Whether you are fourteen years old or seventy-two, you have something in common. Regardless of your age, social media can affect your mental health. It can affect you in a positive way or the “other way.” It is a phenomenon we can’t escape if we want to be connected. Let’s look a little deeper: how social media can affect your mental health.
The Social Media Addiction
Although anyone can get addicted to the lure of social media, teens seem to be most affected. Before the days of smartphones and instant messaging, young people communicated with their friends and classmates the old fashioned way—with face to face interactions, parties, and sporting events.
It is no wonder addiction occurs with 95% of teens ages 13 to 17 using social media, and many 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.
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
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 think your child’s behavior is an indication they are being harassed, or they seem depressed, reach out to our psychiatry team 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
- Expands access to information and services
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 are banning cell phones at school.
How Social Media Can Affect the Mental Health of Adults and Seniors
Adults understand that social media connections are not a substitute for real world connections. They may use their smartphones for work and find they can be distracted by the social media interruptions. If you want to be successful, adults must have enough discipline to ignore social media during the work day.
Many of the same positives of social media apply for adults too. 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 Psychiatry Unplugged.
Seniors are very vulnerable to the negative aspects of social media, especially if they live alone. Loneliness, feeling left out, feeling isolated, and living far away from relatives can exacerbate these negative feelings. Seniors who participate on social media, and many do, can become even more depressed about their living conditions and being alone.
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.
If you live far away from a senior relative, make an effort to stay in touch. If you live closer, find the time to visit face to face.
When to Seek Mental Health Care
If you feel that you, or someone you love, is using social media to an extreme, reach out for some professional help.
Schedule a Mental Health Consultation in Los Angeles, CA
Contact Psychiatry Unplugged at (844) 616-1616 if you are worried about excessive social media in your life or in the life of someone you love.
Sources: Social Media and Teen Mental Health – The Annie E. Casey Foundation (aecf.org)
Social Media and Mental Health: How To Set Boundaries – RADIAS Health
Social media’s impact on our mental health and tips to use it safely (ucdavis.edu)
