The Digital Mind: Neurological Vulnerabilities, Platform Architectures, and the Modern Mental Health Crisis

Shilpa GC

Abstract: This empirical study investigates the relationship between algorithmic platform architectures, compulsive social media engagement, and psychological well-being among urban adolescents in Bengaluru, India. Utilizing a quantitative cross-sectional design (N = 350, aged 13-18 years), data were collected using standardized psychometric evaluations, including the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that problematic social media engagement significantly predicts elevated anxiety, depressive symptoms, and severe sleep disturbance. The findings highlight the critical role of dopamine-driven reward schedules and algorithmic notifications in exacerbating adolescent mental health vulnerabilities, emphasizing the necessity for structural platform intervention and clinical digital hygiene standards.

Keywords: Social Media Addiction, Adolescent Mental Health, Anxiety and Depression, Sleep Disturbance, Algorithmic Platforms

How to Cite?: Shilpa GC, "The Digital Mind: Neurological Vulnerabilities, Platform Architectures, and the Modern Mental Health Crisis", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1117-1118, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR26917224508, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR26917224508

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