THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON MENTAL HEALTH
Thesis statement : The social media impacts the well-being of teens and young adults by
fueling anxiety, depression, and addiction and the most effective ways to manage it is s by
spending less time on social media, encourage communication, and practice mindfulness.
The Influence of Social Media on Mental Health
I Social Media and Platforms
A. An interactive computer-mediated technologies that facilitate the creation and sharing
of information and other forms of expression via virtual communities and networks.
B. Social media platforms: Facebook, X or Twitter, You Tube, Tiktok, Instagram, Snapchat.
II Disadvantages of Social Media
A. Spreads misinformation
B. Enables bullying and harrassment
C. Allows Offensive and Smut Contents
III Negative Impact of Social Media to Teens and Young Adults
A. Anxiety
B. Depression
C. Digital Addiction
IV Solutions
A. Be mindful of the content you shared
B. Try ko limit your screen time
C. Spend time outdoors, connect with others and engage in activities that brings you a joy
and fulfillment
D. Follow inspirational account
THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON MENTAL HEALTH
INTRODUCTION
Social media has become an essential part of modern life with billions of people using
platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. In 2023, there was an estimated 4.9
billion social media users worldwide. The average person spends 145 minutes on social media
every day. Social media can provide many benefits, such as facilitating social connections and
increasing access to information, However, there is growing concern about the impact of social
media on mental health, with studies suggesting that social media use can lead to increased
feelings of anxiety, depression, and addiction specifically in teens and young adults.
Disadvantages of Social Media
Spread Misinformation
Misinformation is a more technical term for 'fake news' and is something that can spread
rapidly through social media platforms. The viral nature of content on these platforms makes it
challenging to control the dissemination of inaccurate or misleading information, impacting
public opinion and decision-making.
Enables bullying and harrassment
In 2020, 44% of all internet users in the U.S. said they have experienced online harassment.
Cyberbullying is when someone repeatedly and intentionally harasses, mistreats, or makes fun
of another person by way of an electronic device. It can severely impact self-esteem and mental
health. Social media platforms can be hotspots for cyberbullying and spreading hurtful rumors,
lies, and abuse that can leave lasting emotional scars. Teenagers who are victims of
cyberbullying may experience a range of negative emotions, such as sadness, anger, fear, and
embarrassment. These victims are also more likely to have mental health problems, including
depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. They may feel isolated and alone, as if they have no
one to turn to. The Cyberbullying Research Center also found that teenagers who experience
cyberbullying are more likely to experience other forms of bullying, such as face-to-face bullying
and online harassment. It includes the transmission of harassing communication, direct threats,
or other harmful texts, sounds, videos, or images.
Allows Offensive and Smut Contents
Digital Addiction
Various easy-to-carry digital devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.) have emerged
rapidly since the turn of this millennium, driving human beings into the “digital era”. These
digital devices have become daily necessities for human learning and life, influencing children’s
studies, entertainment, and social interactions. Since 2007 when Apple launched the first
generation of the iPhone, smartphones and tablets have evolved dramatically and thoroughly
changed the landscape of digital use. Digital devices are no longer bound by time or place;
digital media are boundless everywhere. Children could use them anywhere, anytime,
wandering on social media, surfing the Internet, and playing video games. As young minds are
premature and thus very vulnerable, young children tend to become addicted to playing mobile
phones, video games, and social media, causing the phenomenon of digital addiction. Once the
brain experiences these rushes of dopamine and pleasure, the high from social media becomes
harder and harder for anyone to resist, creating patterns of addictive behavior.
Negative Impact of Social Media to Teens and Young Adults
Anxiety
Users of social media may experience a physiological stress response as a result of receiving negative
feedback from others, and becoming more aware of stressful events occurring in the lives of others, and
feeling pressure to keep social networks updated.According to a research study of American teens ages
12-15, those who used social media over three hours each day faced twice the risk of having negative
mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety symptoms. Sign of anxiety are most
constantly worry about missing out,Your self-esteem fluctuates after scrolling , you feel restless when
not connected, you’ve noticed changes in your social behavior and you’re preoccupied by social media.
