GROWING up in a digital world brings new opportunities and, on the flip side, its share of challenges.
For teenagers and university students in Malaysia, managing mental health today means learning to balance screen time, social pressure, and the constant expectation to succeed, both online and offline.
While awareness of mental well-being is improving, many young people are still navigating stress, anxiety, and burnout. For some, social media is a space of motivation and inspiration while for others, it’s a source of comparison and pressure.
Nur Qhairina Mohamad Hanip, 24, who describes herself as academically driven, says social media offers both motivation and moments of self-doubt.
“Social media can drain you, but it can also be motivating depending on what appears in your feed,” she said,” adding, “the algorithm really matters — what you see either lifts you up or brings you down.”
As the eldest in her family and a student who strives for academic recognition, Qhairina admits she puts a lot of pressure on herself to perform well.
“I yearn for academic validation. I see what I do as a competition, and that’s where the pressure comes in,” she said.
Socially, however, she finds peace in staying within a close-knit circle of friends. “I prefer being reserved and just hanging around my small group,” she said.
When things get overwhelming, she turns to music and solitude.
“I’ll lie down in the dark with my headphones and listen to music. It distracts me and helps me reset. Sometimes I just sleep it off,” she said.
Qhairina believes that mental health is taken more seriously today than it was a few years ago.
“My peers are more aware now. People know how important it is. And for me, having a friend who stays by my side during tough times means a lot. Even sitting in silence with someone can be calming,” she said.
Meanwhile, Zuhaffie Zulhadi, 15, is already familiar with the ups and downs of social media use.
“It helps when I see positive things — it can be motivating. But sometimes it’s stressful, especially when I start comparing myself to others,” he said.
A secondary school student, Zuhaffie feels pressure not only in his studies but also in his social life.
“I think the pressure comes from all sides — seeing other people succeed, social media, and wanting to do well in the future,” he explained.
When he feels anxious, he takes a break from everything.
“I listen to music, go for a walk, or talk to someone I trust. It helps clear my mind and makes me feel more in control,” he said.
He’s also noticed that the conversation around mental health has changed.
“People are more open about it now. Before, it was hidden. Now, it’s okay to say how you feel,” he said.
Zuhaffie hopes adults and institutions can offer more understanding and empathy.
“Schools and families should be kinder and listen more. And I wish social media would show more real life — not just perfect things,” he added.
Nur Izzah Shahirah Ramlee, 23, has also turned to social media as a way to escape the daily stress of university life.
“For me, it’s more motivating than distracting. When I’m stressed, scrolling through social media helps me feel better, even just for a little while,” she said.
Still, she admits that seeing others post about their achievements can be disheartening.
“Sometimes it’s hard not to feel pressured when you see others succeeding. But I believe my time will come, so I just try to focus on doing my best at my own pace,” she explained.
Her coping methods are quite simple — food and sleep.
“They’re the best remedies,” she said.
As someone who has studied at diploma level and now pursuing a degree, she notes that the academic challenges increase significantly over time.
“Things get tougher, and because of that, we talk more about our struggles. These days, it’s normal for us to talk about needing support,” she said.
Izzah feels fortunate to have people around her who understand what she’s going through.
“I don’t keep things bottled up. I always talk to my mum or my best friend if something is bothering me,” she said.
Dania Zafiera Ramzani, 17, echoes similar feelings.
While she finds inspiring content online, she admits that social media often causes her stress.
“Sometimes it motivates me, but most of the time it makes me compare myself to others,” she said.
Like many teenagers, Dania feels pressure from multiple directions.
“It comes from family, teachers, friends, and of course, what I see on social media,” she explained.
When she’s feeling low or anxious, she turns to music, reading, or simply resting.
“Taking a break helps. I just lie down and listen to music or read a book to calm down,” she said.
She has seen a positive shift in how people around her talk about mental health.
“A few years ago, it wasn’t something most people would bring up. But now, it’s more normal to say, ‘I’m stressed’ or ‘I need help,’” she said.
Dania hopes schools will offer more resources and families will try to understand more.
“Schools try, but they are limited. Families don’t always get it, and friends can only do so much since they have their own struggles too,” she added.
These stories offer a glimpse into the realities faced by young Malaysians today. While the digital age offers endless information and inspiration, it also brings challenges that previous generations did not have to face.
The pressure to succeed, to present a perfect life, and to constantly be online is very real for teenagers and university students.
Yet, amid the noise, these youths are finding ways to take care of themselves. Whether it’s through music, sleep, conversations with trusted friends, or simply switching off for a while, they are learning to navigate their mental health with awareness and resilience.
What they ask for is simply more empathy, more support, and a better understanding from the adults, schools, and platforms that shape their lives.
In a world that moves fast and values perfection, these young voices remind us that what matters most is kindness, balance, and being heard.
