REACH (Telegram) 152 - What are your thoughts on the findings shared on the mental health impact of social media use on young people? What else can we do to address these impacts?
(SK)
31 Jul 2026 (10am - 7pm)
REACH (Telegram)
[31/7/2026 9:51 am] REACH Singapore: Dear contributors,
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Megan π
[31/7/2026 10:00 am] REACH Singapore: π’ Topic π’
An expert panel was convened by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in September 2025 to study the mental health impact of social media use. Yesterday, the panel released a report consolidating findings and recommendations for healthier and safer social media use among young people.
π¬ What are your thoughts on the findings shared on the mental health impact of social media use on young people? What else can we do to address these impacts?
π Several platform features were identified as problematic
The panel identified several platform features that may be particularly problematic for young people’s mental health.
These include direct messaging functions, which may expose young people to safety risks, including cyberbullying, harassment, and inappropriate contact from unknown users.
The ability to make anonymous or pseudonymous accounts may further reduce accountability and make harmful online behaviour more difficult to detect and address, the panel said.
Infinite scroll or autoplay functions that constantly serve up content to users may also contribute to problematic or addictive patterns of social media use, it said.
By removing natural stopping points, the platforms encourage users to remain engaged for prolonged periods beyond what they originally intended.
The panel also highlighted other features, like algorithmically curated feeds, which may amplify exposure to distressing or harmful content, even when a user's initial interest was benign.
Quantified social feedback mechanisms like visible "like" counts and follower metrics also encourage social comparison and validation-seeking behaviours, with potential negative effects on self-esteem and emotional wellbeing, said the panel.
They "may accelerate the onset of internalising symptoms among vulnerable young people".
[31/7/2026 10:00 am] REACH Singapore: π The wider mental health picture
The panel found that problematic social media use is more broadly linked to poorer mental health. This is backed by a growing body of local and international evidence.
In Singapore, about two in five teens aged 15 to 17 who spent more than three hours daily on social media report severe symptoms of depression. Young people who showed more addiction-like symptoms of social media use had poorer overall mental well-being.
Anxiety and depression are two of the most consistently documented mental health outcomes associated with problematic social media use, said the panel.
The panel added that heavy social media use disrupts sleep, which can in turn worsen depression and anxiety symptoms.
Problematic use is also linked to lower life satisfaction, particularly in early adolescence – around the ages of 11 to 13 for girls and 14 to 15 for boys. It can intensify social comparison, which can fuel body-image concerns and unhealthy eating habits, often driven by idealised portrayals of others’ lives online.
π Recommendations by the panel
Besides targeting harmful platform features, the panel recommended strengthening age assurance measures to more accurately identify users' ages.
The government should also empower young people to navigate the online environment in safe and healthy ways, and support their parents in guiding them to do so, said the panel.
The panel further recommended a whole-of-society approach involving families, schools, healthcare providers, community partners, platform operators and the government to better safeguard young people's well-being online.
MOH said the panel's findings and recommendations would help inform ongoing efforts to strengthen support for young people's mental health and promote safer digital experiences for young people.
π Singapore’s current measures
The panel noted that Singapore has already introduced a range of measures to promote safer use of social media, including a code of practice that requires certain social media services to minimise exposure to harmful online content for Singapore users, particularly children.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority also assesses the effectiveness of these safety measures.
The panel noted that some social media platforms have started introducing features that support safer use among young users, such as differentiated accounts with stronger parental controls for younger users.
Others have created resources alongside community partners to help parents guide their children in fostering healthy digital habits.
"These efforts provide an important foundation, and the government will continue to do more to protect users, especially children, online," said MOH.
π https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/social-media-likes-infinite-scrolling-direct-messaging-linked-to-poorer-youth-mental-health
π https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/moh-social-media-use-youth-6287801
π https://www.moh.gov.sg/newsroom/expert-panel-submits-key-findings-and-recommendations-to-support-healthier-and-safer-social-media-use-among-young-people/
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[31/7/2026 10:20 am] Daniel: I really think this goes in the right direction. Addressing the problematic features such as infinite scroll, autoplay and algorithms drawing people into specific filter bubbles will help all of us while not really impeding on things like free speech etc.
