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The Relationship Between Social Media and Mental Health. It's Not All Negatives. Public Deposited
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- In the twenty-first century, social media has become an integral part of life in various countries across the world. However, not enough is being done, in terms of research, to look at how social media affects mental health. This is echoed in some of the literature I will discuss later (J. S.L. Brown, 2018; Pantic, 2014; Naslund et al., 2016). In this paper, I look at the relationship between social media and mental health as it relates to college age students (with a focus on the University of Colorado). The focus stems from the increase in mental illness and mental health problems among college students (“Campus Mental Health,” 2019) and my close proximity to CU. Using interviews I have gathered from expert sources and previously established research I look at more specific mental illnesses and logistical elements of the relationship. I also interviewed college students to get their opinions on how social media affects their own mental health and how they perceive it to affect those around them. With both students (from a discussion standpoint) and professionals (from a research based and investigative standpoint), there is too much focus on the negative aspects of social media and the harm it causes colleges as a whole. While it is important to acknowledge these effects, I also explore some of the benefits social media has on mental health. This paper could be published in the Journal of Communication or the Journal of New Media and Society amongst other places.
- Doty, Gavyn
- Ryan, Kathleen
- Chuang, Angie
- Talbot, Brian
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The impact of social media on mental health: a mixed-methods research of service providers’ awareness.
Sarah Nichole Koehler Follow Bobbie Rose Parrell Follow
Date of Award
Document type, degree name.
Master of Social Work
School of Social Work
First Reader/Committee Chair
Joseph, Rigaud
The relationship between heavy use of social media and an increase in mental health disorders has long been established. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding mental health practitioners/providers’ responses to this issue. This mixed-methods research embraced two theoretical perspectives—Ecological Model and Generalist Intervention Model—toward determining the extent to which mental health practitioners/providers assess for the impact of heightened use of social media on mental health. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 95 mental health practitioners (N = 95) via Qualtrics.
Non-parametric tests and descriptive statistics showed that prior training, agency’s values, and credentials impact mental health practitioners’ responses to social media use and its impact on mental health. Meanwhile, qualitative findings pinpointed low self-esteem, increased depression, and increased anxiety as three psychiatric conditions associated with uncontrolled use of social media. Implications of these findings for theory, research, social work practice, and social work education were discussed.
Recommended Citation
Koehler, Sarah Nichole and Parrell, Bobbie Rose, "THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON MENTAL HEALTH: A MIXED-METHODS RESEARCH OF SERVICE PROVIDERS’ AWARENESS" (2020). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations . 1012. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/1012
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How Social Media Affects Mental Health (And How To Cut Back)
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Table of Contents
Social media and mental health, why social media can feel addictive, how to cut back on social media.
Editor’s Note: In “Hey, Health Coach,” Sarah Hays Coomer answers reader questions about the intersection of health and overall well-being. Have a question? Send her a message (and don’t forget to use a sleuthy pseudonym!).
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| Type Of Social Media Apps | Examples |
| Social Networking Sites | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat |
| Messengers | Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, Viber, iMessage |
| Media Sharing Apps | Whatsapp, Snapchat, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok |
| Blogging Platforms | Wordpress, Wikipedia |
| Fitness & Lifestyle Apps | Fitbit |
| Discussion Forums | Reddit, Twitter |
Risks of using social media in young adults
Peer experiences have a significant influence on the development and persistence of psychopathology in adolescents. In the realm of social media, peer relationships can be more frequent, intense, and quick. Previous research has highlighted a number of specific online peer interactions as possible mental health risk factors [ 17 ]. Cyber victimisation, or being the subject of online bullying, is frequently associated with increased rates of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and other internalising and externalising problems. In addition, social media peer pressure, such as rejection from peers, online fights, and drama or conflict, may place young people in jeopardy. Online, where adolescents have access to a variety of their peers as well as potentially harmful content, peer influence processes may also be increased. If young people are exposed to social media content depicting dangerous behaviour, their likelihood of participating in such behaviour may increase (such as drinking and other drug usage). It may be easy to access internet resources that deal with self-harm and suicide, which might increase the risk of self-harm among at-risk youth [ 18 ]. According to a recent study, 14.8% of young people referred to mental hospitals because they posed a risk to others or themselves had accessed online resources that promoted suicide in the two weeks leading up to their admission [ 19 ]. They choose to display pics of themselves on social sites, which results in a constant stream of messages and images that are frequently meticulously edited to portray people in a positive manner. This puts an impact on certain young people, causing them to start comparing their accomplishments, aptitudes, or looks negatively. Studies have connected upper levels of social networking comparison to the depressive symptoms of adolescents [ 20 ].
