Mental health is an essential aspect of our overall health; however, most people generally disregard it. It is an issue that should concern everybody. In the U.S., approximately 1 in 5 adults reports experiencing mental illness in a given year. Mental illnesses can include depression, anxiety, and dementia, among many others. It can be a physical and emotional ordeal for those who suffer from poor mental health, and awareness is tagged as one of the most crucial components of treating mental illnesses.

The link between mental health and social media is slowly being established. Social media is a relatively new phenomenon, having only really caught-on in the mainstream over the past twenty years, but is now considered an integral part of our social lives, especially for the younger generation. The negative effects of social media on mental health are now being studied, with some of the most prevalent ones listed below:

Lower Self- Esteem

Humans have a natural tendency to compare themselves to others, and seeing all your peers’ achievements, milestones, and successes on social networking sites can lead to poorer self- esteem. This is especially true for women, as a study from the University of Wales suggests. Women who spend more than one hour a day on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram report being more unhappy with their bodies, compared to others who spend less time on these sites. They tend to be more insecure and have unhealthy body images, leading to less self-confidence, and higher self-esteem issues.

Poorer Memory

Researchers have found that those who document memories on social media had lower recall about those specific memories. The research deals with short-term memory, but it may have worrisome implications on our long-term memory, possibly relating to diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, and our neurological health as a whole. 

Risk of Depression

Time spent on social media has been linked to higher risks of depression, especially in teenagers. Cyberbullying has become quite a pervasive issue in schools and communities. The concept of FOMO, or the “Fear Of Missing Out” has also been linked to depression. With the advent of social media, there exists the pressure to fit in with a crowd, now more than ever. Not being able to share in a common experience may lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, while the pressure to always be “in” can lead to fatigue, stress, and sleeping problems.

Social media can be a great way to be in touch with your friends and family online, and with the world at large. However, as with most things, too much can be bad for you. If you feel overwhelmed by what you see on social media, consider taking a digital detox, and remember: moderation is key.

###

Photo by Kev Costello on Unsplash