Social media connects and connects people. But there are also repeated discussions about the consequences of intensive use. Studies show that this can also be dangerous.
Consequences of social media on the psyche: Young people are particularly at risk
A look at the statistics shows that the psyche of people between the ages of 14 and 24 is particularly at risk. They use social media the most and are still at a crucial time for emotional and psychosocial development. In addition, a study by DAK-Gesundheit and the German Center for Addiction Issues shows that social media can be addictive and it is assumed that 2.6 percent of young people are already addicted. So social media platforms that are supposed to help people to network can actually fuel mental crises.
This reinforces the need to deal with the psychological consequences. Because it is such a new phenomenon, the exact impact it has on the mental health, emotional well-being and physiology of teenagers and young adults is not fully understood at this time, and much of the evidence is conflicting.
However, recent studies raise serious concerns about the possible adverse effects that increasing use of social media is having, particularly on mental health. It should also be mentioned that there are not only bad effects of social media on the psyche.
Mental health: positive and negative impact of social media
In addition to opportunities, the use of social media also brings with it various complex problems. A report published in 2017 by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) summarizes the influence of social media, especially on young people. It examines both positive and negative effects.
Positive effects on the psyche:
Access to health information: Social networking offers young people with, for example, mental health problems a chance to read and see the health experiences of others and take something with them to deal with. In addition, teenagers rarely deal with health problems and use fewer health services; this is especially true for mental illnesses. Social media offer the possibility of reaching this target group and receiving expert health information.
Community Building and Emotional Support: Conversations created on social media offer youth the opportunity to find like-minded people with whom they have no connection in real life. Seven out of ten teenagers say they have found social media support during tough times.
Self-discovery and strengthening of identity: In their teens and early twenties, young people experiment with their identity and want to try new things. By creating personalized feeds, they have the opportunity to express themselves and find out who they are.
Build and Maintain Relationships: Social media platforms are a useful tool to create and maintain real life and build interpersonal relationships.
Negative effects on the psyche:
Promotes Depression and Anxiety: Research shows that young adults who frequently use social media for more than two hours a day are more likely to be affected by poor mental health, including depression and anxiety disorders. Social media is not necessarily the trigger, but a reinforcing factor for fears and the feeling of being inadequate. The unrealistic expectations raised by social media can leave young people with low self-esteem, which can then manifest as anxiety or depression.
Sleep disorders: Numerous studies show a significant connection between poor sleep quality in young people and the use of social media. It is believed that using LED lights before bed can be disruptive. They block natural processes in the brain that trigger fatigue and the release of the sleep hormone melatonin. This means it takes longer to fall asleep.
Distorted Body Image: Body image is an issue for many people, both men and women, but especially young women. An online survey on “Instagram & Body Image” found that more than 50 percent of participants feel pressure about their appearance from Instagram.
Cyberbullying: Bullying in childhood is an important risk factor for mental health. The consequences are usually felt well into adulthood. Social media has meant that children and young people can be in constant contact with each other. This allows bullies to continue their abuse even when they are not around the person. In the annual JIM study, more than a third of young people state that they have someone in their circle of acquaintances who has already been bullied over the Internet.
Fear of missing out: The concept of fear of missing out (FOMO) is relatively new and has gained popularity since the advent of social media. Essentially, “FOMO” is the concern that social events take place without one’s presence and something is missed. It triggers a feeling of constantly needing to be connected and missing out when you’re not. “FOMO” leads to poorer mood and lower life satisfaction in those affected. Increasingly, young people report that it bothers them in the form of fear or feelings of inadequacy.
Tips for a healthier lifestyle
Social media is not a short-lived phenomenon that will pass. Rather, it has become an integral part of everyday life. A conscious use of apps such as Instagram, Facebook and Co. can reduce the dangerous psychological consequences. We have summarized some tips and ideas for a healthier lifestyle for you:
Set time limits: How much is good for you personally per day is very individual. However, it is recommended to keep social media usage under two hours. Excessive use has been shown to promote depression and anxiety. So think carefully about the times of day and how long you want to scroll through social media. In some apps you can set a reminder when the time limit of the day has been exceeded.
No scrolling before going to bed: Since the LED lights suppress tiredness, you should not take your phone to bed with you. Create new rituals that make it easier for you to fall asleep. For example, you can read a few more pages or meditate. Even in the morning, the day should not start directly with the smartphone. Give yourself some downtime before going through your social media feed.
Look for authentic role models: It is always important that you question which people you follow and whether these people are good for you and your self-esteem. Especially people who are insecure about their bodies are very prone to negative feelings and dissatisfaction when comparing themselves to perfectly flawless fitness or food influencers. There are more and more influencers who oppose this body cult. They show themselves without make-up and demand more naturalness and authenticity.
Prevent cyberbullying: Inhibitions often fall on the Internet, because the anonymity makes some people hit it hard. There are a few safeguards you can take against hate comments and cyberbullying. Set your social media profile to private so only people on your friends list can see your posts. You can also set that people are no longer allowed to follow you and that strangers cannot send you messages. Tip for parents: The “Look! What your child does with media” initiative provides families with extensive information on media education. There you will find information for you and your child.
All is not what it seems: When using it, be aware that what you are looking at does not correspond to the complete reality. Filters, Photoshop and perfectly posed scenes – everything is beautiful digitally. Internet users should believe that they lead a perfect life and always spend their free time on great beaches. But everyone has a bad day, is frustrated or has painful moments. These are just not shown. If you’re not feeling well anyway, take a social media break.
Conclusion
In general, it is important to be unavailable from time to time. Consciously create media-free times and pay attention to your real life. Maybe you do sports, take a walk in the sun or read a good book. Tip for parents: Realize that you are a role model for your child. You can also create these spaces and times together with your child in which you are both without a smartphone.