In today’s digital age, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become a significant part of people’s lives. With an estimated 4 billion users worldwide, it has become increasingly essential to understand the impact of social media on mental health, particularly regarding depression. Many mental health experts are investigating the correlation between social media usage and depression, given the growing concern around this issue.
Several studies have indicated that people who limit their time on social media tend to have better mental health outcomes than those who do not. One reason for this could be that excessive social media use can trigger negative emotions such as anxiety, jealousy, and loneliness, leading to or worsening depression symptoms.
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The constant comparison to other people’s curated lives on social media can be detrimental to mental well-being and create a sense of inadequacy. Furthermore, social media platforms have been known to amplify negative news and events, leading to a sense of hopelessness and pessimism in users. The phenomenon of doomscrolling, or endlessly scrolling through negative news, can also contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety.
Reasons: from dopamine to blue light
According to the Pew Research Centre, a significant portion of the US population uses social media regularly, which is about 69% in the case of adults and 81% in the case of teens, making them vulnerable to its negative effects. The high prevalence of social media use among teens is especially concerning, as they may be more susceptible to the addictive nature of social media and its impact on their mental and physical health. One of the reasons why social media can be addictive is that it activates the brain’s reward centre by releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. The constant stimulation and anticipation of likes, comments, and followers on social media can create a cycle of seeking validation and reward, leading to addiction-like behaviours. Studies have shown that excessive social media use can also lead to a fear of missing out (FOMO), a sense of inadequacy and comparison to others, and social isolation.
Moreover, the prolonged use of devices and screens can lead to eye strain, headaches, and poor posture. The blue light emitted by screens can also disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, leading to sleep disturbances and fatigue.
Why do people use it despite knowing its harmful effects?
According to psychologist Dr. Joshua Sperling, the possibility of a desired outcome keeps users engaged with social media platforms, much like a slot machine. Social media platforms are designed to be interactive and engaging, with features such as likes, comments, and shares. Users post content in the hope of receiving positive feedback from others, which activates the brain’s reward centre by releasing dopamine. However, the unpredictability of the outcome, such as the number of likes or the identity of the people who engage with the content, creates a sense of anticipation and excitement, leading to a potential addiction-like behaviour.
The unpredictability of social media outcomes can also contribute to the fear of missing out (FOMO) and a sense of competition with others. Users may feel pressure to keep up with the latest trends and post content frequently to maintain their social media presence and receive positive feedback. This pressure can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression.
Negative impacts galore!
According to a 2018 British study, social media usage can disrupt and decrease sleep, leading to a variety of negative consequences such as depression, memory loss, and poor academic performance. Additionally, excessive social media usage can also affect physical health. A June 2018 New York Times article highlighted the impact of social media on relationships, featuring a newlywed couple whose marriage nearly crumbled due to the wife’s excessive social media use. The wife prioritized posting selfies over spending quality time with her husband on their honeymoon, leading to tension and strain in their relationship.
The sedentary nature of social media use can also contribute to a range of physical health problems, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and poor posture. A Lancet study published in 2018 found that people who check Facebook late at night are more likely to feel depressed and unhappy. The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycle, leading to poor sleep quality and feelings of fatigue and low mood.
Furthermore, another study found that the less time people spent on social media, the fewer symptoms of depression and loneliness they reported. This suggests that social media use can contribute to feelings of isolation and disconnection from others. A 2015 study found that Facebook users who reported feelings of envy while using the site were more likely to develop symptoms of depression.
Recent study reveals negative impact
A group of researchers of the University of Pennsylvania conducted a study in order to further understand the potential link between social media and depression. The researchers assigned 143 students to two groups for the research testing: one with unrestricted access to social media and the other with limited access to just 30 minutes on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat combined over a three-week period. The study participants used iPhones to access social media, and the researchers monitored their phone data to ensure compliance. The group with restricted social media access reported lower levels of depression and loneliness than they had at the beginning of the study. Meanwhile, both groups reported a decrease in anxiety and fear of missing out (FOMO), presumably because participating in the study made them more aware of their social media usage.
This particular study supports the notion that excessive use of social media can negatively impact mental health and that limiting time spent on social media may lead to improvements in psychological well-being.
Teenagers are at high risk!
The rise of social media has introduced new challenges for children and teenagers facing bullying. While bullying has always been a problem, social media platforms have made it easier for bullies to inflict harm and embarrassment on their victims. With the click of a button, a video of a child being humiliated or beaten up can spread like wildfire, causing immense harm to the victim’s self-esteem and emotional well-being. Despite schools implementing anti-bullying policies and online conduct rules, monitoring abusive behaviour on social media remains a difficult task for educators and parents. The anonymity afforded by social media platforms can embolden bullies to take their behaviour to new heights, which can lead to disastrous consequences for the victims. In fact, some victims of bullying have tragically taken their own lives as a result of the sustained abuse.
To make matters worse, children who are victims of bullying often fear that speaking out about their mistreatment will only exacerbate the problem. This fear can cause them to feel isolated and without the emotional support they need to handle the situation effectively. As a result, it is crucial for parents and educators to be vigilant and attentive to the signs of bullying, both online and offline. By promoting open communication and fostering a supportive environment, children can be empowered to report instances of bullying and receive the necessary support to overcome the challenges they face.
Doomscrolling and exposure to negative news
The habit of consuming excessively negative news online is known as “doomscrolling,” and it can have a significant impact on a person’s well-being. A 2018 Lancet Psychiatry study of 91,005 people found that those who checked Facebook before bedtime were 6% more likely to have major depressive disorder and rated their happiness level 9% lower than those who did not engage in this behaviour. The study suggests that poor sleep hygiene due to excessive social media use contributes to this increased risk of depression. Psychologist Amelia Aldao warns that doomscrolling can trap individuals in a “vicious cycle of negativity” because our brains are wired to detect threats. Spending more time scrolling through social media can lead to a constant search for threats, making individuals more anxious and hopeless about the world around them.
Moreover, doomscrolling can lead to a sense of helplessness and despair, especially during times of crises. When individuals constantly consume negative news online, they may feel powerless to change anything, leading to a sense of hopelessness and despair. It is important for individuals to be mindful of their social media habits and limit their exposure to negative news if it starts to affect their mental health.
