The role of social media in our day-to-day lives has had a significant effect on mental health, with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter dominating our online interactions. While social media has its benefits, such as connecting people from all over the world and providing a platform for self-expression, there is increasing apprehension regarding the effect that it has on mental health. This essay will explore the impact of social media on mental health from multiple lenses, including history, humanities, natural and applied sciences, and social sciences.
As a frequent user of social media, I have observed both positive and negative effects on my mental health. On one hand, social media has allowed me to connect with friends and family, share experiences, and find support in online communities. I have experienced inadequacy and comparison when seeing carefully curated posts depicting others’ seemingly perfect lives. Additionally, the constant exposure to news and information on social media has sometimes led to feelings of anxiety and overwhelmed.
The rise of social media can be traced back to the beginning of the 21st century with the emergence of platforms such as Myspace and Friendster. However, the introduction of Facebook in 2004 marked a significant shift in how people interacted online. Since 2010, the emergence of Instagram, and in 2011, with the advent of Snapchat, social media platforms have grown and developed. The significance of social media has grown exponentially, with billions of users worldwide (Naslund et al., 2020). With time, the impact of social media on mental health has become a subject of research and concern.
Within cultures, social media has become a self-expression and identity formation tool. People use social media to showcase their achievements, relationships, and experiences, often presenting an idealized version of themselves. This can lead to feelings of pressure to conform and present a perfect image (Prowse et al., 2021). The lived experiences of individuals vary, with some finding validation and connection through social media, while others may feel isolated and inadequate.
The scientific method can be used to examine the impact of social media on mental health. Research has uncovered a relationship between extended exposure to social media and psychological health problems like depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The constant exposure to carefully curated posts and comparisons can contribute to negative self-perception and feelings of inadequacy (Naslund et al., 2020). Additionally, the addictive nature of social media, with its constant notifications and rewards, can decrease overall well-being.
Social media has a wide-reaching impact on various individuals and social structures. It affects individuals of all ages, with teenagers being particularly vulnerable due to their developmental stage and susceptibility to peer influence. Social media can impact interpersonal relationships, with some studies suggesting that excessive use can lead to decreased face-to-face interactions and a decrease in the quality of relationships(Prowse et al., 2021). Furthermore, social media platforms have been criticized for their lack of regulation and the spread of harmful content, such as cyberbullying and misinformation.
The Internet undoubtedly transformed how people communicate and connect with others, but it is essential to recognize its potential impact on mental health. From a historical perspective, social media has rapidly evolved and become ingrained in our daily lives. Through the lens of humanities, we see how social media shapes self-expression and identity. The natural and applied sciences lens sheds light on the potential adverse effects of social media on mental health. Finally, the social sciences lens highlights the wide-reaching impact of social media on individuals and social structures. Navigating social media mindfully and prioritizing mental well-being in the digital age is crucial.
References
Naslund, J. A., Bondre, A., Torous, J., & Aschbrenner, K. A. (2020). Social media and mental health: Benefits, risks, and opportunities for research and practice. Journal of technology in behavioral science, 5, 245-257.
Prowse, R., Sherratt, F., Abizaid, A., Gabrys, R. L., Hellemans, K. G., Patterson, Z. R., & McQuaid, R. J. (2021). Coping with the COVID-19 pandemic: Examining gender differences in stress and mental health among university students. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12.
Loading...
