Whether you are seventeen or seventy years old, you may be one of the 5 billion social media users across the world. Regardless of your age, social media can affect your mental health. The average person spends over two hours on social media everyday. Many people feel positively after reading posts and watching videos from people across the world, yet many others feel differently. Social media can negatively impact mental health by causing feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and increase the risk of certain symptoms of common mental health conditions like ADHD. Let’s look a little deeper at how social media can affect your mental health.
Our Social Media Addiction
Addiction is a term that is used differently depending on the context. It is important that clinical terms clearly communicate current understandings of disease. It is especially true that the word “addiction” is clearly defined given the stigma associated with substance use disorders and other addictions. Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.
The term social media addiction is used by individuals to describe their own behavior, in news publications, and even in some clinical research. While social media addiction is not a recognized medical condition according to the DSM-5–the diagnostic manual for mental health professions–compulsive or problematic use of social media can affect anyone, yet more commonly, teens and young adults.
Up to 95% of teens ages 13 to 17 report using a social media platform, and more than a third admit to using it “constantly.” Although most US platforms regulate their users to be at least 13 years of age, 40% of kids ages 8 to 12 use it anyway. The use of social media can have a variety of effects on the adjustment of young people, yet high social media use is most problematic. People who use social media in a harmful way are more likely to be depressed, anxious, have low self-esteem, be more socially isolated, have poorer sleep quality, and have more body image dissatisfaction.
However, even when someone spends hours on social media, it can be difficult to know when or if the use becomes harmful. Trained clinicians can work with an individual to explore social media use patterns to determine if the use is harmful or problematic and to address any negative effects from social media use.
Pros and Cons of Social Media for Young People
The Negative Effects of Social Media
Worrisome negative effects of too much social media can lead to the following issues in young adults and teens.
- Depression and anxiety
- Lack of adequate sleep
- Low self esteem
- Poor body image
- Eating disorders
- Social isolation
- Lack of exercise
- Illicit drug use
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Unsafe sexual practices
The risks seem to be higher for girls. Teen years are a vulnerable time of development, and 44% of all internet users say they have been cyberbullied and have experienced online harassment.
If you notice these signs and symptoms in yourself or your child, reach out to Colony Care Behavioral Health for help.
The Positive Effects of Social Media
- Staying in touch with friends and relatives and finding new connections online is beneficial for young people.
- Can become an opportunity for creativity
- Can encourage interaction with the community
- Can help foster learning by exchanging ideas and learning materials
- Expands access to information and services
- Can be a form of entertainment
Parents can provide some boundaries for teens by limiting time online. They can model responsible social media behavior and facilitate face to face conversations without phones at home. As of late, some schools prohibit the use of cell phones at school.
How Social Media Can Affect the Mental Health of Adults and Seniors
Adults may perceive social media connections differently than real world connections. They may use their smartphones for work and find they can be distracted by the social media interruptions. Many of the same positives of social media apply for adults too, yet keeping online communication at a reasonable level is the key.
If you think you may be experiencing negative feelings due to excessive social media, contact Colony Care Behavioral Health to speak with a licensed clinician about your feelings and behaviors.
Older adults are also vulnerable to the negative aspects of social media, especially if they live alone. Social media can exacerbate negative feelings of loneliness, feeling left out, feeling isolated particularly if living alone or far away from relatives. Older adults who participate on social media, and many do, are at risk of experiencing worsening symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions.
Nonetheless, a simple, “Great to hear from you,” response to a like or comment on Facebook or another platform can make all the difference in a senior’s life. As an older person loses friends and spouses pass away, social media may be their only outlet and connection. Using social media in a healthy and balanced way can support individuals in their efforts to stay in touch.
When to Seek Mental Health Care
If you feel that you, or someone you love, is using social media in a way that is problematic, reach out for some professional help.
Contact Colony Care Behavioral Health to request an appointment through our secure online form if you are worried about excessive social media in your life or in the life of someone you love.