Media Department Student Presents Seminar on Social Media and Depression at Kifri High School

On Thursday, February 26, 2026, third-stage media student Safin Salam from the Media Department at Cihan University-Erbil presented a seminar titled ‘The Psychological Impact of Social Media: Digital Depression and the Effect of Comparison’ for students at Kifri Vocational High School in Kifri District, under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Dlan Ismail Mawlood. The students were warmly received by Mr. Azad Baqi, the Director of Kifri Vocational High School.

During the seminar, Safin Salam addressed several key themes, starting with a clear definition of ‘Digital Depression.’ He explained how excessive use of digital devices and social media can negatively affect mental health, especially among young people. He highlighted the contrast between real-life experiences and the idealized images often presented on social media platforms, noting how comparisons with celebrities and peers can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and anxiety.

Safin Salam emphasized the psychological challenges posed by social media and offered practical solutions for maintaining mental well-being. These included strengthening real-life social connections with family and friends, practicing mindfulness during technology use, and setting limits on social media consumption.

At the end of the seminar, Mr. Azad Baqi expressed his gratitude to Safin Salam and the Media Department at Cihan University-Erbil for organizing the seminar and raising students’ awareness about the effects of modern technology on mental health. He praised the initiative as an important step toward educating students about the responsible use of social media.