Checking in on social media apps like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter has become an everyday routine for many individuals in the 21st century. In the U.S. alone, there are about 239 million people with social media accounts, meaning that over 70% of our population is using social media regularly. That might not sound like a problem, but the fact is that consistent social media use can yield negative effects on our mental health.
We have all heard our fair share of bad things about social media – but which social media and mental health statistics are true and which ones are rumors? With the advent of frequent social media use becoming commonplace in our society, it’s important to understand the effects of social media on mental health. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when deciding how, when, and how often to engage on social media while still prioritizing your physical and mental wellbeing.
Social Media and Mental Health
There can certainly be upsides when it comes to using social media. For example, some platforms might allow you to connect more frequently with friends and relatives across the globe. You can more easily maintain relationships with people you don’t get to see too often by exploring the photos and text that they share online.
That said, the negative aspects of social media seem to outweigh the positives when it comes to social media and mental health. Some of the most common mental health impacts related to social media include depression, anxiety, loneliness, and fear of missing out, or FOMO. While these mental health concerns are most prevalent in teens and young adults, they can affect social media users of any age.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most pressing negative effects of social media on mental health – and remember, if you feel that your mental health is suffering, it is never too soon to seek help from a licensed behavioral health professional.
#1: Social Media Can Be Addictive
When you post something that your friends, family, and even strangers then “like,” your brain’s reward center is activated through the release of dopamine, which is a “feel-good chemical” that can become addictive. When we don’t get that boost of dopamine (say, for instance, that one of your posts received fewer likes than usual), you may experience a psychological hit to your sense of self-worth and adequacy.
It’s important to remember that living your most fulfilling life is not dependent on social media. If you feel that social media is harming your mental and behavioral health or you are engaging in harmful or compulsive behaviors because of social media, it is time to seek help from a trained behavioral health provider.
#2: Social Media Filters Can Be Deceptive
With filters abounding on visual social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, looks can be deceiving. While some filters are meant to garner a laugh, others are intended to enhance physical appearances and hide imperfections. Remember that not everything you see on social media is realistic – constantly seeing altered images can also lead to social media users feeling self-conscious and disliking their physical appearances.
#3: Social Media Is Often a “Highlight Reel”
What you see on social media does not represent reality, necessarily. People have the opportunity to post only the “best” and most attractive aspects of their lives, not the nitty gritty portions or the challenging, tough times. While checking in on your friends and family through social media can be fun, it can also yield FOMO in feeling like others are living better lives or having more adventures than you are.
Frequent use of social media can increase dissatisfaction with our own lives and day-to-day activities. This can impact self-esteem, serve as a trigger for anxiety, and (ironically) make us want to use social media even more so that we always know what others are up to. If you are feeling depressed, anxious, or dissatisfied with life, working with a nurse practitioner therapist can help you design an individualized plan to get back on track.
#4: Social Media Can Be a Hotbed of Cyberbullying
In 2020, a whopping 44% of internet users in the U.S. reported having experienced online harassment or cyberbullying. When someone repeatedly and intentionally mistreats, makes fun of, or harasses another person through an electronic device, that is called cyberbullying. It can severely impact mental health and damage self-esteem. Social media platforms can often prove to be hotspots for this kind of behavior.
If you or someone you know is experiencing trauma or distress due to cyberbullying, most platforms have reporting abilities or can block certain accounts that are engaging in negative behavior online. A behavioral health professional can support those who are struggling with low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression that stemmed from social media interactions.
How to Engage in Social Media In a Positive Way
While the effects of social media on mental health can certainly be negative, that is not to say that you need to disconnect from these platforms entirely. Instead, you can try some of these tips to decrease screen time and change the ways you are interacting with your online platforms:
Try setting time limits on your social media apps. On most smartphones, this is an option within your device’s settings.
Designate specific hours in your day for using social media. For instance, you might decide that you want to start your morning offline and choose to stay off social media until you are home from work in the evening.
Vet your friends and your followers to unfriend or remove people whose accounts make you feel bad about yourself. Instead, curate your feeds to follow accounts that spread positivity and influencers who are more “real” about their lives.
Get the Support You Need at Triumph Behavioral Health
If you are located in Maryland, consider Triumph Behavioral Health for your mental health needs.Our team of licensed nurse practitioners who are specially trained in behavioral health matters. No matter what you are dealing with, we are here to help – so reach out to us today.
Making an appointment to speak to one of our professional team members is the first step. And remember: At Triumph, we care.