Finally, it's critical to consider the issue of displacement, or what other vital activities are being replaced by time spent on social media, when assessing how technology use affects teenage mental health. It is common knowledge that young people's sleep patterns have a significant impact on their development and mental health. But earlier research has consistently connected using a mobile device before bed with lower sleep quality results, which include shorter sleep lengths, decreased sleep quality, and weariness during the day. Notably, 36% of teenagers say they wake up at least once throughout the night to check their gadgets, and 40% say they use a mobile device within five minutes of going to bed [ 21 ]. Therefore, the effect of social media on sleep quality continues to be a significant risk factor for later mental health issues in young people, making it a crucial subject for continued study. The majority of research on the relationship between social media use and depressive symptoms has focused on how often and problematically people use it [ 22 ]. The majority of the studies considered in this review revealed a positive and reciprocal association between social media use and depression and, occasionally, suicidality. It is yet unknown whether there is a connection between using the drug and depression or suicidality, and it is also uncertain how much adolescents' vulnerability and the substance's use features affect this connection. It is also unknown if other environmental elements, such as parental guidance and support or cultural disparities, have an effect on this link. Although it's possible that moderate use is associated with better self-regulation, it's unclear whether this is the result of intermediate users having innately better self-regulation [ 23 ].
Benefits of social media
Although the majority of the discussion about young people and new media has focused on possible problems, there are now more chances than ever to support adolescent mental health thanks to the distinctive characteristics of the social media ecosystem. Using social media may offer opportunities for humour and amusement, identity creation, and creative expression, among other advantages Teenagers now own more mobile devices than ever before, and they utilize social media at levels never before seen. Given how strongly young people are lured to digital devices and the affordances they provide, as well as their increased demand for novelty, social approval, and affinity, this may not come as a surprise. As teenagers spend more time interacting with digital technology, there is an urgent need to understand the ramifications of this usage and employ new technologies to benefit rather than harm adolescents' mental health and well-being. We should instead emphasise that digital technology is neither beneficial nor evil in and of itself in light of the current public debate [ 24 ]. Social connection is one of the most well-known advantages of social media, with 81% of students reporting that it increases their sense of connectedness to their peers. Teenagers frequently consider connecting with friends and family as the main advantage of social media, and prior research typically confirms that doing so increases people's well-being, using social media to boost acceptability or a sense of belonging [ 25 ]. The potential of digital media for boosting adolescent mental health extends beyond its regular usage by adolescents to encompass cutting-edge uses in screening, treatment, and prevention in the medical field [ 26 ]. Regarding screening, earlier research has shown the possible viability of looking through social media pages for indications of depression or drug misuse [ 19 ]. In general, more sophisticated machine learning techniques have been developed to recognise symptoms of mental illness, such as melancholy, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidality, on social media [ 27 ]. The majority of existing research on adolescent media consumption relies on self-report measures. Because research has only been done once, it is impossible to establish definitive conclusions about whether media use precedes and predicts harmful impacts on mental health. Adults frequently point the finger at the media for the issues facing the younger generation [ 28 ].
We shouldn't solely attribute media panics to the novel and the unknown because they are cyclical. Because of technology, teenagers' time management, worldview, and interpersonal interactions have undergone remarkable and quick changes. Thanks to social media, there is unprecedented potential to raise awareness of mental health issues, and social media-based promoting health programmes have been evaluated for a variety of cognitive and behavioural health diseases. Young individuals with mental health concerns have intriguing therapy choices thanks to social media's immediate accessibility and wide possibilities, including the chance to reach hard-to-reach locations [ 29 ]. Youth-focused mental health mobile applications are acceptable, according to preliminary data, but additional study is required to determine their value and efficacy. Due to the increasing importance of digital media in young people's lives, they are now faced with new challenges and opportunities. According to an increasing body of studies, social media usage among adolescents may affect their mental health. But given how quickly the digital media ecosystem changes, additional study is required [ 30 ].
Conclusions
Technology in the digital age does not "happen" to people instead, people use technology effectively. According to studies, utilising digital technology won't harm the average teen, but that doesn't mean there aren't circumstances with negative and serious consequences. In this study, we found that in-depth research on social media usage found a link to adolescent depression. Most research is cross-sectional; hence longitudinal studies are needed. Social media is entrenched in young people's social and personal lives. Professional organisations advise parents, educators, and institutions based on inadequate and inconsistent information about youth and digital technology. Policies limiting teens' access to new technologies can be futile if these tools are essential to stimulate social contact or develop digital and relational (digitally mediated) skills for emerging economies. In terms of health, reaching young people during crises and when help is needed is most important. Access to a variety of friendships and services may boost teen well-being.
