The impact of social media on mental health

The impact of social media on mental health is a topic of increasing importance in our digital society. While social media offers benefits such as connectivity, they can also have negative consequences on our emotional and psychological well-being.
In this article, we will examine the impacts of social media on mental health, the associated consequences, and potential solutions to reduce these adverse effects.

The Impacts

Decrease in self-esteem

Firstly, excessive use of social media can lead to a decrease in self-esteem. People tend to compare their lives with others on social networks, which can generate feelings of dissatisfaction and inadequacy. Filters and frequent retouches used on posted images create an altered reality, thus inducing a false perception of others’ lives.

Continued exposure to images showcasing often unattainable perfection can lead to feelings of frustration and discomfort regarding one’s own body and accomplishments. As a result, social media users may develop feelings of inferiority and experience pressure to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty and success.

This pressure to meet unattainable standards can lead to a constant sense of dissatisfaction, resulting in adverse effects on the emotional and mental well-being of individuals and contributing to a decrease in their self-esteem.

Social isolation

Furthermore, social media can also contribute to social isolation and loneliness. Although social networks claim to foster connection, the reality is often different.

Online interaction, while providing a form of connection and communication, does not replace in-person interactions on an emotional and social level. Direct meetings allow for genuine exchanges, expressing emotions through facial expressions and gestures, and feeling the presence and energy of the other person.

Excessive dependence on social media can lead to social withdrawal, where individuals prefer to interact online rather than meeting in person. This dependence can also lead to difficulties in interpersonal relationships, limiting social skills and creating emotional distance that can affect the quality of connections with others. This can result in difficulty in reading non-verbal cues and decreased empathy towards others, as these skills are not effectively developed in virtual interactions.

Additionally, individuals may feel a decrease in the sense of emotional connection, as online communication lacks the depth and nuance compared to in-person interactions. These effects can contribute to a decrease in overall social competence and a weakened ability to maintain meaningful and authentic relationships.

The Consequences of social media on mental health

Increased depression and anxiety

Exposure to negative and toxic content on social networks can have significant repercussions on individuals’ mental health. According to a study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, intensive social media use is associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety. Hateful comments, cyberbullying, and negative discourse can be deeply hurtful and create a sense of emotional insecurity.

The physical distance and lack of direct contact with the targeted person can create a certain dissociation of our actions and their real consequences. This can lead to a loss of awareness of the impact and gravity of our words.

By freely expressing our negative thoughts on social networks, we may feel protected by the screen of our device and the anonymity it provides. The lack of accountability for our actions can contribute to an intensification of hateful comments and negative discourse.

In real life, we are more aware of the immediate reactions and consequences of our words on others. Face-to-face interactions remind us of the real presence and emotions of the individuals we interact with.

Sleep disturbances

Moreover, dependence on social media can lead to disruptions in sleep and concentration. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh demonstrated that people who spent more time on social networks had more difficulty falling asleep and were more likely to experience symptoms of depression.

The blue light emitted by phone and gadget screens can inhibit the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. Consequently, it becomes more difficult to fall asleep and benefit from quality sleep. Dependency on social media can also lead to compulsive behavior, spending hours browsing platforms, which further reduces our hours of sleep.

Impaired concentration

Additionally, dependence on social media can impair our ability to concentrate. Spending too much time on social media fragments our attention and exposes us to a multitude of constant distractions. We are constantly tempted to check our notifications, respond to messages, and check the news online. This leads to a decrease in productivity and concentration in our daily tasks, whether at work, school, or even in our daily activities.
It is important to be aware of the negative impact that social media can have on our mental well-being and to take steps to limit our exposure to harmful content and manage our use of these platforms.

Solutions

To mitigate the adverse effects of social media on mental health, several solutions can be considered.

Firstly, it is crucial to promote responsible and balanced use of social media:

  • Setting time usage limits,
  • Reducing the number of notifications
  • Establishing periods without social media

Furthermore, it is important to develop a critical awareness of social media. Learning to recognize retouched and idealized images, as well as filtering out negative content, can help preserve mental health.

Finally, it is essential to maintain authentic and real social connections. Engaging in in-person activities, getting involved in groups and associations, and spending time with loved ones can offset the trend toward social isolation induced by social media.

An Area of growing Concern

In conclusion, the impact of social media on mental health is an area of growing concern. The negative consequences can be severe, ranging from a decrease in self-esteem to depression and anxiety. However, awareness and the adoption of precautionary measures can mitigate these adverse effects. By developing responsible use of social media, setting limits, and maintaining authentic social connections, we can preserve our mental well-being in this digital age.

It is also important to note that social media can also play a positive role in mental health. They can offer a space for connection and support, allow for the expression of emotions, and sharing personal experiences. The problem often lies in excessive and harmful use of social media, rather than the platforms themselves. It is therefore crucial to find a balance and use these tools consciously and moderately, while ensuring the preservation of mental health.

Resources

  • Vivala Offline
    Vivala helps you disconnect from your cell phone by offering you products and services that make digital disconnection easier
  • Le Cap – Ottawa
  • Services de counselling HKS : Mental Health Services

Sources

  • “The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health” – National Institutes of Health
  • “The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health: a Review” – Taylor and Francis Online
  • “Understanding the Relationship Between Social Media and Mental Health” – Verywell Mind
  • https://www.cairn.info/revue-reseaux-2016-1-page-165.htm
  • https://www.unesco.org/fr/articles/lunesco-met-en-garde-contre-limpact-des-reseaux-sociaux-sur-le-bien-etre-lapprentissage-et-les-choixAjzen, I. (2012). The theory of planned behavior. In P. A. M. Van Lange, A. W. Kruglanski & E. T.
  • Higgins (Eds.), Handbook of theories of social psychology (Vol. 1, pp. 438-459)
  • Vannucci, A., et al. “Social Media Use and Anxiety in Emerging Adults.” Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, vol. 35, no 11, 2016, pp. 1-24. DOI: 10.1521/jscp.2016.35.11.785.
  • Levenson, J.C., et al. “Social Media Use Before Bed and Sleep Disturbance Among Young Adults in the United States: A Nationally Representative Study.” Sleep, vol. 40, no 9, 2017. DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsx115.”