The Impact Of Social Media On Adolescent Mental Health
There’s no denying the impact of social media on today’s society. It’s everywhere, allowing anyone to check in on friends, family, and the world around them from the palm of their hand.
Social media can be a good thing for adolescents. It’s a way for them to stay connected to their friends and for family across the world to see what’s going on in their lives. But, with so many potential platforms and possibilities, there are also plenty of drawbacks — particularly when it comes to mental health.
There have been several studies showcasing the negative impact of social media on the mental health of adolescents and teens. It can cause extreme stress, anxiety, and even depression.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the causes, why it matters, and what you can do to protect the young people in your life.
The Downside of Social Media
Again, there are countless platforms young people can use to stay connected with friends and family. Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, or the latest and greatest app trend, they can “virtually” connect at any time.
While that might seem like a good thing, it’s also part of the problem. Social media can quickly become a fixation or obsession. Kids and teens might feel the need to be on these platforms constantly so they don’t miss out on anything. No one wants to feel left out; those feelings are even stronger when you’re younger and see your friends talking or doing things without you.
So, in an effort to stay “in the loop,” it’s not uncommon for adolescents to be hooked on several different platforms. It can take up a lot of time and energy and distract them from other important things.
Comparison Issues
Another problem with social media is that it tends to be nothing more than a highlight reel of people’s lives. Even adults struggle with comparison problems when they see friends, family, or even strangers doing “better” than them on social media.
Much of what you see isn’t real or has been altered in some way. That’s harder for adolescents to recognize. When they start to compare themselves to others online, it can lead to self-doubt, low confidence, and even depression. They might even start to feel like they aren’t good enough for certain circles. That can trigger behavioral changes that could potentially be negative or even harmful.
For girls, especially, research has shown that social media can also cause body confidence issues. When everyone tends to look perfect online (largely thanks to very strategic poses and filters), it can cause their confidence to waver. It could potentially lead to things like disordered eating.
What Can You Do?
Social media isn’t going anywhere. So, how can you help your child or teen maintain a healthy mindset while using it?
Start by modeling good behavior with your own social media use. It might not always seem like it, but your kids are watching you at every age. If you don’t take social media too seriously, they likely won’t, either.
It’s also important to model self-confidence and positivity. Don’t use negative self-talk around your child or criticize others you might see online based on appearance.
Talk about social media with your child. Make it an open and continuous dialogue. They might not always want to open up. But, if you keep the conversation casual, it will become a more comfortable, regular topic, and they’ll be more likely to speak freely about what they’re experiencing. If they ever go through something like cyberbullying, setting up these regular conversations will help you to stay on top of things.
Remind your child that social media doesn’t always accurately depict the real world. That’s not always easy to see. But, by keeping them grounded in reality and boosting their confidence, you can help them stay healthy and happy while connecting with the world.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about therapy for teens!