In today’s age, social media is an integral part of our daily lives, much in the same way as getting dressed and brushing our teeth are. For some, social media has replaced the newspaper or television as their main source of keeping up with the news and other current events. For others, it’s a way to escape reality and get lost in Instagram reels or TikTok dances.

Unfortunately, though, not everyone has a positive relationship with social media. In fact, for some, the frequency of their social media use has a negative impact on their mental health, leading to issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and addiction.

While not all social media is bad and not everyone will have a negative experience when it comes to using a social media app, like everything else in life moderation is key. It’s also important to be able to recognize when social media use may start being detrimental to your overall health and well-being so adjustments can be made.

In this blog, we are going to take a look at the relationship between mental health and social media, as well as discuss possible warning signs related to a negative relationship with mental health and how you or a loved one can get help should your relationship with social media turn detrimental.

Positive Impacts of Social Media

Despite these drawbacks, it’s also important to remember that social media can be a valuable tool for many people and can even have a positive impact on their mental health.

Some of the ways in which social media can have a positive impact include:

• Self-Expression and Creativity – Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube allow people to showcase their talents, interests, and personal stories, as well as collaborate with others in the same or similar fields.
• Business Promotion and Expansion – We have seen a boom, especially on TikTok as it relates to people turning hobbies into business thanks to the social media exposure they get. Social media is also a great way to promote existing services in order to continue to grow as a business.
• Connectivity and Support – From its early days of existence, social media has been a way for people to stay connected even if they don’t live close by. Social media also allows people from all over to form communities and support systems for those in need.
• Increased Awareness – Many organizations use social media to spread awareness about mental health and addiction, offering tips, resources, and educational content.
• Access to Professional Help Resources – Many therapists, psychologists, and wellness experts use social media to share helpful coping strategies, mindfulness techniques, and guidance for those struggling.
• Promoting Acts of Kindness and Positivity – Many social media campaigns focus on spreading kindness, uplifting messages, and stories of resilience.

Negative Effects of Social Media Use

We’ve touched on it already, but for all the good social media can do, it’s also a place filled with hate, cyberbullying, and a distorted view of how everyday life should be. As a result, social media can also come with a number of negative effects such as:

• Toxic Interactions – Negative comments, online arguments, and exposure to harmful content can contribute to stress and low self-esteem.
• Diminished Real-Life Relationships – Excessive engagement with social media can lead to neglecting in-person relationships and social isolation.
• Comparison Culture – Constant exposure to curated, often unrealistic portrayals of other people’s lives can lead to self-doubt, dissatisfaction, and low self-esteem.
• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) – Seeing friends, celebrities, or influencers enjoying experiences can create anxiety and feelings of exclusion.
• Reduced Productivity and Sleep Disruptions – Overuse of social media, especially before bedtime, can interfere with sleep and contribute to fatigue, stress, and difficulty focusing.

Social Media and Anxiety or Depression

As you may have gathered by now, the “bad” side of social media can significantly impact a person’s overall mental health and well-being.

Anxiety and depression are becoming more and more common among avid social media users for a number of different reasons such as:

• Doomscrolling – Constantly stopping on, and reading, all the negative news stories or posts can lead to feelings such as helplessness and anxiety.
• Validation Seeking – Many people use social media in order to try and gain “clout”, constantly seeking more likes, shares, and comments on their posts. When engagement is low this can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and low self-worth.
• Overstimulation – Constantly consuming news, updates, and trending content can lead to cognitive exhaustion and increased stress levels.
• Social Isolation – In some instances, social media use is replacing physical interaction. Reduced face-to-face interactions can increase feelings of loneliness and depression.

The Role of Social Media in Self-Esteem and Body Image

One of the most significant concerns regarding social media is its impact on self-esteem and body image, particularly among teenagers and young adults.

In fact, social media’s portrayal of “perfect” bodies, filtered images, and beauty standards can contribute to:

• Unrealistic Expectations – Comparing yourself to highly doctored or enhanced images can lead to negative feelings about yourself.
• Lower Self-Worth – Along those lines, constant exposure to these images can diminish self-esteem, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
• Eating Disorders – Exposure to extreme diet trends, fitness pressures, and weight-related discussions can lead to the development of eating disorders.
• Psychological Stress – Constant comparison to others, especially those whose images are doctored or highly filtered and not real, can contribute to chronic stress and body dysmorphia.

Cyberbullying and Mental Health

We’ve touched on it throughout but it’s important to talk about cyberbullying and its impact on mental health. While cyberbullying can occur in all age groups and walks of life, it affects teenagers and adolescents at a disproportionately high rate.

Unfortunately, the anonymity of the internet has emboldened “keyboard warriors” to behave and say things that they would never do if they were interacting with people face-to-face. This has led to an increase in significant cyberbullying-related issues such as:

• Emotional Distress – Victims of cyberbullying may experience anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
• Social Withdrawal – Fear of online harassment can cause individuals to avoid social interactions both online and in real life.
• Trust Issues – Negative experiences online can lead to difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships.
• Academic and Workplace Consequences – Cyberbullying can impact academic performance and workplace productivity due to heightened stress and distraction.
• Long-Term Psychological Impact – The effects of cyberbullying can extend into adulthood, affecting self-esteem and interpersonal relationships.

Social Media Addiction and Its Consequences

There’s also the matter of people becoming so reliant or dependent on social media that they actually develop an addiction to it. While not a substance addiction, social media addiction is a behavioral addiction that comes with its own set of challenges that, just like substance addiction, need to be taken seriously and addressed in a professional manner.

In fact, someone with a social media addiction may experience any of the following:

• Emotional Avoidance
• Mood Swings
• Reduced Attention Span
• Dopamine Dependence
• Neglect of Real-Life Responsibilities
• Withdrawal Symptoms

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following as a result of social media use, professional intervention may be needed.

Tips for a Healthier Relationship with Social Media

Even if professional intervention isn’t needed, there are other things you can do in order to change your relationship with social media, should you start to feel that your relationship is growing unhealthy or even detrimental.

Some ways in which you can continue to use social media in a more healthy manner include:

• Set Time Limits – Allocate specific times for social media use and avoid excessive scrolling.
• Curate Your Feed – Follow accounts that promote positivity, education, and well-being rather than comparison and negativity.
• Practice Digital Detox – Take regular breaks from social media to reset your mind and engage in real-life activities.
• Engage in Meaningful Interactions – Focus on genuine conversations and connections rather than mindless scrolling.

Learn More Mental Health and Social Media at California Healing Centers

Whether it’s a deteriorating mental health as a result of your relationship with social media, or social media addiction, at California Learning Centers, we want to help. Contact us today to learn more about our mental health treatment services and how you can improve your relationship with social media.