Technology’s Impact on Mental Wellness

Authored by Chris Schumacher, | Medically Reviewed by Dr. Elizabeth Drew,
Last Updated: December 13, 2024

Social Media and Its Impact on Mental Health

Social media platforms are designed to keep you engaged, but they can also be detrimental to your mental health. What was once a space for staying connected has turned into a source of comparison and stress for many people. The curated, filtered lives people present online can lead to distorted self-perception and negative feelings about your own life.

Comparison Culture and Self-Esteem Issues

One of the biggest challenges with social media is the pressure to compare your life to others. You might find yourself scrolling through picture-perfect vacations, celebrations, and achievements, wondering why your own life doesn’t measure up. This constant comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth.

Many of the highlights we see online are just that – highlights. Social media users often present an edited version of their reality, which can make others feel like they’re falling short in comparison. 

• Social media can contribute to low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy.
• Highlight reels on social platforms distort reality and fuel unhealthy comparisons.
• Limiting social media use has been shown to improve mood and reduce feelings of isolation.

Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

In addition to comparison issues, social media can also open the door to more harmful experiences like cyberbullying and online harassment. Since the internet allows people to remain anonymous, some individuals use that anonymity to engage in cruel behavior they would likely avoid in real life. Victims of cyberbullying often face relentless harassment, which can lead to significant emotional and mental harm.

According to Pew Research, nearly 46 percent of teens in the U.S. have experienced some form of cyberbullying. This persistent bullying can result in heightened anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. For many young people, the pain inflicted online follows them into their homes, making it challenging to find a safe space to escape the harassment.

Sleep Disruption Due to Technology Use

Not only are we feeling depressed and drained because of technology, but it could also be impacting your sleep. Why? Let’s dive into it. 

Blue Light and Sleep Patterns

Another significant way technology affects our mental health is through its impact on sleep. The blue light emitted from smartphones, laptops, and other screens interferes with the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. When you’re glued to your phone or computer before bed, it becomes harder for your brain to wind down, leading to trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.

Research from Harvard Medical School found that exposure to blue light from screens can delay melatonin production by as much as three hours, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Over time, poor sleep habits can lead to a range of mental health issues, including increased anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Increased Sleep Deprivation and Mental Health

Chronic sleep deprivation is closely linked to mental health challenges. When you’re not getting enough sleep, it becomes more difficult to manage stress, focus on tasks, and regulate emotions. Sleep-deprived individuals are also more prone to experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety, as lack of rest affects both mood and cognitive function.

• Poor sleep due to excessive screen time can worsen anxiety and depression.
• Blue light exposure disrupts melatonin production, leading to insomnia.
• Sleep deprivation impairs focus, decision-making, and emotional stability.

Tech-Induced Isolation and Its Effects on Mental Health

Have you noticed that many people now-a-days prefer to stay inside on their devices rather than be present in society? If you have, you’re not alone – technology has caused a significant shift in how we communicate – and it’s not for the best. 

Replacing Face-to-Face Interaction

While technology has made it easier to stay connected with people across the globe, it has also reduced the amount of meaningful, face-to-face interaction many of us have in our daily lives. Messaging someone through an app or liking their post on social media may feel like a connection, but it often lacks the depth and fulfillment that in-person conversations provide.

Face-to-face interaction releases oxytocin, a hormone that promotes bonding and reduces stress. However, when we replace these meaningful interactions with superficial online communication, it can leave us feeling more isolated, even if we’re technically “connected” to more people than ever before.

Loneliness in a Connected World

Ironically, even though we’re more connected than ever, many people report feeling lonelier. Social media can give us the illusion of connection without actually fulfilling our emotional needs. In fact, one-third of Americans feel lonelier than ever before, with many of them attributing this isolation to the superficial nature of digital communication and fueling an American health crisis.

When we use technology to replace genuine human interaction, it can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and disconnection, which can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety.