with endless information, smartphones heighten anxiety with constant comparison and validation needs, and gaming diminishes daily satisfaction with faster rewards than reality. It is no coincidence that anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD-like symptoms, and social isolation are on the rise in such an environment.

That said, I do not intend to say, "Just throw it all away and go live in the mountains."

I can't get through a day without my smartphone either.

Instead, I often tell young people, "There are many things you can't see when you're too close. You need to step back to see them."

If you are holding your smartphone all day, try turning off notifications for at least one hour a day.

Instead of mindlessly scrolling through internet news or social media feeds, intentionally search for topics you want to see.

It might also be good to make a 'contract with yourself' to only play one game a day.

In psychology, there is a concept called 'digital hygiene.'

Just like washing your hands, it means to manage your digital usage habits cleanly for mental health.

Ultimately, the internet, smartphones, and gaming are indispensable friends for the younger generation, but they are also temptations that need to be approached with caution.

If not, at some point, your mental health could collapse like a castle made of sand.

I am still contemplating how to find that balance today.