While social media is often promoted as a tool for connection, it has increasingly become a space that negatively shapes self-perception, behavior, and mental health. Social media platforms now influence not just how we interact with others, but how we view ourselves. In today’s digital age, escaping this influence feels nearly impossible. According to the University of California, as of 2023, “there were an estimated 4.9 billion social media users worldwide,” with the average person spending about “145 minutes” per day on these platforms. With apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat offering constant entertainment, social media has become deeply involved in our daily routines. While millions use and enjoy these apps, the growing concern lies in their effect on mental health; a big concern that deserves more attention than it currently receives.
The negative side of social media is very hard to ignore; studies show that excessive screen time can worsen anxiety, depression and sleep problems. An article by the Stanford Law School explains, “In the United States, the 12-month prevalence of major depressive episodes among adolescents increased from 8.7% in 2005 to 11.3% in 2014 (Mojtabai, et al., 2016).” The Standfor Law School conclude their idea by providing information about a research made by Twenge in 2017, this research was linked to the problem of the major depressive epispodes by suggesting that the increased screen time on media screens, like smartphones, tablets, computers, and social media was a found as one possible reason for why depression and suicide rates among teenagers have gone up.
The excessive consumption of social media could be due to the endless feed and constant notifications that are designed to keep us engaged with the platform, because before we even realize, the five minute break becomes more than an hour of losing our time. Insights shared by Zipdo show that “65% of users report feeling anxious or stressed due to social media distraction.” For students, this problem results in procrastination, late night stress and difficulties focusing on schoolwork. As Zipdo also shared, “45% of teenagers report using social media so frequently that it interferes with their homework.”
In addition to that, damage in people’s mental health has shown to be due to seeing edited photos or videos in social media, because the altered content creates unrealistic standards for beauty, success, or even lifestyle. The altered content shows to cause poor eating habits, depression or frustration. An article by the University of Colorado Anschutz explains a study called, “The Dove Self-Esteem Project,” published in April 2023, “found that 9 in 10 children and adolescents ages 10 to 17 are exposed to toxic beauty content on social media and 1 in 2 say that this has an impact on their mental health.”
Nevertheless, there is a positive side, these social media platforms help us to connect with family and friends, as well as allow us to share our creativity, discover new interests and find communities where we feel understood. It also works well for those who are shy but want to share opinions and reflections; they could share texts or images even anonymously. This is very important because as John Ronson said, “The great thing about social media was how it gave a voice to voiceless people.” Social media opened their doors for those who wanted to be heard and communicate a powerful message, creating massive communities over the whole world.
While it isn’t necessary to delete the social media platforms, it is important to keep a balance with the time we spend using them and the content we consume. Some popular tips that can make a great difference are to set time limits in apps, as well as unfollowing those accounts that might make you feel insecure. Taking breaks to go for a walk, meet with friends and exercise are also recommended tips to improve mental well-being. Social media needs to be used carefully, as Brené Brown said, “ Social media is a tool. It’s up to you whether it builds or breaks your self-esteem.” In this time period, the challenge is not only to recognize its impact on mental health but to be aware and control how much power is given to it. After all, watching 24/7 someone else’s life is not going to lead people to success in their own lives.
“Social media is here to stay and will continue to evolve and become more invasive. If you’re spending a lot of time on social media and feeling sadness, dissatisfaction, frustration, or loneliness, it may be time to re-examine your relationship with your online presence.”– UC Davis Health.