I notice that for myself (not a youth anymore), that sometimes I get drawn to some random posts or videos on Instagram or Facebook and then regret losing that time later. I am trying to put the settings to minimise such temptations by restricting content to accounts I follow, but this is not possible on Facebook and on Instagram has to be toggled every 30 days. It is really evident that the platforms have no interest in implementing those features as it will reduce the time people spend on their product, so I think the government putting on some guardrails is the only way this is going to happen.
[31/7/2026 11:02 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : Q1: I am concerned about the findings on the impact of social media use on young people’s mental health. (Share your reasons in the chat.) ]
- Strongly Agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
[31/7/2026 11:02 am] REACH Singapore: [ Poll : Q2: More could be done to strengthen support for young people's mental health and promote safer digital experiences for them. (Share your reasons in the chat.) ]
- Strongly Agree
- Agree
- Neutral
- Disagree
- Strongly Disagree
[31/7/2026 11:12 am] Jun Ming in reply to Daniel:
> I really think this goes in the right direction....
Agree
[31/7/2026 11:14 am] Jun Ming: I think social media and reels is too much brain rot
[31/7/2026 11:14 am] LCL (Danny εΏ):
1. The recent 3 youth 14 to 19 years old reflect the direct influence of the harmful content of social media platform - to what they learn on terrorism, violence and translate into how they are going to carry out their intent.
2. In fact, 2 were a near miss - if not because they were nabbed just before they carried out what they see in social media and plan out what the social media taught them.
3. Our children in school and Nsmen lives will be threatened if they are not stop just in the nick of time.
[31/7/2026 11:15 am] Jun Ming: Too much ai created content, lack of creative originality.
[31/7/2026 11:17 am] Jun Ming: You look at the trend recently it really is meaningless. For eg. The trend of 67
[31/7/2026 11:26 am] Jun Ming: https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/volunteer-sexualised-primary-2-boys-moaning-noises-bend-over
[31/7/2026 11:28 am] Adam: What if the government make their own dating app? All dating app has unhealthy habits of first impressions. Loads of bots and low effort users. Perverse inventive by app dev to keep people paying. If govt make one then maybe boost singles sanity and tfr
[31/7/2026 11:30 am] 365: I am also guilty of doom scrolling and consuming too much unhealthy content, but I believe the responsibility lies with myself to control my actions, and not the government.
[31/7/2026 11:32 am] 365: Government controls this, then there'll be a next big time sink that corporates will come up with. It'll be a forever cat and mouse game, with regulations lacking behind. Once you have practiced good self control, corporate can't take that away from you.
[31/7/2026 11:33 am] Jun Ming: Very addictive. People nowadays including me lack of self control
[31/7/2026 11:40 am] LCL (Danny εΏ):
Children must do age filter - to prevent them access to harmful content.
Children are not capable to do self control.
The recent youth exposure to terrorism demonstrate this.
And our society should not be left to chance waiting for mass incident to happen.
[31/7/2026 11:42 am] Daniel in reply to 365:
> I am also guilty of doom scrolling and consuming too much...
Yes, but there are limits to this. If a product is actively harmful and designed to make people addictive, then it should be regulated. These products are specifically designed to make us dependant and to overcome our self control. It's the same with things like cigarettes, for long tobacco companies have used those arguments as well.
[31/7/2026 12:36 pm] Jun Ming: Another harmful online content is pornography. How do we stop kids from exposing those things and search this things on their own
[31/7/2026 12:38 pm] Khai Mun L. in reply to Jun Ming:
> Another harmful online content is pornography....
Cannot totally stop this.
The best we can do is give them proper alternative education and good role models
[31/7/2026 12:38 pm] Jun Ming: Cause I myself search for it in primary 5
[31/7/2026 12:38 pm] Khai Mun L.: Even china firewall and sexualization of mundane things cannot prevent
[31/7/2026 12:41 pm] 365: We shouldn't try to turn the internet sterile, but to raise the future generations to be resilient to the harms of the internet despite its environment.
[31/7/2026 12:47 pm] Daniel: I feel that the suggested measures in targeting the mechanics don't turn the Internet sterile. They don't affect content, just the way it is presented to us.
[31/7/2026 12:50 pm] 365: I think what has been done, the differentiated content for accounts of different ages is already plentiful enough.
Yes, some kids will try to lie about their age and bypass restrictions. Just as a guardrail is there to protect people from falling over the edge, for anyone who is adamant about going past it, nothing will help.
