The Truth About Social Media Use and Mental Health
We have been lied to
Elena curls up in her bed, the darkness surrounding her, save for the light of her iPhone screen. The clock ticks past midnight as she scrolls through her Instagram feed, lost in the breathtaking photos of her social media “friends” and favorite models.
Fancy dresses, holiday resorts- they all seemed to be living the good life. She looked through the comments, which included cheers and laughter.
Everyone seems happy, Except Elena. No one is commenting on her posts, because she has none.
And so she switches to X (Twitter). Everyone was talking about something, no matter how silly. She can see the engagements, banter, and conflicts.
Elena has always refrained from posting or even commenting on the tweets of others, afraid her views would resonate with no one. Worried she has nothing to say as interesting or thought-provoking as the ‘influencers.’
She feels invisible, unheard, and disconnected from the world happening around her.
“I’m just not as good as them,” sighs Elena.
This is her everyday experience.
And there is Sophie from the other side of the world who tweets virtually all her thoughts and experiences.
She is a regular girl like everyone else. But she gets engagement as much as she “likes” and comments under the posts of other users. The more she interacts with the world around her, albeit online, the more connected she feels, boosting her sense of belonging.
Like Elena, this goes on day after day.
Both ladies are heavy social media users. But why is the mental health of Elena all the worse, and Sophie brims with positive energy, thanks to the same platforms?
Why do we say social media is harmful?
Well, it is not social media that is harmful. It is how you use it.
While Elena uses social media passively, Sophie is tremendously active on the platforms.
By interacting with other people online and indulging in similar activities as they do, Sophie satisfies an innate need all humans share: social connection.
We are all social creatures. We thrive when we feel connected to others. And many studies have shown how social connection can be integral to preventing depression.
In contrast, a lack of social connection can be a breeding ground for depression, social anxiety, and stress.
Think about it: after a grueling day at work, don’t you just feel better after sharing your day’s experiences with someone?
Social connection is an existential healing balm without which we cannot thrive as humans.
We all need one another. Wherever that connection happens is of little consequence.
This reinforces how destructive self-isolation can be.
Unlike Sophie, Elena allowed inferiority complex to creep in because she falsely believed everyone else was in a world of their own. A world in which she did not belong. A place beyond her worth.
Well, you may be thinking: this is just one case out of many. Why generalize?
You see, it’s all backed by research.
In three separate studies, researchers found that heavy passive social media use was consistently associated with lower social connection and well-being. It was the direct opposite for heavy active social media users.
In essence, heavy social media use is not inherently harmful to your mental health. As you have seen, it can be beneficial.
It’s all about how you use it.
It is easy to feel inferior when we are constantly bombarded by gorgeous pictures of happy faces in magnificent places.
But what you may not realize is that behind those happy faces are people just as regular as you are. And you may only realize this when you actively indulge in those same activities.
Post your best pictures. Look happy. Hop onto the discussion.
The more interactions and feedback you receive, the less special those things become.
Then you realize it was just your mind playing tricks on you. You are not any less fascinating. You only self-isolated.
Worst part is, it is a feedback loop. The more isolated and depressed you feel, the less inclined you are to interact with others. This fuels your depression further. A vicious cycle.
It is a vast world we live in. No one was designed to be alone. Everyone has a place they fit in.
You are amazing. You just have to find what makes you feel alive. If you have always felt invisible and depressed, you must become active, even when it feels like the last thing you want to do.
So, if you’ve always considered heavy social media use inherently harmful, it is time to reconsider. Be mindful of your usage and the content you consume. Avoid the negativity, and you will be fine.
I will wrap up with this: there are indeed negative impacts of social media use. Just like everything else.
Cars are great. But they increase the risk of accidents. And lives can be lost in the blink of an eye. But should we avoid driving cars or boarding planes? Of course not.
It’s the same with social media use and mental health. Use it to your advantage. Control it. Don’t let it control you.
