How Social Media Affects Mental Health
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Peace Valley Recovery is located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Our mission is to provide patient-centered care that focuses on healing and recovery from addiction. This blog provides information, news, and uplifting content to help people in their recovery journey.
Authored by Chris Schumacher, | Medically Reviewed by Dr. Elizabeth Drew,
Last Updated: December 13, 2024
There’s no way around it – social media is everywhere. It’s where we connect with friends and family, follow the latest news, and share bits of our lives. While these platforms offer convenience and connection, they also have a darker side that can deeply impact mental health. Many people feel the constant pull to check their phones, scroll through feeds, and compare themselves to what they see online. If you’ve noticed that your mood shifts when you’re on social media, you’re not alone.
A staggering 239 million Americans are active on social media, with the majority of them accessing it daily. It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that many people are questioning how these platforms might be affecting their emotional well-being. For some, social media offers joy and connection. However, for many others, it can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and even depression. Understanding how social media influences mental health is key to protecting ourselves from its potential harm, so let’s delve into it below.
The Psychological Toll of Constant Comparison
It’s all too easy to get sucked into the comparison game on social media. Believe us, we’ve been there. You might find yourself scrolling through your feed, seeing friends or influencers on vacation, hitting life milestones, or showcasing their “perfect” lives. Even though you know these snapshots are often curated and filtered, it’s hard not to feel like your own life doesn’t measure up. This is known as the “highlight reel” effect, where people share their best moments, not the behind-the-scenes struggles.
This constant comparison can have real consequences on mental health. Studies show that those who spend more time on social media are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. A recent study from the University of Iowa found that limiting social media use resulted in significant reductions in loneliness and depression. When we’re constantly comparing ourselves to what we see online, it’s easy to feel like we’re falling short, which can erode our self-esteem and create feelings of inadequacy.
The Rise of Anxiety and Depression from Social Media Overload
Social media doesn’t just affect how we see ourselves – it also plays a role in how we feel about our lives. One of the most significant ways this happens is through the phenomenon known as FOMO, or the fear of missing out. As we scroll through endless feeds of others enjoying parties, vacations, and gatherings, we might feel left out or that our own experiences aren’t exciting enough. This sense of “missing out” can lead to increased anxiety and a sense of dissatisfaction with our own lives.
Beyond FOMO, social media fosters a cycle of 24/7 connectivity. While being connected sounds like a positive, constantly staying plugged in can lead to a phenomenon called emotional burnout. When we’re always on, always responding, and always engaged, we don’t give our minds the time to rest and recharge. As you might imagine, that will affect us over time.
The Impact of Cyberbullying and Online Harassment
While social media offers the chance for connection, it can also be a breeding ground for negativity. Cyberbullying and online harassment have become all too common, especially among teens and young adults. Being the target of cruel comments, bullying, or threats online can leave deep emotional scars and significantly impact mental well-being.
In fact, the statistics are alarming. An estimated 16 percent of high school students surveyed reported online bullying in the past 12 months, with nearly twice as many girls reporting it than boys. This kind of harassment can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Unlike traditional bullying, which might end when a child goes home, cyberbullying follows victims wherever they go. It’s this constant exposure that makes it particularly damaging.
For those who’ve experienced this kind of online torment, it can feel incredibly isolating. But it’s important to remember that there are resources and people who can help. No one should have to navigate the effects of cyberbullying alone.
Social Media and Sleep Disruption
Most of us reach for our phones before bed or even in the middle of the night. What we might not realize is how much this habit is affecting our sleep, and, in turn, our mental health. Studies have shown that people who spend large amounts of time on social media, especially before bed, are more likely to suffer from sleep disturbances.
Sleep is crucial for mental health. When we don’t get enough rest, we’re more prone to feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritability. A study released by the BBC found that heavy social media use was linked to poor sleep. The constant stream of information, notifications, and scrolling can make it harder to wind down and achieve the quality sleep we need to function mentally and emotionally.
Strategies to Protect Mental Health While Using Social Media
Given the potential dangers of social media, it’s essential to develop strategies that help us maintain a healthier relationship with it. One of the most effective ways is by setting boundaries around social media use. If you find yourself spending hours scrolling, it might help to set a time limit on your phone or take a break from specific platforms that seem to affect you the most.
It’s also helpful to curate your social media feeds. Unfollow or mute accounts that trigger negative feelings or comparisons. If you have to use social media, follow accounts that promote positivity, mental wellness, and self-acceptance. This way, you can turn social media into a tool that enhances your well-being rather than diminishes it.
Lastly, practicing mindfulness can make a huge difference. Pay attention to how social media is making you feel. If you notice that it’s causing you stress or anxiety, give yourself permission to step away. Remember, you don’t need to be constantly plugged in.
If social media is leaving you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or unworthy, you don’t have to face these feelings alone. Constant comparison, online bullying, and the pressure to keep up can take a heavy toll on your mental health. You deserve to feel good about yourself, to sleep well at night, and to live free from the grip of these negative emotions.
Take the First Step Toward Healing with Peace Valley Recovery
At Peace Valley Recovery, we understand how deeply social media can impact your mental well-being. Our compassionate team is here to help you rebuild your confidence, address any underlying anxiety or depression, and create healthier habits that bring balance back into your life. Whether you’re feeling isolated, anxious, or just not yourself, talking to a professional can be the key to turning things around.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward healing, we’re here for you 24/7. Call Peace Valley Recovery today at (267) 263-7303, and let us help you reclaim your peace of mind.
