Increase in Anxiety Due to Academic Pressure and Excessive Use of Social Media Among Adolescents

Abstract

This study analyzed the increase in anxiety among adolescents caused by academic pressure and excessive use of social media. The general objective was to identify how these two variables affect students’ emotional well-being and to propose practical strategies to reduce it. A qualitative-quantitative descriptive approach was used at Colegio Militar N.º 4 “Abdón Calderón”. A structured survey was applied voluntarily and anonymously to 151 high school students through Google Forms. The results showed that most adolescents frequently experience stress due to task overload, fear of making mistakes, and high expectations from parents and teachers. Likewise, a strong dependence on social media was evident, shown through irritability when not checking notifications, fear of missing out (FOMO), constant comparison, and reduced concentration. Both factors reinforce each other, creating a cycle of anxiety that affects sleep and academic performance. It is concluded that academic pressure and excessive social media use are the main causes of increased anxiety. In response to the objective, a set of simple strategies is proposed, including stress management workshops, no-cell-phone hours at school, talks for parents, and extracurricular activities, to create a more balanced school environment and improve students’ emotional well-being.