[31/7/2026 12:55 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
Many Ancient sages say :-
- see no evils
- hear no evils
- speak no evils
- think no evils
Purpose is to guide people toward inner purity, emotional peace, and moral goodness by stopping harmful thoughts and actions before they grow.
[31/7/2026 12:56 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
Even leaders can "m.. see, m... do".
[31/7/2026 12:56 pm] Jun Ming: I think sexual education on porn should start direct on primary school
[31/7/2026 12:57 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
Eg.
One rouge regime say "pay toll charges in Hormuz Straits".
A superpower also say, come let share, I also levy toll because I send my navy to protect.
An ASEAN minister also say, since Hormuz Straits can charge toll fees, our straits also can charge.
Then another ASEAN lawmaker say, why don't negotiate with the regime that charge toll fees and pay the passage.
And then all the hell break loose.
Precisely because, one start to:-
- think evil
- speak evil
- do evil
- others see evil, and then copy to think evil, speak evil, do evil.
And decline into a vicious cycle of:-
"M... See, M... Do".
[31/7/2026 12:57 pm] Jun Ming: From primary 3 we should start teaching safe use of Internet. And the consequences of doing harm
[31/7/2026 12:59 pm] Jun Ming: In this internet and ai stage we need to start these education asap
[31/7/2026 1:02 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ) in reply to LCL (Danny εΏ):
> Eg. One rouge regime say "pay toll charges in Hormuz...
Until our Leaders come out in succession to "Be a lamp upon the Globe of Darkness".
- Think good
- Speak good
- Do good
- See good.
And guide the World to:-
- Think good
- Speak good
- Do good
- See good
[31/7/2026 1:07 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
In a corporate, a CEO and the group of leadership is a good example that I experience throughout my career:-
1. Leadership that preach and practice:-
- Think good
- Speak good
- Do good
- See good.
The whole company is full of positivity and staff are highly motivated.
And the corporate results annually perform well.
Staff don't poke one another at the back, because corporate leaders will straight away stop such bad office politics behaviours and promote good mutual interaction and collaboration.
All you need come one leader or more leaders that have toxic characters - the whole corporate will turn toxic.
Bad Office politics brew. Staff start to poke one another.
2. Same for a family - all you need is one negative member.
3. Or any community or in a forum.
[31/7/2026 1:11 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
Hence, I don't believe leaving toxic video contents be it in social media, mainstream media or anywhere - will do any goods for our population.
δΈι’θιΌ ε±，θ½η ΄εζ΄ι η²₯。
1 rat shit, can poison the whole pot of porridge.
Or Cantonese saying:-
ζε±ζ£。Stir shit rod.
Stirring up trouble in a peaceful settings.
Depending on mental strength and self control - I think in this world - very rare people have such mental strength.
Unless one attain :-
εΊζ ζδ½，θηε ΆεΏ。
Hatred/anger, greed, ignorance, arrogance, distrust don't arise in a person's mind - then it is possible not to be affected or influence by negative contents.
[31/7/2026 1:56 pm] G in reply to REACH Singapore:
> π’ Topic π’ An expert panel was convened by the Ministry of...
What is MOH's response to the events unfolding in the US regarding Fauci and the covid response he led?
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/fauci-fifth-amendment-senate-hearing-questions-6285711
SG's covid measures basically followed whatever Fauci recommended, including discrimating against those that MOH deemed to be not "fully vaccinated" via VDS
However, it has since been established that Fauci's recommendations were not based on science but on his whims. (https://www.audacy.com/wwl/news/national/fauci-admits-covid-social-distancing-not-based-in-science)
Treatments that were being explored by SG and showing positive signs (including prescribing vitamin C and ivermectin) were suddenly canned, exclusively in favour for the experimental covid jabs. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/anti-malaria-drug-throat-spray-reduce-covid-19-spread-in-closed-crowded-settings-such-dorms-nuhs-study-5648731
It turns out, that in almost all countries, issuing emergency use approvals for experimental drugs are illegal if treatments exist..
[31/7/2026 2:02 pm] REACH Singapore: π’ Topic π’
[31/7/2026 2:04 pm] G in reply to REACH Singapore:
> π’ Topic π’ An expert panel was convened by the Ministry of...
Going by the events that transpired during covid, it really does seem like MOH intentionally created the environment such that they can give emergency use approval for the experimental covid jabs
[31/7/2026 2:06 pm] Daniel in reply to G:
> Going by the events that transpired during covid,...
This seems to be quite off topic.
