Social Media and Mental Health
There is emerging interest and research happening around the role that social media plays in mental wellness. Most people are aware that there are consequences to using social media too frequently or in a specific manner, but I think it’s time we dive into some of the specifics.
There are many academic studies with findings about how social media is affecting our mental wellness, and I’ve compiled some of the bigger concerns for you!
Social Media & Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
FOMO is an issue that seems light, but it can have some major mental health consequences. 69% of millennials and people with household incomes of ~$75,000 are some of the people most likely to experience FOMO. It’s a highly used marketing tactic in social media: register now or you’ll miss out. Sound familiar? This type of communication can have a huge effect on people who suffer from anxiety.
So, the first thing is awareness, not getting sucked into the urgency of the messaging. And, for those who are creating social media content, try to stop using that type of messaging so we’re taking care of our people who suffer from anxiety.
Social Media and Depression & Loneliness
Rates of anxiety and depression have increased 70% in the last 25 years. There are many reasons for this, but many experts are pointing to the use of social media as a contributor. One of the core things people are looking for is connection. Many people are using social media to connect with others. Having a great online community who provide comments and have real conversations with you can help build a feeling of connection.
However, if you’re not getting the comments and connection back, it can actually contribute to more loneliness and depression. So people are going to social media for the dopamine hit that it gives you, but it can actually be contributing to feelings of loneliness. It’s a vicious cycle.
Social Media and Teens
Teenagers have been hit the hardest by social media. They’re now growing up with the platforms and are highly affected.
A December report from the Center for Countering Digital Hate focusing on the TikTok platform found it began recommending eating disorder and self-harm content to new teen accounts within eight minutes of use.
Research published by the American Psychological Association last month found teens and young adults who cut social media use by 50% for a few weeks saw significant improvement in how they felt about both their weight and their overall appearance compared with their peers.
Social Media Boundaries
There is no one perfect solution for managing social media’s presence in your life, but there are lots of little habits and tricks you can try:
Experts say that all people should limit their use to 30 minutes/day. This can be tough, but it’s important if you want to be contributing to your mental wellness.
We can also use social media to truly connect with others. Try to avoid just scrolling and consuming and actually reach out to others (that are friendly) through comments and true conversations.
Consciously find content that makes you feel better rather than worse
Try to detox from social media platforms that are making you feel worse. Tiktok and Instagram are known as the platforms that can make people feel the worst about themselves. Do with this info what you will!
There’s always more to learn as new research comes out, but this is what we know as of now! Stay updated on the latest with the Ethical Digital blog, and give one or two of these boundaries a try!