The content published in Cureus is the result of clinical experience and/or research by independent individuals or organizations. Cureus is not responsible for the scientific accuracy or reliability of data or conclusions published herein. All content published within Cureus is intended only for educational, research and reference purposes. Additionally, articles published within Cureus should not be deemed a suitable substitute for the advice of a qualified health care professional. Do not disregard or avoid professional medical advice due to content published within Cureus.
The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
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Social media use tied to poor physical health
Research news.
While for decades researchers have looked at how social media engagement relates to users’ mental health, its effects on physical health have not been thoroughly investigated.
By BERT GAMBINI
Published January 25, 2022
Social media use has been linked to biological and psychological indicators associated with poor physical health among college students, according to the results of a new study by a UB researcher.
Research participants who used social media excessively were found to have higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a biological marker of chronic inflammation that predicts serious illnesses, such as diabetes, certain cancers and cardiovascular disease. In addition to elevated CRP levels, results suggest higher social media use was also related to somatic symptoms, like headaches, chest and back pains, and more frequent visits to doctors and health centers for the treatment of illness.
“Social media use has become an integral part of many young adults’ daily lives,” says David Lee, the paper’s first author and assistant professor of communication, College of Arts and Sciences. “It’s critical that we understand how engagement across these platforms contributes to physical health.”
The findings appear in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking.
For decades, researchers have devoted attention to how social media engagement relates to users’ mental health, but its effects on physical health have not been thoroughly investigated. Recent surveys indicate social media usage is particularly high for people in their late teens and early 20s, a population that spends about six hours a day texting, online or using social media. And though a few studies have found links between social media usage and physical health, that research relied largely on self-reporting or the effects of usage with exclusively one platform.
“Our goal was to extend prior work by examining how social media use across several platforms is associated with physical health outcomes measured with biological, behavioral and self-report measures,” says Lee, an expert on health outcomes related to social interactions.
Researchers recruited a diverse sample of 251 undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 24 for the study. Blood samples were collected through finger sticks, and participants also completed questionnaires on physical health and social media usage on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram, the most popular platforms at the time the data were collected in 2017. Those responses were crosschecked with another survey that measured validity by determining the degree to which participants took their role in the study seriously.
“We were able to establish a correlation between the amount of social media use and these physical health indicators,” said Lee. “The more participants used social media, the more somatic symptoms they experienced and visits to the doctor they reported. They also showed higher levels of chronic inflammation.”
Lee says this study is just the beginning of understanding the relationship between social media and physical health.
“By looking at a biological marker in the blood, we were able to find a relatively more objective association between social media usage and physical health, but this correlational finding can’t rule out the possibility that poor health impacts social media usage,” Lee says.
Lee says the aphorism could hold true with social media use and physical health: The rich get richer while the poor get poorer. “In our previous research, we found those high in self-esteem benefited from using social media, but people low in self-esteem did not. So, the effect may be more nuanced.
“There’s still work to be done,” Lee says. “But right now, I wanted to get the word out there that social media use may have a link to important physical health outcomes.”
Lee’s research team for the current study included colleagues from The Ohio State University: Tao Jiang, a graduate student; Jennifer Crocker, professor of social psychology; and Baldwin Way, associate professor of psychology.
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the implications of social media for mental health. Additionally, there has been minimal research done regarding the knowledge and preparedness of mental health clinicians to address the impact of heavy social media use on the clients' mental health. Social media's impact on mental health complicates social service delivery
Impact on mental health. Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which people understand their abilities, solve everyday life problems, work well, and make a significant contribution to the lives of their communities [].There is debated presently going on regarding the benefits and negative impacts of social media on mental health [9,10].
Title of Bachelor´s thesis: Impacts of Social Media on Mental Health . Supervisor: Ilkka Mikkonen . Term and year of completion: Autumn 2018 Number of pages: 36 . Social media has become an integral part of human beings in the present era. It has influenced them in many ways. On the one hand, numerous benefits of social media such as online ...
Introduction. Social media has become a prominent fixture in the lives of many individuals facing the challenges of mental illness. Social media refers broadly to web and mobile platforms that allow individuals to connect with others within a virtual network (such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or LinkedIn), where they can share, co-create, or exchange various forms of digital ...
Excessive social media. use has the potential to increase vulnerability to the development of psychological disorders, specifically increasing psychological distress, decreasing self-esteem, and increasing depressive. symptoms. With social media use on the rise among people of all ages, it is important to.
