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The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health in Students

Douglas T. Buzenski, LPCC-S 
Psychotherapist, Capital University

Social media has changed the way we interact with our fellow human beings, and this is especially true for those of a traditional college age. Our stage in life and our age at introduction to social media can’t help but have some influence on the ways in which we are impacted.  In 2004 Facebook became a thing and in 2007 the introduction of smart phones allowed access to the internet at any time and nearly anyplace. This is a long way from the agonizing AOL dial up while being tethered to the home computer. The arrival on the scene of Facebook and smartphones means that traditional college students today have not known life without the existence of social media. 

For college students, who are already navigating the challenges of academic pressure, social relationships, and personal development, the pervasive influence of social media can significantly impact their mental health. I think our minds often go straight to the negative impact of social media, but let’s begin with some possible positive effects.

Positive Effects of Social Media on College Students' Mental Health

  • Connection and Support: Social media platforms provide an avenue for college students to connect with family, friends, and peers. This is especially true during times of physical separation, such as going away to college, or having friends leave for their respective universities. Having an online support network can offer comfort, and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can all help ease the transition into college.
  • Information and Awareness: Social media can allow college students to stay informed about various current events, mental health issues, self-care techniques, and resources for seeking help. Online communities, at times, can also create safe spaces for individuals to share their struggles and experiences, fostering a sense of belonging.
  • Expression and Creativity: Social media platforms can serve as creative outlets for college students to express themselves through art, music, writing, or videos. Engaging in creative endeavors can promote positive mental well-being and self-esteem.

Negative Effects of Social Media on College Students' Mental Health

  • FOMO: The fear of missing out (FOMO) on exciting events or opportunities can lead to a sense of inadequacy and loneliness and can create pressure to feel like the student must attend every event.
  • Comparison: The prevalence of social media has fed into the ability to compare oneself to others. This can lead to anxiety and a lack of self-confidence. When we compare ourselves to what we see on social media we are generally comparing ourselves to postings of people doing things they enjoy and posting the best shots from those often-ideal activities.
  • Cyberbullying and Harassment: Social media platforms can expose students to cyberbullying, harassment, or negative comments. Such online abuse can severely impact self-esteem, at times leading to anxiety and depression.
  • Sleep Disruptions: Excessive use of social media, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns among students. Inadequate sleep can lead to increased stress and a decline in overall mental health.
  • Addiction and Time Management: Constant engagement with social media may lead to a lack of time management or even addiction, thus impacting academic performance and overall well-being.
  • Filtered Reality: The selective and curated nature of social media posts often creates a filtered and idealized reality. This discrepancy between online and offline lives can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and contribute to anxiety and depression.

Mitigating the Negative Effects

  • Digital Well-being Education: Students can educate themselves about responsible social media usage, the impact of online behavior, and strategies to maintain a healthy balance between virtual and real-life interactions.
  • Cultivating Offline Connections: Encouraging students to build meaningful offline relationships and engage in activities outside of social media can strengthen their sense of belonging to their community and reduce the negative effects of online comparison.
  • Encouraging Mindfulness Practices: Incorporating mindfulness and stress reduction techniques can help students manage the pressures of social media and academic life more effectively. The students will improve their ability to control what they can control and to live in the present reality.
  • Limiting Screen Time: Setting boundaries and limiting excessive screen time can help students reduce the negative impact of social media on their mental health and leave room for improvements in other areas of their lives.

Social media undoubtedly plays a significant role in the lives of college students, offering both positive connections and detrimental influences on their mental health. While it provides opportunities for support and self-expression, the negative effects of social comparison, cyberbullying, and addiction can be detrimental. By fostering a balanced approach to social media usage and promoting digital well-being, students can empower themselves and learn to navigate the digital landscape while prioritizing their mental health and overall well-being.