Effects of Social Media on Mental Health (2)

.docx

School

University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

200

Subject

Sociology

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by ib0319

Effects of Social Media on Mental Health University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign CHLH 200 28 January 2024

2 Technology has made exponentially large improvements in the past decade. Going from large stationary desktop computers to all the information in the world at our fingertips through our phones. This has paved the way for an increase in social media and social media use. Social media has become an integral part of our lives in the past decade. The impacts it has had on mental health are undeniable. Although it fosters social connection, provides a platform for self- expression, and offers access to mental health resources and communities, social media can also trigger social comparison, lead to cyberbullying and harassment, contribute to the fear of missing out, and lead to addiction and disrupted sleep schedules. Social media has had many positive impacts on our society. One significant benefit of social media is its ability to provide individuals with a sense of belonging and combat loneliness by giving them an online community of those with shared interests. Social media can help those combatting loneliness by giving them an online community of those with shared interests. This online community can be a virtual support system for those struggling with social anxiety or other social issues, allowing them to build connections that they may be unable to have in real life. Additionally, social media can act as a stage for self-expression and creativity, allowing individuals to share their thoughts, talents, and experiences with a larger worldwide audience (Naslund et al., 2020). It can also be a big tool to spread positivity and promote mental health awareness. Stories of resilience and recovery can be shared to uplift others and create a more positive online environment. Social media platforms can also be used to share important mental health resources, such as support groups and educational groups. However, social media also has negative impacts specifically on mental health. One of the major consequences of social media is its effect on self-esteem and body image. Constant exposure to carefully crafted posts and images on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy

3 and low self-esteem (Naslund et al., 2020). Along with its negative effects on self-esteem, social media can also cause individuals to feel the fear of missing out. This fear stems from social comparison. Additionally, social comparison is also prevalent on social media. People often compare their own lives and achievements to those presented on social media, which can lead to feelings of envy, depression, and anxiety (Perloff, 2014). Social media also gives individuals an anonymous platform to harass and cyberbully others. This anonymity often gives people the courage to say things they normally would not say in person. This leads to more bullying occurring through social media platforms. Furthermore, the constant use of social media can lead to addiction and a disrupted sleep schedule. This disrupted sleep schedule can lead to mood swings, irritation, and a lower state of well-being, potentially leading to anxiety and depression (Zsila & Reyes, 2023). Internet addiction impacts different populations in unique ways. Some groups of individuals are more susceptible to internet addiction and, thus more impacted by the negative effects of social media. For example, adolescents and young adults are more likely to be attracted to the carefully crafted narratives put on social media. Studies show a correlation between social media use and decreased self-esteem among adolescents (Pryzybylski et al., 2013). This is likely due to social comparison and an overall low self-image. More than half of teens say it would be difficult for them to give up social media while about a third agree that they spend too much time on social media (Vogels & Gelles-Watnick, 2023). Additionally, internet addiction can also worsen symptoms for those already experiencing anxiety and depression. Although many feel that social media provides instant dopamine for users, constant exposure to cyberbullying, negative content, and social comparison can lead to worsened anxiety and depression.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Recommended textbooks for you

Social Psychology (10th Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780134641287

Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers

Publisher:Pearson College Div

Introduction to Sociology (Eleventh Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780393639407

Author:Deborah Carr, Anthony Giddens, Mitchell Duneier, Richard P. Appelbaum

Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company

The Basics of Social Research (MindTap Course Lis...

Sociology

ISBN:9781305503076

Author:Earl R. Babbie

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Scien...

Sociology

ISBN:9780134477596

Author:Saferstein, Richard

Publisher:PEARSON

Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach (13th Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780134205571

Author:James M. Henslin

Publisher:PEARSON

Society: The Basics (14th Edition)

Sociology

ISBN:9780134206325

Author:John J. Macionis

Publisher:PEARSON

SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS

Recommended textbooks for you

Social Psychology (10th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134641287
Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Publisher:Pearson College Div
Introduction to Sociology (Eleventh Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780393639407
Author:Deborah Carr, Anthony Giddens, Mitchell Duneier, Richard P. Appelbaum
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
The Basics of Social Research (MindTap Course Lis...
Sociology
ISBN:9781305503076
Author:Earl R. Babbie
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Scien...
Sociology
ISBN:9780134477596
Author:Saferstein, Richard
Publisher:PEARSON
Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach (13th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134205571
Author:James M. Henslin
Publisher:PEARSON
Society: The Basics (14th Edition)
Sociology
ISBN:9780134206325
Author:John J. Macionis
Publisher:PEARSON