It’s not an exaggeration to say that social media has impacted almost every aspect of modern life. It’s changed how companies do business and how humans connect. Despite its positive effects, the impact of social media on youth mental health is something for parents to be concerned about.
Warnings from the American Psychological Association and United States Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, provide evidence of the growing harm social media is causing to the mental health of young people.
Avoiding social media altogether may not be a feasible or helpful approach, but balancing the pros and cons can be a delicate process. It may be helpful for parents to understand what exactly it is about social media that can positively and negatively impact their children.
Positive Aspects of Social Media
Overuse of social media can lead to problems, but the potentially positive impact of social media on youth mental health can’t be overlooked. Social media allows youth to:
- Access information
- Become a source of support for other young people
- Connect with peers
- Build online communities
- Explore personal expression and acceptance
- Reduce feelings of isolation
- Find motivation to take positive action
At its best, social media provides opportunities for teens and tweens to support important causes, develop or assist with fundraising for their schools and other good causes, and connect to others.
Youth who feel isolated can find authentic friendships on social media. Some social media users report feeling less lonely and having higher self-esteem.
Acknowledging Potential Negative Effects
Unfortunately, there is a negative counterpart for almost every positive aspect of social media. The Mayo Clinic reports some of the negative side effects of social media use on teens include:
- Receiving information that is incorrect or biased
- Being distracted from homework, family activities, and other healthy behaviors
- Experiencing exposure to unrealistic body images and lifestyles
- Experiencing exposure to online predators and cyberbullying
- Becoming involved in spreading rumors
- Sharing too much personal information about themselves or others
Young people don’t always realize that the images they see online are carefully curated. These perfect images can give youth unrealistic ideas about how most people live and can make them feel bad about their own lives.
A lack of attention on their own social media posts can also be harmful to a child’s self-esteem. “Likes,” comments, and shares are a form of social validation. Posting a photo that doesn’t generate attention can be compared to singing in a competition and not receiving any applause at the end.
The presence of digital aggression on social media is another valid concern. Researchers point to the lack of eye contact online as one reason for the growth of cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying includes direct comments on social media, text messages, and posting photos or comments about another person in all types of digital spaces. Regarding cyberbullying, a 2020 study found that the impact of social media on youth mental health can lead to:
- Depression
- Loneliness
- Low self-esteem
- Substance use
- Anxiety
- Suicidal ideation
Youth are especially vulnerable to cyberbullying. They have a higher risk of developing depression or anxiety due to cyberbullying than adults.
Impact on Sleep and Physical Well-Being
Most electronic devices, including televisions, emit short-wavelength blue light that tricks the body into believing it is daytime. The more time you spend looking at a screen, the less melatonin (sleep-inducing hormone) your body produces. This interferes with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
According to the Sleep Foundation, two out of three teenagers get less than the recommended amount of sleep, and screen time may be at least partially responsible for their sleep deprivation.
Sleep deprivation affects teens in many ways besides being sleepy. It can interfere with their ability to focus in school, increase the risk of depression, and make it more difficult to regulate their emotions.
Social Media and Body Image Issues
Social media is filled with heavily airbrushed and altered images representing “ideal” body shapes and features. Many of the most famous social media influencers make their living by promoting unrealistic beauty standards.
Constantly viewing these so-called “perfect” images can lead to poor self-esteem and body shaming. When young people feel ashamed of their bodies, it increases their risk of depression, lowers confidence, and can lead to suicidal behaviors.
Anxiety and Depression
FOMO — the fear of missing out — is a real phenomenon that can seriously impact a young person’s self-worth and self-esteem. FOMO is the feeling that others are having fun without you. Whether it is true or not, believing you have been excluded from the fun can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of emotional distress.
Digital Detox and Healthy Online Habits
Taking a digital detox means taking a break from scrolling for a predetermined amount of time. A break may mean putting your phone away two hours before bedtime each night or staying off social media during the weekend.
Taking a digital detox can be a fun way for a family to reconnect. Agree to go for a family bike ride or play a board game instead of engaging in social media. Regular breaks may help promote more positive interactions and responsible content consumption when you do decide to go online.
Parental and Educational Roles
When it comes to teaching responsible online habits, parental involvement is vital. It’s up to parents to set a good example in their use of social media and their efforts to communicate with their children.
Educators can also get involved with counteracting the negative effects of social media through digital literacy programs. Digital educational programs can show students how to focus on the positive aspects of social media and protect themselves from negative influences.
Social media is not going away anytime soon. Learning how to behave responsibly online and model good behavior for others is key.
Learning to Balance Social Media Use
People of every age could benefit from a better balance and mindful use of social media. Rachel’s Challenge offers resources to help students and educators find that balance.
Book an event or consider supporting Rachel’s Challenge, educators and students by learning more about how you can counter the impact of social media on youth mental health.
