The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: A Psychological Perspective

Written By JC Pass MSc

In recent years, the influence of social media on mental health has become a prominent topic of research and discussion within psychology. With billions of users worldwide, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have revolutionized how we communicate and interact. However, these changes have also brought concerns regarding their effects on mental health, particularly concerning anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.

Social Media and Mental Health

Social media's pervasive presence can significantly impact mental health, both positively and negatively. On the positive side, social media can enhance social connectivity, provide access to mental health resources, and offer platforms for self-expression. However, the negative impacts often overshadow these benefits, particularly regarding mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Anxiety and Depression: Numerous studies have linked excessive social media use to increased anxiety and depression. A study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that individuals who spent more time on social media were more likely to report symptoms of anxiety and depression. The constant exposure to idealized representations of others' lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, exacerbating these mental health issues (Vannucci, Flannery, & Ohannessian, 2017).

Sleep Disruption: Another significant impact of social media on mental health is its effect on sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Additionally, the engaging nature of social media can lead to prolonged usage and delayed sleep times, resulting in poor sleep quality and associated mental health problems (Levenson, Shensa, Sidani, Colditz, & Primack, 2016).

The Role of Social Comparison

A critical mechanism through which social media affects mental health is social comparison. Social comparison theory, first proposed by Leon Festinger in 1954, suggests that individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others. On social media, users are constantly bombarded with curated images of others' successes and happiness, leading to upward social comparisons.

Body Image and Self-Esteem: One of the most extensively studied areas is the impact of social media on body image and self-esteem. Studies have shown that exposure to idealized body images on platforms like Instagram can lead to body dissatisfaction and decreased self-esteem, particularly among young women (Fardouly, Diedrichs, Vartanian, & Halliwell, 2015).

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): The phenomenon of FOMO is another byproduct of social comparison on social media. It refers to the anxiety that others are having rewarding experiences from which one is absent. This fear can lead to compulsive checking of social media and feeling left out, which exacerbates anxiety and stress (Przybylski, Murayama, DeHaan, & Gladwell, 2013).

Mitigating Negative Effects

While the negative impacts of social media on mental health are significant, there are strategies to mitigate these effects.

Digital Detox: Taking regular breaks from social media can help reduce anxiety and improve well-being. A study in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day led to significant reductions in loneliness and depression (Hunt, Marx, Lipson, & Young, 2018).

Mindful Usage: Encouraging mindful and purposeful use of social media, rather than mindless scrolling, can also help. Users can benefit from setting specific times for social media use and focusing on positive and supportive interactions.

Content Curation: Curating one's social media feed to include more positive and diverse content can help reduce negative comparisons and promote a healthier self-image.

Simply Put

The relationship between social media and mental health is complex, involving both positive and negative elements. While social media can offer connectivity and support, its potential to harm mental health through mechanisms like social comparison and sleep disruption is significant. By understanding these impacts and adopting strategies to mitigate them, individuals can better navigate the digital landscape and protect their mental well-being.

References

  • Vannucci, A., Flannery, K. M., & Ohannessian, C. M. (2017). Social media use and anxiety in emerging adults. Computers in Human Behavior, 66, 88-95. Social media use and anxiety in emerging adults - ScienceDirect

  • Levenson, J. C., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Colditz, J. B., & Primack, B. A. (2016). The association between social media use and sleep disturbance among young adults. Preventive Medicine, 85, 36-41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.01.001

  • Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015). Social comparisons on social media: The impact of Facebook on young women's body image concerns and mood. Body Image, 13, 38-45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2014.12.002

  • Przybylski, A. K., Murayama, K., DeHaan, C. R., & Gladwell, V. (2013). Motivational, emotional, and behavioral correlates of fear of missing out. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(4), 1841-1848. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.02.014

  • Hunt, M. G., Marx, R., Lipson, C., & Young, J. (2018). No more FOMO: Limiting social media decreases loneliness and depression. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 37(10), 751-768. https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.2018.37.10.751

JC Pass MSc
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