Media Journal #1: Social Media & Mental Health

This week I decided to research and summarize an article that talks about social media and the positive and negative effects it has on our mental health.

Social Media and Mental Health

In our world today we have our phones nearly attached to us. We are constantly texting, Tweeting, Instagramming, Snapchatting, etc. We would be ignorant if we did not recognize this new mobile media has had an effect on our lives let alone our mental health. Before we completely embrace or write off social media, we need to know how it negatively or positively affects our mental health.

First, let us look at the negatives social media can bring to the table. Studies were conducted at the National Centre of Excellence In Youth Mental Health in Melbourne, Australia. Researchers found a link between sleep problems, eating issues, depression, and heightened suicide risk (Fact. 2019). These can be alarming links when we consider how many of young people use social media numerous times a day. Also, in America, the CNC conducted their own study on the suicide rate since 1999, which they found had increased. Dr.Ghaemi told media news outlets that he believes the rise is due to social media entering the scene (Fact, 2019). Other professionals who have assisted the report, such as professors had their own take on the study. Professor Margaret Duffy, who helped write the report said, “To see how well an acquaintance is doing financially or how happy an old friend is in his relationship - things that cause envy among users - users of the site can lead to feelings of depression” (Fact, 2019). This information is troubling to say the least, as naturally people tend to post their accomplishments on social media such as Facebook.

Another issue that social media can create is the habits people have during the night with it. We are all guilty of checking our buzzing phones in the middle of the night or scrolling through Twitter until our eyes burns. Turns out there is statistical information that these habits due in fact affect our health. Researchers also found that people who check Facebook during the night have “poor sleep hygiene”. This means that they are more likely to develop disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder (Fact, 2019). Even after all the research that was and is being conducted about social media and the negative impact on mental health, we cannot just make a consensus without looking at the possible positives.

In order to get the full picture of the impact of social media and mental health we have to also look at people who do not experience negative effects. The University of Missouri found a positive link to people and using Facebook. When people use the platform to connect with others, some do not feel negative effects. Psychology Today reported, “In fact, when not triggering feelings of envy, the study shows, Facebook could be a good resource and have positives effects on well-being” (Facts, 2019). We also need to look at people who are already suffering from mental illness and see if social media has a negative or positive impact on them. According to the UK Mental Health Foundation, social media can actually help those who already suffer from mental illness by creating an online support system (Fact, 2019). In fact, I personally know of multiple sites such as Reddit and Facebook that have group features where people can bond and support each other.

Social media is one of the most prevalent things in our life right now. It consumes us daily and affects our routines and habits. The research being conducted today will help us understand how social media can influence our mental health. Unfortunately, we cannot take a complete stance on if it is positive or negative. The best we can do is stay informed and be aware of our own social media usage and our mental health state.

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Works Cited:

Fact Check: How social media affects your mental health. (2019, January 29). Retrieved February 05, 2019, from https://www.theweek.co.uk/checked-out/90557/is-social-media-bad-for-your-mental-health