In today’s interconnected world, social media is more than just a platform for social interaction; it has reshaped our perceptions of the world and ourselves. The impact of social media on mental health is complex. It influences our feelings of self-esteem, anxiety, and connectedness.
The Pros and Cons of Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) are great tools for connecting us all; enabling us to share and see into each other’s lives no matter where we are on the planet. Social media is a wonderful way to keep up with your friends and family and to be
a part of broader communities.
Despite the many benefits of social media platforms, they also have negative effects and play a significant role in increased mental health issues in our society. For instance, In May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an advisory to call attention to the effects of social media on adolescent brain development. Stating that social media use is predictive of decreases in life satisfaction, as well as additional concerns around body image, sleep issues, and more. While these issues are especially true for youth, they are pertinent to adults as well. Social media usage has also been linked to the development of depressive symptoms. According to the Pew Research Center, 69% of adults and 81% of teens in the U.S. use social
media. This puts a large amount of the population at an increased risk of feeling anxious, depressed, or ill over their social media use.
Impact on Self-Esteem
One of the most significant impacts of social media on mental health is its influence on self-esteem and body image. These platforms are flooded with images of idealized (often digitally enhanced/edited) bodies, and lifestyles can set unrealistic expectations, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. The pressure to match these often unattainable (sometimes just unreal) standards can be particularly damaging for young people who are still developing their identities.
The Anxiety of Connectivity
Social media platforms fuel a unique form of anxiety associated with the need to be constantly connected and updated. The fear of missing out (FOMO) can lead users to compulsively check their devices, disrupting their mental peace and real-life interactions. This hyperconnectivity can
result in increased levels of stress and anxiety.
A somewhat paradoxical effect of social media, even with such increased connectivity, is the connection to feelings of loneliness. While the vast virtual connections and interactions can be wonderful, these can through our real life interactions off balance.
Navigating Social Media for Better Mental Health
Given the pervasive influence of social media, it is crucial to develop strategies to mitigate its negative impacts while still using these platforms for their benefits.
- Set Clear Boundaries
Be clear on how and when you use social media. For example, restricting screen time before bed or removing the apps from your phone to minimize use. Find the balance that works best for you. - Curate your feed
Unfollow or mute accounts that cause you stress or anxiety. This is an instance where “out of sight, out of mind” works well. Fill your feed with accounts that you enjoy, learn from, and feel a true connection with. - Engage Mindfully
Be mindful of how social media is serving you and your intentions for using it. This helps from getting lost in a “doom-scroll” and can help protect your well-being. - Seek Authentic Connections
Prioritize making and nurturing social media connections with those you have genuine connections with. Consider this an opportunity to deepen your real-life connections as well as those which are virtual.
Social media’s impact on our mental health and well being is multifaceted, and continually evolving. While social media has many benefits, it also presents many challenges. It’s important to remember that these platforms should be used to enhance our lives, not diminish our well-being. Understanding how to navigate them to ensure your mental health is essential, especially for youth and young adults.
Consider taking periodic breaks from social media, for a day, or week, or even a month. Journal your experience and reflect on how it impacts your own personal well being.
With mental health concerns growing exponentially, it’s imperative that we all make our mental health and well-being a priority. At OVC, we hope that we can support you for all of your wellness goals!
