Students Ask About Anxiety: Effects Of Social Media On Mental Health
High School Students Ask About Anxiety:
Should I quit/delete social media and what effects does it have on my mental health?
Dear high school students,
Navigating The Digital Age: The Potential Impact of Social Media on Your Mental Health
A student posed an important question to us, one that encapsulates a concern many people are facing in the digital age. "Should I quit/delete social media and what effects does it have on my mental health?"
Life seems endlessly entwined with the digital landscape, making this question particularly relevant for teens and adults alike. Social media platforms are a beacon of connection, information, entertainment, and many more aspects of our daily lives. However, they might also harbor the possibility of becoming a potential hazard to our mental well-being. Let's try to unpack this.
The effects of social media on mental health vary vastly among individuals. For some, social media serves as a positive space for creativity, maintaining connections, and finding communities of shared interests. In other instances, it might engender feelings of anxiety, depression, and dissatisfaction with one's life.
Comparison - The Thief of Joy
A substantial pitfall we need to address is the fertile ground social media provides for comparison. In a world that often glitters with perfected selfies, adventurous travels, and seemingly perfect lives, it's easy to measure our self-worth against these artfully curated snippets of others’ lives. This incessant comparison often robs us of the joy we find in our achievements, making us focus instead on what we perceive we lack. Indeed, as Theodore Roosevelt wisely said, "Comparison is the thief of joy."
This constant push-and-pull compels us to either conform or compete. The impulse to conform can lead you to curate a presence that misrepresents your authentic self, while the urge to compete sparks unwarranted stress and hits your emotional well-being.
The Impact on Mental Health
Studies suggest prolonged use of social media might cultivate feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem, fostering negative body image, fostering cyberbullying, and disrupting sleep patterns. Overdependence on these platforms might lead to what professionals refer to as 'problematic social media use', which shares similarities to addictive disorders.
However, social media's impact doesn't exist in a vacuum—our individual dispositions, the environment we're in, and how we use these platforms all contribute to our experience. Because of this complexity, general suggestions might not fully address your personal experience.
To Quit or Not?
Asking if one should quit social media is akin to asking if someone should stop eating sweets completely– the answer is not universal and highly personal. For some, total avoidance works best, for others, moderation is the key. In whichever approach you choose, it's essential to maintain a healthy relationship with social media.
If you find that your mood consistently dips after perusing social media, or if you're spending an increasing amount of time scrolling every day, it may be a good idea to take a step back and evaluate. A 'digital detox' might help you break the cycle and understand your relationship with these platforms better.
Experiment with limiting your scrolling time or switching off notifications. Introduce healthy habits, such as keeping phones out of the bedroom at night and engaging in physical activities or hobbies that relax and stimulate your mind.
Seeking Professional Help
If you're struggling with negative emotions connected to social media use, remember there's no need to navigate these waters alone. Mental health professionals can provide guidance and strategies to help you move towards a healthier relationship with social media.
You are more than the number of ‘likes’ on your photos or the flattering comments on your posts. Your self-worth is not defined by the number of followers you have or the comparison traps that social media sometimes set. Life is infinitely more complex and beautiful than any digital platform can capture.
As you navigate the ebbs and flows of the digital age, remember the golden rule of balance. It is about using technology as a tool rather than letting it rule over us. And remember, it's perfectly healthy and normal to seek help. We're all in this together, learning and growing as we adapt and expand in the digital era.
Just like you, we at Insights Counseling Center are navigating this digital maze too. Let's journey through it together, looking to find balance, build resilience, and nurture well-being in the age of likes and shares. Reach out to schedule a session with one of our therapists that work with teens and young adults, email or text today!
with hope,
The Insights Counseling Team