It’s no secret that the world today spends a significant amount of time online, whether it be for work or personal leisure. Regardless of what draws people to social media—whether it’s to catch up on news, connect with friends, or scroll through viral videos on any number of subjects—spending too much time online has the potential to negatively affect our well-being.
Viewing the world through a screen can warp our perceptions, with polished filters and expertly angled shots portraying idealized and often exaggerated lifestyles that can chip away at self-esteem. As users immerse themselves online more and more, it can create a desire to compare their own lives, leading to feelings of inadequacy or discontent. Interacting with this digital world of influencers and manufactured content can blur the lines of reality. Consequently, distinguishing between genuine and produced content becomes increasingly challenging, potentially impacting one's perception of self-worth and overall health.
The impact of social media on mental health
Mental health is a top concern among adults, and social media is a potential driver impacting Americans’ mental health. Recent data from a CVS Health and Morning Consult survey found that more than a third (36%) of respondents aged 18 to 34 believe social media has hurt society at-large. Some people are beginning to take charge of their social media usage with one in three (34%) adults turning off notifications and 33% attempting to spend less time on social media. Since younger age groups are growing up in a world of emerging technology, this issue must be taken seriously to raise resilient and healthy people.
Understanding body image anxiety in the social media era
As we try to sort out ordinary images from the highly curated content, it’s important to understand what goes into designing a highly publicized event, for example. These typically involve extensive teams of professional stylists, makeup artists and photographers who meticulously craft each person’s public image. Even in smaller-scale settings, influencers or brands may use filters or carefully designed sets to present an altered reality, distorting one’s perception of “normal” body and beauty standards. When social media users compare their life to this digital standard, it’s no wonder they can experience anxiety, depression, and even body image issues.
A 2019 study found exposure to “thin media” — content that promotes unrealistic standards of being thin or having a slim physique — is particularly prevalent during high-profile or social media-publicized events, such as the Academy Awards. In fact, a recent survey by CVS Health and Morning Consult reported that people were increasingly anxious about their body images or physical appearance in the last year, emphasizing the relevance of this issue. Increased exposure to “thin media” content can increase body dissatisfaction and eating disorders or disordered eating symptoms among vulnerable people, especially young women.
Eating disorders are not just about issues with food, but rather complex diseases that involve a range of emotions, anxieties and distorted thinking patterns. They are often marked by severe and persistent unhealthy eating behaviors leading to significant distress and impairment. A friend or loved one who aims to mirror influencers and who jumps into fad diets or who mentions how inadequate they are compared to online figures, could be a friend in need of a discussion about body positivity and the dangers of social media on mental health. These are complex problems that stem from underlying emotional issues and point to the importance of receiving therapy from a qualified professional. Therapists can help people put things in context, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and rekindle a positive relationship with food.
Strategies for addressing mental health concerns and social media
We can all help build healthy habits and challenge unrealistic beauty standards. As a parent, I have seen firsthand how the media and other external factors can shape young minds and I worry about how it affects my child’s mental health. I am not alone. Seventy percent of parents surveyed this year in the CVS Health and Morning Consult survey reported they were at least somewhat concerned about their children’s mental health, and about half were somewhat worried about social media’s impact on their children’s perception of the world. To mitigate social media effects, parents should feel empowered to teach their children best practices and mental resiliency early on.
One key factor in accomplishing this is initiating open conversations about mental health to establish a supportive and honest relationship. Bringing up mental health in everyday conversations can create a safe place for those struggling to speak openly by removing stigma and encouraging everyone involved to share their own experiences. It is also crucial to practice active listening and engagement in these conversations, ensuring children feel heard. By sharing personal experiences, including how we view online pressures, our children learn they are surrounded by supportive adults and have role models for healthy coping mechanisms. Also, teaching the youth in your life that it is okay to ask for help and that there is strength in community can help them to encourage the same conversation style with friends and other supportive networks.
Through safe spaces, empathy, and guidance, we can empower young people to critically navigate social media and mental health. If necessary, gently direct them to professional support or relevant resources like support groups, peer-led conversations, helplines or mental health awareness guides.
When it comes to the online world, parents do not need to remove young minds from social media or turn off their children’s devices indefinitely to avoid or address mental health issues. Instead, parents should try to teach children healthy habits that can build mental resilience and help them engage with the online world in a better, more resilient way. Be aware of and monitor children’s time spent on devices and try to set alarms or build routines to avoid long stretches online. Above all, parents should do what is best for them and their child and set healthy boundaries. Remember, all things are okay in moderation and there is always an option to turn off notifications or use an app to help monitor or reduce screen time.
Moving forward through support systems and empowered engagement
Influencers and high-profile, curated events exist to change our perception of what is “in” and “out.” As consumers, choosing how and when we engage can have a lasting impact. Some companies and celebrities are working hard to change the stigma of the fashion world by removing filters, and retailers are increasingly showcasing bodies of different shapes and sizes in their advertising. Well-being resources can also teach overall resiliency and point people to additional resources and education like tips on parenting, social media use and more. Speaking to a health care provider can help people address feelings of anxiety and depression and develop a pathway to care.
Despite the potentially adverse effects of social media, some positive creators are sharing their stories, promoting body positivity and continuously advocating for change. We must use our voices and our actions to protect the youth in our lives and help them navigate the complexities and challenges of a digital world.
