Social Media and Mental Health Smackdown!

As rightly stated by the Australian philosopher Peter Singer,

“Human beings are social animals. We are social before we are human.” 

Humans are inherently a social species that require cooperation to survive. Loneliness and isolation affect us mentally and emotionally, making life difficult.

The last decade has seen a substantial shift in the social structure of society. Smartphones serve as virtual companions in today's world. Social media platforms and social networking sites dominate the day from start to finish. In fact, social networking was a lifesaver during the numerous lockdowns of the recent COVID'19 scare.

While Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Myspace, Snapchat, Youtube, and Whatsapp keep us connected, they cannot substitute for a real catch-up that triggers happy hormones. Quite ironically, facts about social media and mental health are grim.

Questions about social media and mental health

The effects of social media on mental health are indeed questionable. But why do you think this is happening?

• Social media addiction in teens

Social media marketing is designed to be addictive. You are likely to keep coming back to it because of its unpredictable nature. One never knows how many "likes" a picture will receive, who will "like" it, or when it will get liked. The possibility of a rewarding outcome keeps you hooked. Teens are likely to indulge in such addictions.

• Vulnerability in young adults

Social media is a window to view missed experiences with friends and family, however, it tends to distort reality. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat raise the possibility of seeing unrealistic, filtered photos.

The websites also increase the likelihood of expressing rage and hatred without resorting to violence. This is a simple way for teenagers and children to release their raging hormones without resolving issues by talking in person.

Social media and mental health statistics

The statistics are quite frightening, in my opinion. A 2022 article states that Facebook access across an entire college increased cases of severe depression by 7% and anxiety disorders by 20%. With 45% of teenagers claiming to be online "almost constantly" and another 44% claiming to be online at least a few times per day, social media platforms are double-edged swords that must be handled cautiously.

Effects of social media on mental health:

Social networking sites are harmful when overused. Teens and young adults often cross the line and behave like their lives depend on these platforms. The downsides of abusing social media usage are:

1. Making you feel inadequate

The impression that your life or appearance does not match up to that of others on social media can cause jealousy and frustration.

Social media provides many opportunities for peer comparison. Even if you are aware that the images you see on social media are modified and filtered, they may still make you feel self-conscious, insecure, and sad about how boring your life is.

2. Messing your sleep cycle

Mindless scrolling in bed, while going to sleep, or upon waking up increases your screen time. The blue light of the phone screen messes up your sleep hormone melatonin. In addition, all the glamour on the phone screen can disrupt mental peace and calm.

3. Anxiety and depression

Nothing calms you down and improves your mood more quickly than meeting friends and family. You're more likely to experience mood disorders like anxiety and depression if you prioritize social media interaction over in-person relationships.

It also increases loneliness and isolation.

4. Ignoring all other activities

A social media scroll can last for an hour. It's some useful time wasted. While scrolling through social media and seeking validation from it, kids miss out on time for reading, playing games, meeting friends, and studying.

5. Cyberbullying

Social media is a convenient place to show wrath while avoiding a face-off. Hurtful comments, bullying posts, rumored photos, and fabricated videos on social networking sites have been the cause of suicide for many. People are so engrossed in this virtual world that they become self-centered and oblivious to others' sentiments.

What can change?

While parental controls and lifestyle education sessions in schools are important, the inventors of these social media platforms also need to think this through.

Instagram made headlines last year for suppressing likes for various account holders in an effort to reduce the comparisons and sadness that come with attaching popularity to shared content. Baby steps like this are stepping stones towards cleaning trash from these networks, which were initially built with a noble purpose.