Introduction
The psychological effects of social media on young adults have garnered considerable attention in recent years. As the use of social media continues to grow, so does the concern about its potential impact on mental health. As technology advances, social media has become integral to daily life for many people, particularly young adults. With the ability to connect with others instantly and constantly, social media has the potential to impact individuals’ psychological well-being.
The Psychological Impact of Validation Seeking on Social Media
Understanding social media’s psychological effects on young adults is essential. One significant psychological effect of social media is the constant need for validation. With the ability to see the likes, comments, and followers of others, individuals may feel pressure to seek validation through their own social media presence constantly. When it happens more often, and an individual grows more reliant on it, wanting reassurance becomes problematic.
Women with body image issues and a lack of confidence in their appearance may frequently upload a photo of themselves on Instagram that shows a lot of skin. They will receive many compliments on how beautiful they are in such images. This way, she gains confidence and starts to believe, “I guess I am beautiful after all.” However, that person may begin to doubt their looks if their posts get fewer likes and more critical feedback. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem if individuals do not receive the desired validation.
The Emergence of an Artificial Self Through Online Personas
Another psychological effect of social media is the development of an artificial self. Social media users carefully curate their profiles to present a specific image. In reality, excessive use of technology can lead to decreased social interaction, as individuals may spend more time interacting with their screens than with others. This digital universe can divert people’s attention away from their everyday lives to the point that they lose touch with their true selves or get so engrossed in the realm they have constructed that they neglect to address the problems in their actual lives. For example, young girls will want the body type or appearance of famous models and celebrities such as Kim Kardashian. This can lead to individuals feeling pressure to maintain a particular image, resulting in a disconnect between their online and offline selves.
FOMO: How Constant Connectivity Fuels the Fear of Missing Out
Furthermore, the constant connectivity of social media can lead to the development of FOMO (fear of missing out). With the continuous stream of updates and notifications, individuals may feel pressure to constantly be online and engaged to avoid missing out on potential opportunities or experiences.This can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress.
Indeed, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have found that using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat can intensify feelings of loneliness and depression. In the research, some participants were told to use social media for an hour a day, while others were told to use it for just 10 minutes combined (Hunt et al. 751-768). The research found that those who restricted their social media use to 10 minutes per app each day substantially reduced feelings of isolation and despair. The symptoms of worry and FOMO were also shown to lessen (Hunt et al. 751-768). This suggests that limiting social media usage can have positive psychological effects.
Film Examples of the Psychological Toll of Social Media Innovation
The movie The Social Network, which focuses on the creation of Facebook, explores the psychological effects of social media on its creators. The main character, Mark Zuckerberg, becomes increasingly isolated and obsessed with the success of Facebook, ultimately leading to relationship issues and feelings of loneliness (Netflix).This showcases the potential adverse psychological effects of social media on individuals.
Similarly, the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma discusses how social media can have adverse psychological impact on individuals. It highlights how algorithms used by social media companies can create echo chambers and filter bubbles,leading to a lack of diverse perspectives and information (Netflix). The documentary also discusses how social media can trigger addictive behaviors and cause feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. It emphasizes the need for more awareness and understanding of the psychological impacts of social media.
Conclusion
Most modern technologies have been designed to manipulate people’s emotions and behaviors and how they can negatively impact mental health and well-being. This explains why the psychological effects of social media on youth are complex and varied. While social media can provide young adults with a sense of connection and support, it can also negatively affect self-esteem, relationships, and mental health.
As such, it is essential for young adults to be aware of the potential psychological effects of social media and to take steps to manage their use in a healthy and balanced way. This may include setting limits on time spent on social media, being mindful of the content they consume, and seeking support when needed. By taking these steps, young adults can ensure that social media is a positive force in their lives rather than a negative one.
Works Cited
Hunt, Melissa G., et al. “No more FOMO: Limiting social media decreases loneliness and depression.” Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, vol. 37, no. 10, 2018, pp. 751-768.
Netflix. “The Social Dilemma.” Netflix.com, 2020, Web.
Netflix. “The Social Network.” Netflix.com, 2010, Web.