The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Social media has become an integral part of daily life, playing an important role in communication, sharing memories, documenting milestones, sharing knowledge, and passing time. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok have changed how users interact with strangers and perceive themselves. Amid the rise of these social channels, questions have arisen about their impact on mental health. According to research, excessive use of social media has been linked to anxiety, depression, and loneliness (Davis, 2020).
Social comparison has been identified as the leading cause of mental health issues for chronic social media users. Users who spend prolonged periods seeing edited and specially curated images and videos of friends and strangers may compare those picture-perfect posts with their real lives, perceiving their lives as less fulfilling. As noted by Taylor (2019), social media users who constantly compare their lives to those of popular friends on social media have low self-esteem and are under a lot of stress.
Another social media aspect that negatively affects mental health is cyberbullying and harassment. Although social media companies employ human and AI content moderators to flag harassment and inappropriate content, they are not perfect. Some users can slide mean comments on public posts, including homophobic, racist, sexist, and other discriminatory sentiments.
These hateful comments can negatively affect the victims, causing feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem, body image issues, depression, and, in the worst-case scenario, suicidal ideation (Khan, 2023). This is especially true for younger adults who are still building their self-worth based on what others say about them.
Social media mental health issues are not always caused by what users see or read online. Other times, the anxiety, depression, and withdrawal are caused by a user’s fear of missing out (FOMO) and toxic habits like staying up all night. FOMO can make some users think they are behind in life. On the other hand, sleep deprivation can cause anxiety by disrupting the body’s natural stress responses (Harris, 2020).
Not everything is negative when it comes to social media and mental health. Studies have shown that responsible use of social media can improve mental health through connection and support from family and friends (Lee, 2021). Social media is also a great source of resourceful information and awareness. Moreover, sharing a platform with like-minded individuals who share similar interests gives users a sense of belonging.
Social media platforms have communities that provide a deep sense of connection. Besides connecting with close friends and family, users can join special interest groups like travel, cooking, writing, book reading, cinema, and political groups. Interacting with like-minded people provides a healthy sense of belonging and emotional support (Warren, 2020).
Learning and personal development have come a long way, seeing a shift from physical books and video resources to text, images, and video clips shared via social media. Platforms like TikTok have STEM, sports, and books-related sections called STEMtok, sportstiktok, and booktok, respectively. On Reddit, there are subreddits for various informational resources, including r/askscience, r/biotech, r/psychology, and r/lifehacks. Personal development can immensely improve someone’s mental health.
Social media can negatively or positively affect mental health. Mental health professionals suggest gauging personal experience with social media and taking necessary steps depending on how it affects your mental health. Users should focus on the positive side of social media while prioritizing real-life connections.
Experts recommend limiting screen time and interacting with positive content to keep mental health in check. Digital literacy is also crucial in helping individuals develop healthier online habits, such as critical thinking skills related to social media use.
In conclusion, while social media can negatively affect mental health through oversue, comparison, and online harassment, it also offers genuine connections and support. To enjoy the full potential of social media without compromising their mental well-being, individuals should practice intentional use and self-awareness.
References
Davis, K.M. & Jordan, M.J. (2020): The Dangers of Excessive Use of Social Media. Journal of Sociology, 12 (3), 110-125. https://www.jos.edu.org
Harris, C.O. & Blanco, B.N. (2020): How Sleep Deprivation Affects Natural Body Stress Responses, Journal of Sleep Research, 23(4), 524-538. https://jsr.aasm.edu
Khan, R.M. & Hassan, O.B. (2023): Cyberbullying and Harrassment: The Impact of Cyberbullying on Children’s Social Interaction. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/37678751706
Lee, X.K. & Chan, L.J. (2021): Social Media and Mental Health in Teens and Children, National Review of Mental Health, 11(7), 106-118. https://mentalhealthreview.org
Taylor, S.J. & Jean, N.K. (2019): Social Comparison and Psychological Distress in Young Adults, Mental Health Report, 8 (2), 234-240.https://www.mhr.org
Warren, J.R. & Smith, S.W. (2020): Belonging and Loneliness in Cyberspace: How Interacting With Like-Minded People Fosters A Sense of Belonging, 3 (2), 89-100. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1087/000789530.2020.189891457
