By: Katrina Whitford
Social media platforms have gained immense popularity since the early 2000s, and these platforms have become a major part of many individuals’ everyday lives. As a result, researchers have been studying the impact of social media on mental health. Various studies have suggested that social media usage has both negative and positive impacts.
Studies have shown that frequent social media usage in young adults can lead to numerous negative mental health impacts. These impacts include an increase of FOMO (fear of missing out) and negative self-image. Most social media users post about the best aspects of their lives, and continuously seeing content like this can cause individuals to compare themselves and their lives to what they see online. These comparisons often lead to a negative self-image, where individuals feel as though they need to do more with their lives or look a certain way to truly be happy. Additionally, when individuals see others living a certain lifestyle or engaging in social events, they tend to experience FOMO.
Individuals may also experience heightened depressive symptoms and surprisingly, social isolation. Envy and a negative self-image can lead to symptoms of depression and even isolation. Individuals may feel a lack of confidence and feel a heightened sense of isolation, sense they are more aware of events they are missing out on.
Young adults have historically been reported to use social media more than other older age groups. As more information about the negative impacts of social media on young adults have come to light, individuals are becoming conscious of their social media usage and distancing themselves from social media platforms and limiting their engagement.
There are, however, positive mental health impacts that can come from using social media in general. Social media can allow individuals to feel connected to each other. For example, many young adults move away from their family and close friends when they go to college. Social media can allow college students to easily maintain contact with the people closest to them while allowing them to see what they’re up to, which fosters an ongoing sense of connection. Also, there are also so many online groups or communities that individuals can join on various social media platforms. These groups allow individuals to befriend others or gain necessary support from others.
Certain social media platforms can also give young adults validation. It is very easy to get caught up in feeling isolated in your own life experiences, especially when you’re in college. Certain content on social media platforms like TikTok can allow young adults to know that they are not alone in what they’re experiencing. Additionally, some psychoeducational videos that are relatively popular on TikTok or Instagram help guide young adults through their experiences.
Social media has become a part of an individual’s everyday lives. It is important to be aware of both the positive and negative impacts of social media use and tailor its use. Above all, it is important to use social media responsibility and in moderation.
By Katrina Whitford
References:
Berryman, C., Ferguson, C. J., & Negy, C. (2017). Social media use and mental health among young adults. Psychiatric Quarterly, 89(2), 307–314. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-017-9535-6
Tandon, A., Dhir, A., Talwar, S., Kaur, P., & Mäntymäki, M. (2021). Dark consequences of social media-induced fear of missing out (FOMO): Social media stalking, comparisons, and fatigue. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 171, 120931. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.120931
