What should I do if I suspect a YouTube channel is causing abnormal behavior in an individual?

Managing Concerning YouTube Content and Abnormal Behavior

Rather than completely stopping phone use, you should help the individual actively control and suppress harmful content on their feed while maintaining open communication about what they're watching. Complete phone restriction may backfire and create additional risks, particularly if the individual relies on digital spaces for support or connection 1.

Immediate Action Steps

Enable Content Suppression Features

• Work with the individual to use platform features that allow them to "suppress" or block specific types of content they find harmful 1
• Help them actively opt out of content categories that may be triggering abnormal behavior (such as content involving violence, extremism, disordered eating, self-harm, or other concerning themes) 1
• This approach empowers the individual as an active agent in personalizing their feed rather than imposing complete restrictions 1

Assess the Specific Content Type

The nature of the harmful content matters significantly for your response:

• If content involves self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, extremism, hate speech, or misinformation: These are associated with depression, anxiety, isolation, and even violence in young people 1
• If content promotes excessive engagement through "dark patterns" (infinite scrolling, auto-play videos, constant notifications): These features are particularly harmful and associated with depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and isolation 1
• If content involves cyberbullying or predatory behavior: This requires immediate intervention as it's linked to depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation 1

Why Complete Phone Restriction Is Not Recommended

Completely stopping phone use poses several risks that may outweigh benefits 1:

• Marginalized individuals (LGBTQ+ youth, youth of color, those with depressive symptoms) often rely on online spaces for support and resources their offline communities don't provide 1
• Social media can offer anonymity, cost-effectiveness, and connection with others experiencing similar challenges 1
• Complete restriction may drive the behavior underground, making it harder to monitor 1
• Age verification and complete bans raise privacy concerns and may not be effective as individuals can bypass restrictions 1

Balanced Approach to Implementation

Open Communication Strategy

• Engage in direct discussion about their internet use as a standard part of your interaction 2
• Ask specifically what channels they watch, what draws them to that content, and how it makes them feel
• Avoid judgmental language that might shut down communication 1

Gradual Content Modification

• Start by helping them identify and block the most harmful specific channels or content types rather than eliminating all phone use 1
• Encourage them to replace harmful content with educational, factual, or supportive alternatives 1
• Monitor whether the abnormal behavior decreases as harmful content exposure decreases 3, 4

Set Reasonable Boundaries

• Consider limiting total screen time rather than complete elimination 4
• Research shows that restricting digital media use (not just social media) can increase life satisfaction, mindfulness, autonomy, and self-esteem while reducing loneliness and stress 4
• However, restricting only social media showed fewer benefits and some potential costs 4

When Complete Restriction May Be Necessary

Consider more aggressive intervention if:

• The individual shows signs of internet addiction (this is specifically associated with psychological distress and self-harm behavior) 3, 2
• Content involves active participation in harmful communities (not just passive viewing) 2, 5
• The abnormal behavior poses immediate safety risks 1, 2
• The individual is accessing graphic self-harm content, which can normalize and reinforce harmful behaviors through regular viewing 5

Critical Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don't assume all online content is harmful: Some individuals actively seek mental health information and support online, which can be beneficial 1
• Don't implement restrictions without understanding the specific content: Not all YouTube use is problematic, and some may serve protective functions 1
• Don't ignore the possibility that offline factors are driving both the online behavior and the abnormal behavior: Mobile and online risks are increasingly intertwined with pre-existing offline risks 6

Professional Consultation

If the abnormal behavior persists despite content modification, or if you observe signs of psychological distress, self-harm ideation, or significant functional impairment, seek professional mental health evaluation 3, 2. The online behavior may be a symptom of underlying mental health issues rather than the primary cause 3, 6.