A new study found that
individuals who are involved in social media, games, texts, mobile phones, etc. are more likely to experience depression
. The previous study found a 70% increase in self-reported depressive symptoms among the group using social media.
A 2016 study of more than 450 teens found that greater social media use, nighttime social media use and emotional investment in social media — such as feeling upset when prevented from logging on — were each linked with worse sleep quality and higher levels of anxiety and depression.
Study author Phil Reed said, “We have known for some time that people who are over-dependent on digital devices report feelings of anxiety when they are stopped from using them, but now we can see that these psychological effects are accompanied by actual physiological changes.” Whether this is true of social media per …
In several studies, teenage and young adult users who spend the most time on Instagram, Facebook and other platforms were shown to have a substantially (from
13 to 66 percent
) higher rate of reported depression than those who spent the least time.
| ✅ Paper Type: Free Essay ✅ Subject: Media | ✅ Wordcount: 1780 words ✅ Published: 11th Aug 2021 |
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Individuals with greater social comparison orientation derived from low self-esteem have worse mental health, as they are more likely to hurt themselves psychologically
(Jang et al. 2016). SNSs can facilitate upward social comparison and negatively influence individuals’ perceived social support.
How does Instagram affect mental health?
Studies have linked Instagram to
depression, body image concerns, self-esteem issues, social anxiety, and other problems
. By design, the app capitalizes on users’ biological drive for social belonging—and nudges them to keep on scrolling.
How does technology affect mental health?
Social media and mobile devices may lead to psychological and physical issues, such as
eyestrain and difficulty focusing on important tasks
. They may also contribute to more serious health conditions, such as depression. The overuse of technology may have a more significant impact on developing children and teenagers.
Alina says teenagers on social media have “
increased exposure to harm, social isolation, depression, anxiety and cyber-bullying
.” The impact of social media on teenagers can be significant.
- Limit when and where you use social media. …
- Have ‘detox’ periods. …
- Pay attention to what you do and how you feel. …
- Approach social media mindfully; ask ‘why? …
- Prune. …
- Stop social media from replacing real life.
These posts can be
damaging to body image, self-esteem, and self-worth so severely that it could potentially increase their vulnerability for the development of eating disorders
. Orthorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder often tied to social media’s ‘healthy eating’ movement based on extremism.
It is easy to become addicted, and research shows that
students who spend too much time on social media can suffer from poor sleep, eye fatigue, negative body image, depression, anxiety, cyberbullying, and more
.
Social media has given teens the ability to instantly connect with others and share their lives through photos, videos and status updates. Teens themselves describe these platforms as
a key tool for connecting and maintaining relationships, being creative, and learning more about the world.
A 2018 study suggests that
social media use could result in a fear of missing out (FOMO)
. FOMO could in turn lead you to compare your experiences with others, sometimes creating a sense of inadequacy. This inadequacy may turn into social anxiety symptoms if you feel like you don’t “fit in” in certain social situations.
Being socially connected to others can
ease stress, anxiety, and depression, boost self-worth, provide comfort and joy, prevent loneliness, and even add years to your life
.
How technology and media use impact mental and emotional health?
Overall, in terms of the relationship between screen use and both physical and mental health outcomes, there have been several studies that suggest higher levels of screen use in children and adolescents is associated with
reduced physical activity, increased risk of depression, and lower well-being
.
What do mental health apps provide?
Mental health apps span all stages of clinical care provision, including
immediate crisis intervention, prevention, diagnosis, primary treatment, supplement to in-person therapy, and post-treatment condition management
(4).
