The Role of Counselors in Building Students’ Mental Health in Facing the Influence of Social Media in The Digital Era

Al Hadi; Ahmad Raihan; Devi Marselina; Indri Mutia

Authors

Al Hadi Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M.Djamil Djambek Bukttinggi
Ahmad Raihan Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M.Djamil Djambek Bukttinggi
Devi Marselina Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M.Djamil Djambek Bukttinggi
Indri Mutia Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M.Djamil Djambek Bukttinggi

Keywords:

counselors, students’ mental health, social media

Abstract

The role of counselors in building students’ mental health amid the influence of social media in the digital era is critical and multifaceted. The rapid development of digital technology and social media platforms has profoundly impacted students’ psychological well-being, introducing both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, social media offers students access to information, networking, and community support; on the other hand, it exposes them to risks such as cyberbullying, social comparison, addiction, and increased anxiety or depression. Counselors are essential in helping students navigate these complexities by developing relevant competencies and intervention strategies tailored to the digital context. Counselors support students by raising awareness about the positive and negative effects of social media, teaching deliberate and responsible social media use, and helping students recognize signs of distress in themselves and others. They also educate parents on modeling healthy technology habits and encourage students to balance online and offline interactions to enhance social skills and mental health. Utilizing technology-based counseling methods like cybercounseling expands access to psychological support, offering safe and flexible environments for students to disclose and manage emotional crises, especially for those experiencing social anxiety. Moreover, counselors play a pivotal role in fostering digital literacy, which is closely linked to adolescent mental health. Low digital literacy can exacerbate mental health problems, so counselors implement prevention and intervention programs that empower students to critically evaluate online content and protect their digital footprint. They continuously update their skills to keep pace with evolving social media trends and collaborate with schools, families, and mental health professionals to create supportive ecosystems that promote holistic student well-being. In summary, counselors act as guides and advocates in the digital era by integrating technology into counseling services, educating students and families about social media’s impact, and providing targeted support to build resilience and positive mental health outcomes in the face of social media’s pervasive influence.

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