Social Media: A Friend or Foe to Mental Health?

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SADIK, Omolola Rukayat 

Today, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok have become indispensable parts of our lives. These platforms are not just tools for communication; they are equally essential to our social lives and academic pursuits as university students. We use social media to communicate and stay connected with our friends, classmates, and family. We get information about events happening on campus, share lecture notes, join groups and communities, and get information about whether scheduled (and impromptu) classes would take place or not through social media platforms. We cannot separate social media from our university experience.

This inseparability, however, comes at a cost. Although social media connects us, it also presents challenges, particularly concerning our mental health. A study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that social media may be a contributing factor to worsening mental health. Spending too much time on social media can become a disorder with symptoms similar to addiction. This can lead to anxiety, depression, lower self-esteem, and lower well-being. The potential for negative interactions contributes to a complicated relationship between social media and our psychological well-being. When people talk about the impact of social media on mental health, our minds often go straight to the negative impact of social media. However, I will counter this narrative and begin with some possible positive effects.

Positive impacts on mental well-being

Connection and support: One benefit of social media is its ability to build connection and support. Online platforms offer spaces to connect with classmates. For example, WhatsApp groups and Telegram groups. There is at least a WhatsApp group for every association and community on campus. We have class groups to connect with our classmates, religious groups, other nonacademic associations, and groups for extracurricular activities. Online platforms also connect us with our friends, family, and support networks. A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that social media use can positively correlate with social support among young adults, which helps build and maintain meaningful relationships. Through social media, we interact with others. We tell them about the day and complain about classes, assignments, and projects. These online communities create a supportive environment that extends even beyond immediate friendships.

Platform for expression: There is this popular saying that “you cannot be depressed in Nigeria as long as you have data.” Through social media, we can not only interact with others; we can also seek help and receive support. Many online communities offer resources, advice, and a space for open discussion about our mental health struggles. Social media provides the platform to share experiences openly and anonymously. Different people and even faculty associations WhatsApp TVs hold periodic anonymous sessions where people express themselves and share their experiences. Sharing experiences anonymously or finding others who understand can be incredibly helpful in reducing feelings of loneliness and shame and also promoting better mental health outcomes. In addition, social media provides a platform for self-expression and creativity. We can share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This is especially important for students who struggle to express themselves physically. Sharing creative work, like writing, music, or art, can positively impact our self-esteem and confidence.

Negative effects of social media on mental health

Cyberbullying and online harassment: Cyberbullying and online harassment are significant effects of social media on our mental health. The anonymity, virtual nature, and reach of social media create an environment where hurtful comments and threats can go viral. This damages the self-esteem and mental well-being of victims. Research has consistently shown a link between cyberbullying and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation among young people. The nature of cyberbullying extends beyond direct attacks. Students might encounter subtle forms of online harassment, including the spreading of rumors.

Social comparison: Another negative effect of social media on our mental health is social comparison. The often unrealistic portrayals of life on social media lead to constant comparisons. This causes feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Students often compare themselves to the seemingly perfect lives presented by influencers and peers, leading to feelings of envy, frustration, dissatisfaction with their lives, and even depression. This relentless comparison can trigger anxieties surrounding body image, academic achievements, social status, and even material possessions. This is especially damaging, as there is already-existing pressure on students to excel academically and socially.

Addiction: Social media’s addictive nature is another challenge. Studies have shown that excessive social media use is linked to sleep disturbances, which in turn affect concentration and academic performance. This creates a cycle where sleep deprivation affects our well-being, which then further increases social media consumption as a means of escapism or distraction. In other words, the more we use social media, perhaps because we feel unproductive, the more we cannot sleep, and, in turn, the more we cannot sleep, the more we use social media. The constant stimulation we get from these platforms interferes with our body’s natural ability to relax, and this hinders adequate sleep. In addition, the blue light emitted from screens is dangerous to our eyesight and can affect the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. The addictive nature of social media often leads us to use our devices late into the night, disrupting our sleep cycle and decreasing our ability to concentrate and perform well during the day.

Mitigating the negative impacts

The need to establish educational initiatives is important in order to counter these negative consequences. Digital well-being education programs can empower students to develop healthier habits surrounding social media use. These programs focus on media literacy, encouraging critical thinking about the content we consume and the messages we receive. These programs also address cyberbullying prevention and response strategies. Therefore, educating students on recognising and dealing with issues like online harassment and social comparison can significantly reduce the negative impact of social media. This can involve organising workshops and seminars that aim to discuss and counter the negative effects of social media on the mental health of students. Such education should equip students with practical skills to manage their online experience.

Another strategy is to limit screen time. We must learn to establish boundaries around social media usage. This means setting specific times for checking social media, avoiding usage before bed, and incorporating regular breaks from our phones, laptops, tabs, and other communication gadgets throughout the day. Consciously limiting screen time can improve our sleep quality and mental well-being. This involves implementing strategies like avoiding screens for at least an hour before bedtime and engaging in relaxing activities before sleep. This creates space for better sleep hygiene and reduces sleep disturbances associated with excessive social media use.

In conclusion, we must acknowledge both the positive and negative effects of social media. As students, we must also take personal responsibility for our social media use. We need to learn how to set boundaries, and seek  help when needed. By doing this, we can ensure that social media improves our academic, social, and emotional lives rather than harm them.

Photo credit: Natural Social Anxiety Center 

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