By Helene Lakoundzi
Abstract
The so-called “social media addiction” phenomenon is becoming increasingly discussed, especially since social media has become a usual part of everyday life. This compulsive behavior stems from the addictive design of these platforms, causing people to need to stay connected constantly. Neurologically, it is proven that social media addiction is associated with dopamine, not unlike other forms of addiction (nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana, to name a few). This paper emphasizes the risks that social media poses, primarily to adolescents.
As of November 2024, there are 8.2 billion human beings on the planet. Of those 8.2 billion, around 5.17 billion are active social media users. Social media sites like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter are only some of the most popular social networking sites that allow people to stay connected from
anywhere on the globe with minimal effort. As a result of the 2020 COVID pandemic, the percentage of overall users on social media has increased by about 30.5%. Teenagers' increased time spent at home resulted in increased stress, bad sleep patterns, decreased peer contact, restricted outdoor activities, and prolonged screen time (Liu et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2020). Research has shown that the use of social media is becoming “the norm” among adolescents (“Is Social Media Taking over Your Teen’s Life? What You Can Do about It”). For example, numerous reports show that one in three internet users were below 18. (“UNICEF: 80 percent of Youth in the World Recognize That Internet Can Be a Danger”) With social media on a continuous rise, it becomes more imperative to publicize the risks social media can present. This review will discuss its effect on mental health, body dysmorphia, and anxiety.
Impact on Mental Health
Social media’s impact on mental health is viewed as one of its most negative consequences. While social networking is an efficient way of communicating and forming connections, these factors can create a compulsive need to constantly stay connected with everything happening. According to a study conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), teens who use social media for more than 3 hours could be at a greater risk of mental health problems (Riehm et al.). Teens are far more vulnerable than other age groups because, throughout their adolescence, their brains and social skills continue to rapidly develop (National Institute of Mental Health), making them particularly vulnerable to the addictiveness of social media. In a statement, Nancy DeAngelis, CRNP, Director of Behavioral Health, Jefferson Health - Abington says “The overuse of social media can actually rewire a young child or teen’s brain to constantly seek out immediate gratification, leading to obsessive, compulsive and addictive behaviors…” (Miller). For example, viewing social media content relating to self-harm, violence, or other harmful behaviors can be especially damaging to teens, leading to increased risks of self-harming behavior that can affect both themselves and the people around them (Americas). A longitudinal analysis of data from youth in the UK found distinct developmental windows where adolescents were susceptible to exposure to social media: ages 11-13 for girls and 14-15 for boys (Orben et al.).
Body Image Insecurity and Self-Esteem
Social media has a huge role in setting unrealistic beauty standards. Many social networking sites, such as TikTok and Instagram, prioritize “visual content,” which can lead users to present the best versions of themselves on social media. This creates a false community where everything is perfect, encouraging viewers to view their lives as “less than”. In a study by BallardBreif, 40% of teens reported feeling weary about their appearance because of the videos and images they’re
Social media: a comprehensive overview of its consequences
exposed to on social media. This imposter phenomenon is worse for adolescents as they try to develop their sense of self. A leaked internal study by Facebook revealed that Instagram negatively impacted the body image of one in three teenage girls. This finding shocked many, and highlighted a serious mental health risk, as adolescents are particularly vulnerable to social comparison and often internalize unattainable beauty ideals (The Wall Street Journal, 2021) Anxiety
FOMO (fear of missing out) can be defined as anxiety over missing out on an exciting or interesting event elsewhere. A study by the University of Pennsylvania found that limiting social media usage to 30 minutes per day significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression among college students. This suggests that while social media can be a valuable tool for connection, its effects on mental health may depend on the level of engagement.
Another factor is the constant notifications on users’ phones and the pressure to respond. This cycle creates a sense of urgency that can make users feel overwhelmed. Some users could develop Phantom Vibration Syndrome, which refers to the false impression that their phone is ringing when it is not. This hallucination is associated with excessive phone usage, and over time can create stress and further contribute to anxiety disorders.
What We Can Do To Diminish the Negative Effects of Social Media
Health officials and politicians are promoting regulations to protect minors from too much screen time and harmful content. For example, the Senate introduced significant child safety bills in 2022: KOSA (Kids Online Safety Act) and COPPA 2.0 (Teens Online Privacy Protection Act). Social media companies could additionally help by developing new features to limit the frequency of notifications. Instagram, for example, has already begun trying out features such as a “time reminder” to encourage users to take breaks from their screens. These steps are small, but they’re a good start in protecting users from the harmful impacts of social media. As individuals, studies show that learning healthier daily habits can help improve mental health. Methods could be going on walks, reading, and setting no-device times. In this digital age, educating teens as early as possible could prevent them from falling into social media addiction. Conclusion
Social media is a revolutionary innovation that has changed the way we connect and learn, however, it has considerable dangers that can negatively impact mental health, self-esteem, and social behavior. The compelling nature of these networking apps is challenging to overcome, especially for younger people. Solving these issues can be done by higher-ups, but it can also stem from the users themselves. By learning about these risks, we can create a safer, healthier community online that individuals can use with less risk.
Bibliography
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