Social media has become an integral part of daily life in the digital age, especially for the younger generation. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook provide endless content streams, encouraging connectivity and creativity, but they also present significant mental health challenges, especially for their younger users.
Social media can offer a sense of community and belonging, which is particularly important for adolescents navigating the complexities of identity and social relationships. It allows for creating online communities where individuals can share experiences and offer support.
However, while some people may experience a sense of connectivity, it can have the opposite effect on others. Dr. Frank Ghinassi, senior vice president of behavioral health services at RWJBarnabas Health and CEO and president at Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, notes: "Constant exposure to filtered and altered reality can distort a young person's self-image and expectations of life. I have real concerns about the negative effects of social media.”
In an opinion piece published in the New York Times, the Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, expressed similar concerns when he called for warning labels to be added on to social media sites, especially for teenagers and their parents, detailing the mental health dangers behind social media applications.
Social media's curated nature often leads to unrealistic comparisons. Youth, some as young as 13 years old, are frequently exposed to idealized images of peers and celebrities, which can worsen feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. In fact, children and adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media double their risk of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
Finding a Balance
While social media poses challenges, it is not inherently harmful. Encouraging young people to balance online activities with offline interactions and hobbies is essential. “There is a need for a balanced approach to modern childhood, which involves parents, schools, and the social media industry coming together to decrease the impacts of these platforms on our youth,” says Dr. Ghinassi.
Dr. Ghinassi encourages specific actions from parents, schools, and social media platforms to protect young adults against the negative impacts of social media:
- Parents can monitor their children's social media usage and encourage a balance between virtual and in-person activities – take steps to get kids involved in community events and activities.
- Schools can encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, and community service to promote in-person social interaction.
- Social media platforms should be required to introduce warnings about potential negative impacts, such as cyberbullying, body image issues, and addiction, and provide resources for support, such as those offered by RWJBarnabas Health’s Behavioral Health services.
Social media's impact on youth mental health is multifaceted, offering benefits and challenges. However, banning it entirely is not the solution. It is important that we educate young people about both the benefits and the potential risks of social media. By understanding these dynamics and fostering a balanced approach to engagement, we can help young people harness the positive aspects of social media while minimizing its potential harm.