India, March 26 -- With the International Day of Happiness (March 20) just behind us, a new global study has reignited the debate around social media and mental health, suggesting that excessive use of certain platforms may be contributing to unhappiness. Released last week, the World Happiness Report 2026, which surveyed data from nearly 1 lakh people across 140 countries, highlights how algorithm-driven platforms like Instagram are linked to poorer mental well-being. This concern is not just theoretical. Over the past year, India has seen a disturbing rise in suicides linked to social media pressures. Last year, April saw the deaths of 21-year-old Pratik Patel from Surat, as well as 24-year-old influencer and cosmetics founder Misha Agrawal, by suicide. Families of both individuals linked their deaths to their lack of growth on social media. Dr Paramjeet Singh, consultant psychiatrist at PSRI Hospital, states that excessive social media use contributes to loneliness and depression, especially when it replaces real-life connections. "Constant exposure to curated and often unrealistic content can lead to comparison, making individuals feel inadequate about their own lives. The pressure to gain likes, comments, and validation can increase anxiety and lower self-esteem," he explains. Speaking of the negative physical impacts, Dr Prateek Kumar, general physician at Aastha Hospital, explains, "Scrolling late at night delays bedtime, and blue light from screens interferes with the body's natural sleep cycle, making it harder to fall asleep and stay rested. Over time, this leads to fatigue, reduced concentration, and low energy during the day. Eye health is also impacted, leading to irritation, headaches, and blurred vision due to continuous screen exposure." "Long hours on phones often replace physical activity, contributing to weight gain, poor posture, and even early muscle or neck pain," he adds. Early warning signs for children and young adults include noticeable mood swings, irritability, and withdrawal from family or friends. A sudden loss of interest in studies, hobbies, or outdoor activities can also be a red flag. Other indicators include low confidence, increased sensitivity about appearance, and emotional distress after being online. "Feeling uneasy when the device is not available, missing school, college, or real-life social engagements to stay online, and using social media late at night or first thing in the morning are also warning signs," says Dr Singh....