[31/7/2026 2:08 pm] G in reply to Daniel:
> This seems to be quite off topic.
Well, going by how much off topic things have been discussed over the history of REACH telegram, this is par for the course since this topic pertains to national impact arising from govt decisions
[31/7/2026 2:41 pm] μ¬μμΉκ΅¬, 첫μ¬λ π: Is okay to be off topic. Those are just questions leading the discussion anyway. This is a space to discuss all kinds of Singapore issues.
[31/7/2026 2:46 pm] Daniel: Actually you are right. I was under the impression that the rules state it should be on topic. But either I misread that or they have removed it at some point. Apologies @t_l3e
[31/7/2026 3:50 pm] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,
We want to HEAR MORE from you on today’s topic!
We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!
π¬ What are your thoughts on the findings shared on the mental health impact of social media use on young people? What else can we do to address these impacts?
Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls!
The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.
Thank you.
Megan π
[31/7/2026 4:05 pm] REACH Singapore: π’ Topic π’
[31/7/2026 4:51 pm] Jun Ming: Shall we also grow the numbers of psychologist and psychiatrist in Singapore since mental health is getting poorer
[31/7/2026 4:52 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
I feel that prevention is better than cure.
[31/7/2026 4:53 pm] Jun Ming: Need to do both mah
[31/7/2026 4:53 pm] Jun Ming: Prevention and cire at the same time
[31/7/2026 4:53 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
Also mindfulness training of the mind - is best at keeping mental health at bay.
[31/7/2026 4:54 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
Mindfulness training is to mental note bad consciousness from arising, note it.
Let it fade and prevent bad consciousness from disturbing mental mind.
[31/7/2026 4:57 pm] Jun Ming: Any ways of getting help from a parent perspective and from the victim perspective
[31/7/2026 4:57 pm] Jun Ming: Other than mindline
[31/7/2026 4:58 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
Parents mental health and resilience as well as moral ethics must be strong before can help their children.
[31/7/2026 4:58 pm] Jun Ming: Because I find people are kind of helpless don't know what to do when their child is in depression
[31/7/2026 4:59 pm] Jun Ming: Or some weird symptoms that is being see as rebellious
[31/7/2026 4:59 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
If children depression，got to seek psychiatrist help.
Plus medication.
[31/7/2026 5:00 pm] Jun Ming: Polyclinic referral takes a long time
[31/7/2026 5:00 pm] Jun Ming: You can't just go imh directly
[31/7/2026 5:00 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
Children at certain age are seen as rebellious or distance from parents.
Only parents who are able to win the children trust can get the children to open up.
[31/7/2026 5:01 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ) in reply to Jun Ming:
> You can't just go imh directly
I think can get into emergency department if want immediate help.
But pay more.
[31/7/2026 5:02 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
But mindfulness training is able to tackle mental condition such as depression.
[31/7/2026 5:02 pm] Jun Ming: Is there any avenue of help in between the wait. As people with mental health usually are reluctant to seek for help also
[31/7/2026 5:03 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ) in reply to Jun Ming:
> Is there any avenue of help in between the wait....
Yes.
Not easy to coax mental patients to seek help.
Most important win trust and then coax the children to follow.
[31/7/2026 5:03 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
Say it will help them to get well and be happy again.
[31/7/2026 5:05 pm] Jun Ming: That's why training more psychologist and psychiatrist to let the process faster and more support on families is important
[31/7/2026 5:06 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
Understand.
But resources are always limited.
Thus prevention is also very important.
[31/7/2026 5:11 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
Mindfulness training can develop:-
1. Mental strength
2. Mental resiliency
3. Positivity
4. Clarity
5. Insight
- all these mental qualities are the defence against mental health deterioration particularly depression, negative views and mental grief.
[31/7/2026 5:12 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
And once a person develop such mental strength, there is no need to seek psychiatrist help.
[31/7/2026 5:13 pm] μ¬μμΉκ΅¬, 첫μ¬λ π in reply to LCL (Danny εΏ):
> And once a person develop such mental strength,...
I don't think this is a cause and effect thing but you know to each their own.
[31/7/2026 5:14 pm] μ¬μμΉκ΅¬, 첫μ¬λ π: Expansion in mental health care is always good since Singapore is just gonna get more and more stressful and so increasingly more people will need professional help with increasing awareness on mental issues.
[31/7/2026 5:15 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
Depending on the type of mental condition.
