Social Media and Mental Health
Social Media has become a large part of popular culture and society. The pressure to be available on social media 24/7 is a real challenge for many adults and teens. This pressure can feel overwhelming, create stress and anxiety. There is a dependence on our technology, social outlets and media.
A report by Common Sense Media found 75 per cent of North American teenagers have online profiles that are being used at increasing, greater rates. On a daily basis 51 per cent of young adults visit social networking sites. Using at least two different types of social media a day and consistently checking their device.
These sites can become addictive, certain regions of the brain are activated by “likes” on social media, causing you to want to use more, found in a study by researchers at UCLA brain mapping centre.
Social networking isn’t all bad, it broadens social connections and teaches technical skills. Mentally, most reports indicate a significant mental health impact. The difficulty of self-regulating screen time affects developing brains. Researchers have found links between social media and depression, causing an increase in loneliness and a decrease in social activity. A study in Computers in Human Behaviour found those with 6 or more social media platforms spend significant time online and are three times more at risk of depression than those who use fewer than two sites. Prolonged use of social media may be related to low self-esteem, especially in children.
There is pressure to respond quickly online and an emotional investment in social media accounts. Keeping up online with “perfect” photos, image and well-written captions cause a great deal of anxiety. Taking a lot of time and effort participating in the unspoken culture and expectations of each social media platform contributes to more anxiety. Studies show the larger the online social circle, the more pressure associated.
In fact, a study that surveyed 900 teens, published in the Journal of Youth Studies found that one-fifth of people ages 15 to 18, “almost always” wake up during the night and log on to social media. In addition to the impact on sleep, they also reported feeling less happy in comparison to others that sleep was not interrupted. Lack of sleep can be detrimental to physical health, creating irritability and lower the immune system.
Irritability can contribute to feeling emotions such as jealousy and envy when viewing social media profiles. It is easy to play the comparison game and think that everyone is happier or better off than they are. As a result, this can feed into depression, loneliness and anger. Our trained physical therapists are dedicated to helping you achieve a pain-free life.
It is important to use social media responsibly and safely, to self regulate your use and limit screen time. Online platforms and websites are useful and do have benefits. If you notice your mental health is affected by social media, it is okay to take a break. Feel free to contact us or book an appointment today at Foundation Physiotherapy & Wellness.