Social Media and Mental Health: Behind the “Likes” and “Shares”
Photo by @robin_rednine
For many of us, as soon as the morning glare meets our bedside, the search ensues for our beloved Smartphone—admittedly speaking, what’s now become a sort of “second skin,” providing us comfort when met with boredom and vulnerability as well as a level of normalcy in times of uncertainty. With our trusted tech-companion now in hand, we silence our third (ok, fifth) alarm, peel back our eyelids and dive into the starting lineup of the day’s social fix.
Sound all too familiar?
You’re not alone.
After all, it’s been precisely seven hours since we last scrolled our Instagram feed, re-created another TikTok, belly-laughed in solidarity from a trending Reel, and considered deleting Facebook, yet again. Spoiler alert: We didn’t.
Sure, some of our social media habits are utterly harmless and purely serve as a distraction to break up the mundanities of the day; but for others, it’s far too easy to spiral down that fear-of-missing-out aka FOMO rabbit hole or fall victim to envy and comparison. And once there, it can prove quite challenging to break away from the screen—even for a little while.
Fortunately, despite the overflowing amount of content-rich platforms and one-tap away communication driving our day-to-day processes, we DO have the ability to filter what we consume with more intention and prioritize our wellbeing in the process.
It’s when we acknowledge the relationship between social media and mental health that we are then able to find a healthy balance between staying informed, connected and entertained, while also ensuring we direct time and energy towards natural sources of mental stimulation and self-care, too.
We can steer clear of the rabbit hole and consume content that promotes positivity.
The Rise of Social Media
As of 2022, there were approximately 270.1 million active social media users in the U.S., which equates to about 80.9% of the total population. This marked rise in social media engagement has profoundly affected our being in more ways than one: from how we communicate, relate to one another, perceive the world around us, to the products we purchase and knowledge we share. Therefore, it’s no surprise what we consume on social media plays a significant role in how we view and live our life—whether we’re cognizant of it or not.
Benefits do Exist
While the addictive nature of social media is vital to unpack here, there are benefits to consider when discussing social media and mental health. It’s important that we remember there are two sides to every coin. Social media can help us stay connected to loved ones near and far, improve network connections with those we share similar ambitions with, develop and assert new skills, raise awareness on important social issues, and fight for a cause close to us. Utilizing social media channels responsibly and effectively can help open the door to a supportive community for many; as a result, this sense of security and belonging can greatly improve one’s health and wellbeing overtime.
As do the Downsides
Equally important to address are the downsides of social media in its relation to mental health. It seems as though every waking moment we (or someone close to us) has our head buried into our Smartphone, preoccupied with one of the many apps planted on our Home Screen, and far from present in the actual moment. To some degree, this familiar picture has translated into a cultural norm; oftentimes, one that’s accepted as a precursor to adolescence and what feels like a fundamental skill for adulthood.
While the ease of communication and presence of an online community can be helpful in an array of circumstances, there are countless benefits of real-world human interaction that can’t transfer through a screen. By the same token, because of the emphasis placed on maintaining a content-rich culture and fully-optimized way of life, the negative effects of social media are often normalized, overlooked, or undetected.
The downsides of social media consumption include (though are not limited to):
The presence of cyberbullying
Increased time spent in isolation than with friends and family
Frequent comparison to others
Feelings of inadequacy, low self-worth, or dissatisfaction with oneself
OR fixation on one’s physical appearance; self-absorption
Increased risk of anxiety and depression or worsening of symptoms
Disrupted sleep cycle and/or appetite
Reduced academic and/or job performance
Tips for Protecting Your Mental Health
If you notice your time spent on social media is excessive or harmful to your mental health, it may be helpful to look at your habits and implement changes for a healthier balance.
So, where can you start?
Track how much time you spend on social media daily and set limits accordingly
Avoid using your phone first thing in the morning and right before bed
Turn off notifications while in school, at work, or when spending quality time with others
Limit the frequency of social media checks and/or scrolling
Set a new goal or uncover a new interest
Consider the root cause of what attracts you to social media and seek support from a professional if needed
Practice mindfulness and self-care
Increase time spent outdoors, in nature
Without question, there is a strong correlation between social media and mental health. As a society we must understand that behind the “likes” and “shares,” sit real-life people trying not to measure their value against others’ and learning to love themselves for the first time. Ironically, despite social media serving as a tool for connecting with others, it can also cause us to isolate and spend less time connecting with others in real-world situations; in turn, we may be more susceptible to developing or worsening anxiety, depression, and/or other mental health concerns. Finding a healthy balance can help us reap the benefits social media has to offer while also fulfilling our innate need for human connection. And sometimes, happiness is more than just one-tap away.