Some are genetically driven mental condition that need psychiatrist and medication.
[31/7/2026 5:18 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
Others are incident or environmental driven such as addicted to social media that drive negativity, promote dooming views - life is bleak, violence and other unwholesome views.
Then mental strength, resiliency, wisdom through insight and clarity will overcome such mental trigger conditions by social media.
If youth are badly affected by social media - the best is to be protected and filter all undesirable contents.
[31/7/2026 5:19 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
Stress is self driven due to weak mental strength and poor resiliency.
No one can stress you, unless your mental strength succumb.
[31/7/2026 5:26 pm] μ¬μμΉκ΅¬, 첫μ¬λ π in reply to LCL (Danny εΏ):
> Stress is self driven due to weak mental strength and poor...
Once again, to each their own.
[31/7/2026 5:32 pm] Adam: A lot of singaporeans are weak. Not willing to work hard and work overtime.. Not willing to upskill while in full time job. Not willing to spam resumes to jobhunt.
Thats why we need to spend millions hiring psychologists to whip them into shape. It is their fault for being so weak, and we need highly paid specialist to whip singaporeans into shape. Make them work hard, or die trying
[31/7/2026 5:32 pm] LCL (Danny εΏ):
In the west, mainly US and Europe - many mindfulness training centres are set up to train their military, schools and community.
Surprisingly, in the east, we have less structured mindfulness training centres setup to build the population mental strength and resiliency.
[31/7/2026 5:39 pm] Adam: Perhaps there is a mismatch of expectations. Advancing technology supposed to make our lives easier. During our parents time, they can get very far with a secondary school education.
New gen, go uni for what? Computers make us 1000x more productive yet quality of life isnt 1000x better. Hdb isnt a guarenteed when entering the job market or marry.
And we are making up excuses like social media eroding the mind while missing the big picture. Gonna be another kpi of a minister can congratulate and promote. Like beverage cans and plastic straws, its the individuals fault always.
[31/7/2026 5:39 pm] μ¬μμΉκ΅¬, 첫μ¬λ π in reply to Adam:
> A lot of singaporeans are weak....
Weak and being unwilling to upskill can be 2 distinct issues.
[31/7/2026 5:52 pm] Adam: Our youths are stressed . No mental strength and poor resiliency. Thats why no employers want them.
So we need to hire strong people. From china. From india. They have the strength to travel thousands of kilometers.
We also need ai to do things faster as our gen is weak. We are a meritocracy and by pure merit, AI can do much more than humans. Can do jobs our weak minded youths cant.
We can try to train our youth to control the ai, but is it worth the money? Why train weak people when can hire strong ones. Maybe overseas, maybe existing singaporeans eho got retrenced. In a competitive job market its survival of the fittest. And you know what happens by darwins law
[31/7/2026 5:53 pm] Adam: If only we strengthen our youths mind by controlling social media. It will fix the problem of them being so stressed. Fix their weak minds.
[31/7/2026 5:54 pm] Adam: They will finally leave their parents hdb, get married, find job, get car and live the singaporean dream
[31/7/2026 6:04 pm] REACH Singapore: π’ Topic π’
[31/7/2026 6:06 pm] G in reply to LCL (Danny εΏ):
> I feel that prevention is better than cure.
Unless the prevention creates more problems and / or is more problematic than the problem it is trying to prevent
[31/7/2026 6:07 pm] G in reply to Adam:
> If only we strengthen our youths mind by controlling social...
Sounds very communist
[31/7/2026 6:12 pm] G in reply to Adam:
> They will finally leave their parents hdb, get married,...
Actually, I think SG youth are very resilient.. but they've only been sold 1 narrative: whatever the SG dream is.. and this dream is seriously getting more and more unattainable because of the SG environment
Many mistake this SG environment as youth not being as resilient as previous generations
But I feel that SG youth should be more exposed to the different kinds of opportunities available to them outside of SG, and not being stifled by their immediate SG environment
Like it or not SG environment has evolved into a condition where it's become so much more conducive and rewarding to treat SG like a stepping stone to greener pastures, than to sink deep roots in
Let SG youths explore overseas and even sink roots elsewhere where it's more conducive to sink roots in
[31/7/2026 6:46 pm] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors,
⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan π
[31/7/2026 7:04 pm] REACH Singapore: Dear Contributors
We will be closing the chat for today.
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan π
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