Mental health is represented as a state of well-being in which individuals recognize their potential, successfully navigate daily challenges, perform effectively at work, and make a substantial difference in the lives of others [].There is currently debate over the benefits and drawbacks of social media on mental health [].Social networking is an important part of safeguarding our mental health.
depression due to a sense of social capital. Yet, there is ample evidence to suggest that. social media is associated with depression and other problems, such as classroom. disruption, sleeping disturbances, anxiety, jealousy, and low self-esteem in young adults.
This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone ... Mental and Social Health Commons. Social Media Commons. Positive and Negative Effects of Social Media on Adolescent Well-being. By Katie Kennedy
Although a majority of teens in my study describe their social media experiences as generally positive, non-trivial proportions of youth report typically feeling jealous (17%) and left out (15%) when using social media. These two most commonly reported negative experiences occur for both male and female adolescents.
social media diminishes one's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The main goal of the data analysis was to determine the positive and negative interactions with social. media from the participants. In addition, this information was examined to find. commonalities as well as unique responses.
psychological stress. In line with poor mental health, the lessening of emotional regulation and positive face to face interactions are also a symptom of unhealthy overuse of social media. Information on how researchers have best measured the addiction of internet, smartphones, and social media within adolescents and adults is also discussed.
thesis title: social media role in adolescent mental health author: rickena y. mills date of successful defense: november 26, 2019 . the thesis has been accepted by the thesis committee in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of master of public heal th . dr. christina holub . thesis committee chair . dr asherlev t santos
The purpose of this thesis is to explore how social media use is related to the mental health of young adults. To accomplish this goal, the researcher reviews and synthesizes the existing literature pertaining to characteristics of social media, general young adult mental health, and the current social- and individual-level theories that may ...
In the twenty-first century, social media has become an integral part of life in various countries across the world. However, not enough is being done, in terms of research, to look at how social media affects mental health. This is echoed in some of the literature I will discuss later (J. S.L. Brown, 2018; Pantic, 2014; Naslund et al., 2016).
effects of social media use on emotions. Seo, Park, Kim, and Park, (2016) found that a person. who had developed a dependency to their cell phone experienced decreased attention and. increased depression which led to a negative impact on their social relationships with their.
Of the 39 studies identified, 20 were included in the meta-analysis. Results indicate that while social media can create a sense of community for the user, excessive and increased use of social media, particularly among those who are vulnerable, is correlated with depression and other mental health disorders. Keywords: systematic review, social ...
count, and the average user spent around two and a half hours per day on social media platforms (We Are Social,2021;GWI,2021). Very few technologies since television have so dramati-cally reshaped the way people spend their time and interact with others. As social media started gaining popularity in the mid-2000s, the mental health of adoles-
The findings were that 31% of participants spent 0-1 hours on social media, 45.2% spent 2-3. hours on social media, 16.7 % spent 4-5 hours on social media, and 7.1%spent five or more. hours on social media. The third variable created into a frequency table was how often social. media makes you feel unhappy.
longitudinal study of approximately 500 adolescents on the impact that the amount of. time spent using social media has on mental health. Comparing data between. adolescents in the study supported the theory that as time spent on social media increases, the symptoms of depression also increase.
Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 95 mental health practitioners (N = 95) via Qualtrics. Non-parametric tests and descriptive statistics showed that prior training, agency's values, and credentials impact mental health practitioners' responses to social media use and its impact on mental health.
This thesis analyzes how social media affects adolescents' mental health and body image. The final goal of this research paper is to understand that if by using social media, and all other social media networks, either mental health or body image declines. The topic is important because people, especially adolescents born in the time of social ...
Social media has been linked to poor sleep patterns, depression, and anxiety [ 6 ]. In addition, ref. [ 7] warns of the negative impact that excessive social media use can have on the mental health of young people. Saudi Arabia has a high level of social media usage, with 82.3% of the population (29.5 million people) using social media in 2022 ...
Compulsively checking for updates Karim F, Oyewande AA, Abdalla LF, Chaudhry Ehsanullah R, Khan S. Social Media Use and Its Connection to Mental Health: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2020;12(6 ...
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy on Monday called for social media platforms to add warnings reminding parents and kids that the apps might not be safe, citing rising rates of mental health ...
Review. The use of social media and depression in teens are "generally correlated"; however, there have been inconsistent results in certain areas (such as the relationship between time spent on social media and mental health issues), and the quality of the data is generally low [].Using social media may increase the risk of self-harm, loneliness, and a decrease in empathy, based on particular ...
For decades, researchers have devoted attention to how social media engagement relates to users' mental health, but its effects on physical health have not been thoroughly investigated. Recent surveys indicate social media usage is particularly high for people in their late teens and early 20s, a population that spends about six hours a day ...