Jakarta, 30 September 2026 – While social media has opened new opportunities for young people to build businesses, express creativity, and expand their networks, it has also brought growing concerns about mental well-being. Addressing this reality, Tan Sharon, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Accountancy and Business at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, Malaysia, and Teng Hui Yu, Senior Specialist (Sustainability) at the Office of Industry Collaboration, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore, led an interactive discussion with BINUS community, especially our students, during the Sustainable Development Goals International Webinar Series (UN SDG Webinar Series 2026), held from 23-25 September 2026. 

As the series focused on “Digital Transformation and Sustainable Development: Opportunities and Challenges for Inclusive Growth,” it was interesting to explore how Generation Z is embracing digital opportunities. From running online businesses through e-commerce platforms such as Tokopedia, Lazada, and Shopee to creating content on YouTube and TikTok, many young people are turning digital platforms into spaces for entrepreneurship and creativity. 

“Participation in the digital economy is not equally accessible to everyone. The 3A Model, which consists of access to devices and internet connectivity, affordability of digital services, and the ability to use technology effectively, helps ensure that more individuals can participate in and benefit from the opportunities created by digital transformation,” shared Teng Hui Yu. 

The discussion also explored the realities faced by those already participating in the digital economy. Behind the flexibility and opportunities offered by online businesses, many entrepreneurs face the pressure of being constantly connected, from monitoring sales and platform performance to responding to customer enquiries and online feedback. For those managing their ventures independently, the line between work and personal life can easily blur, making it difficult to disconnect and recharge. 

“When your business becomes a reflection of who you are, setbacks such as poor sales or negative comments can feel deeply personal. Many entrepreneurs respond by working longer hours, often at the expense of sleep, family time, and their own well-being. Over time, this can reduce focus and creativity, resulting in poorer decisions and even greater pressure,” shared Hui Yu in reflecting the challenges. 

For young entrepreneurs, she stressed that business growth should not come at the expense of personal well-being. Paying attention to early signs of stress, setting boundaries between work and personal life, and making time for family and friends can help maintain a healthier balance. She also noted that technology can be used not only to grow a business but also to simplify routine tasks and reduce unnecessary workload. 

In a separate session, Sharon Tan further discussed about youth mental health in the digital age. With social media becoming an integral part of daily life, many young people spend significant amounts of time online, whether connecting with friends, consuming content, or following the lives of others.  

“The evidence on social media and mental health is not simple. Moderate social-media use may sometimes be associated with better well-being, while heavier use can be linked with depression, anxiety, and loneliness. What matters is not just screen time, but what people are doing online, why they are doing it, and how long they are doing it,” she explained. 

To illustrate this point, she compared spending an hour scrolling through strangers\’ holiday photos with spending the same amount of time video-calling a family member. Despite taking the same amount of time, the two experiences offer very different outcomes. Sharon explained that constant exposure to idealized lifestyles and filtered images can fuel social comparison, affecting confidence, self-esteem, and overall well-being. 

Recognizing that mental health remains a sensitive topic in many communities, the session also explored how young people can help foster more open conversations around well-being. Rather than trying to change societal attitudes all at once, students can start by creating awareness within their own circles and encouraging discussions about loneliness, depression, academic stress, and other everyday challenges that are often kept hidden. 

Sharon the suggested to help reduce stigma around mental health, young people can start by raising awareness within their own circles and encouraging open conversations about well-being. Discussing issues such as loneliness, depression, and academic stress with friends, classmates, and family members can help create a more supportive environment where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength rather than weakness. 

Through the perspectives shared by Teng Hui Yu and Sharon Tan, the discussions underscored that success in the digital age is not measured solely by technological advancement or business growth. It’s important for us in ensuring that digital opportunities remain accessible, inclusive, and supportive of individual well-being by allowing young people to thrive both personally and professionally. 

Author: Mita Adhisti | Editor: Yusuf Rifai