THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON MENTAL HEALTH

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, copes with the normal stresses of life, works productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. Interestingly, there is no consensus on the definition of mental illness or mental disorder. The terminology used varies across different social, cultural, economic, and legal contexts in different countries. This highlights that these concepts can be understood and addressed in diverse ways depending on the local context. Mental health issues typically have a variety of causes, and are determined by the interaction between each individual’s socioeconomic, biological, and environmental conditions

          Some 450 million people suffer from mental disorders (WHO, 2010). With the recent study by BMC Psychology. (2023) titled The impact of social media on university students’ mental health, the impact of social media usage on university students’ mental health, focusing on anxiety, loneliness, and overall well-being, the study found a significant correlation between high social media use, and increased levels of anxiety and loneliness among students was explored. However, it also highlighted that mindfulness-based mobile apps could help reduce anxiety and improve well-being.

This case study underscores the complex relationship between social media and mental health, suggesting that while social media can contribute to mental health challenges, digital interventions can offer potential solutions. 

           The media is a global warehouse filled with different avenues for people to connect and reconnect with people. It serves as a means of information, education, entertainment, or for some people, all of the above. It is without a doubt acknowledged that social media has helped to revolutionize some different phases and areas of an average human life. Humans are naturally social species that depend on the companionship of others to thrive in life. 

Based on a research paper by Khalaf A. M. Alubeid, an author from the Psychiatry Department in Riyadh, over the past 10 years, the rapid emergence of social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others has led to some significant changes in how people connect and communicate with over a billion people being active users of Facebook which is undoubtedly the largest social networking website, with its number still expected to grow significantly over time. Although social media has become part of our daily lives, there are concerns as to how sudden and actively grown the prominence of social media has been.

 The media, despite its remarkable pros, has got some disturbing cons which have slowly creeped into and are now gaining a larger foothold in our global world today. One of the negative experiences social media has promoted is the feeling of inadequacy about your life or appearance. Knowing that not all you see is as real as they seem to be, they can still make you feel insecure about your looks or your daily activities. In the works of Lawrence Robinson and Melinda Smith in their publication (2024) titled “Social Media and Mental Health: Are you addicted to social media?”, “Similarly, we’re all aware that other people tend to share just the highlights of their lives, rarely the low points that everyone experiences. But that doesn’t lessen those feelings of envy and dissatisfaction when you’re scrolling through a friend’s airbrushed photos of their tropical beach holiday or reading about their exciting new promotion at work.” This has made people, especially the young teens, feel less fulfilled in terms of comparison with such kind of ‘experiences’ being paraded on the media. 

         Another negative impact of social media is what is regarded as the “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO) syndrome and social media addiction. In an article titled “The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health” by invisalert, seeing others enjoying social events or achievements can lead to FOMO, causing feelings of isolation and loneliness in those who may not be as socially active. Robinson and Smith also suggest that while FOMO has been around far longer than social media, sites such as Facebook and Instagram seem to exacerbate feelings that others are having more fun or living better lives than you are. The idea that you’re missing out on certain things can impact your self-esteem, trigger anxiety, and fuel even greater social media use, much like an addiction. FOMO can compel you to pick up your phone every few minutes to check for updates, or compulsively respond to each and every alert—even if that means taking risks while you’re driving, missing out on sleep at night, or prioritizing social media interaction over real world relationships. The Lancaster General Health Hub suggests that constant checking and scrolling can have a detrimental effect on schoolwork and studying. The distraction can lead to procrastination, less retention of information, and higher levels of stress. 

You may also experience feelings of exclusion, loneliness or anxiety when you see posts of others enjoying a good time. Having a whole digital world at your fingertips can put a damper on getting out and having real social connections and in-person interactions. Take opportunities to see friends in-person rather than chatting behind a screen whenever possible. These issues are especially prevalent in teens and young adults. The addictive nature of social media activates the brain’s reward center by releasing dopamine. This is a “feel-good chemical” linked to pleasurable activities. When we post something, our friends and family can “like” it, giving us a boost of dopamine. However, when we don’t get that boost or approval, it can impact our sense of self and adequacy.

  Cyber-bullying has also been another long-standing negative prominence of social media on mental health. About 10 percent of teens report being bullied on social media and many other users are subjected to offensive comments. According to the University of California Davis Health, a report shows that in 2020, 44% of all internet users in the U.S. said they have experienced online harassment. Cyberbullying is when someone repeatedly and intentionally harasses, mistreats, or makes fun of another person by way of an electronic device. It can severely impact self-esteem and mental health. Social media platforms such as Twitter, now known as X, can be hotspots for spreading hurtful rumors, lies, and abuse that can leave lasting emotional scars.

              In conclusion, social media presents a double-edged sword for mental health. While it offers opportunities for connection and information, its curated portrayals and constant comparisons can lead to feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and FOMO (fear of missing out), among others. The addictive nature of social media platforms can further exacerbate these issues and contribute to anxiety and depression. For teens and young adults, who are especially vulnerable to these pressures, social media can have a significant negative impact. However, with mindful use and an awareness of its pitfalls, social media can be a tool for positive connection and support. Finding a balance between the digital and real world is key to promoting mental well-being in the age of social media.