What is it about social media that is causing an increase in mental health issues among our young people?
There are a few potential explanations.
- First, social media can be addictive, and people who are addicted to it may be more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety.
- Second, social media can be incredibly stressful. People often feel a need to constantly check their feeds and posts to make sure they are not missing anything, and they can feel overwhelmed by the amount of information they are exposed to online.
- Third, social media can be isolating. People often make friends online whom they would never meet in person, which can lead to feelings of loneliness or depression if those connections are not fulfilling.
- Fourth, people often post only the most attractive aspects of their lives online, allowing them to present an unrealistic picture of themselves that does not reflect reality. This can create a disconnect between what someone believes their life is like and what it actually is like, which may increase stress levels.
- Finally, there is cyber-bullying. Many social media sites have comment sections where people receive direct negative feedback on their posts. This kind of immediate negative feedback can damage self-esteem and make people feel worse about themselves. It can also affect sleep patterns by keeping people up at night as they worry about how they are being perceived online.
As with any behavior involving children and teens, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of social media usage before making any decisions.
That said, it is clear that social media can have a significant impact on mental health, so parents should be aware of these risks and take them into account when deciding whether or not to allow their children to use social media.
In The Video
The surgeon general issued a rare public health advisory today, warning of a looming mental health catastrophe among young people. Our children have been suffering for a long time, and we can no longer afford to ignore the issue of youth mental health in our nation.
The Covid epidemic is putting a strain on children all around the country. Anxiety and despair symptoms have risen throughout the epidemic. According to the report, in the United States, more than 140,000 children lost a parent or grandparent caregiver to Covid, and emergency department visits for teenage female suicide attempts increased by 51% from 2019 to 2020.
Children need to understand that they are not alone and that discussing mental health is acceptable. Struggling with your mental health does not imply that there is a problem with you or that it is your responsibility. You must also teach children that it is OK to seek assistance.
A Wake-up Call for Social Media
The advisory also serves as a wake-up call for social media businesses. Many businesses try to provide platforms that proactively improve and contribute to our children’s mental health and well-being. Still, many believe it makes everyone, particularly females, feel horrible about themselves, especially when they see such an unreachable beauty standard.
Instagram announced new actions today, including a more stringent approach to adolescent recommendations and tools for parents to monitor their children’s usage of the service. The move comes only one day before Instagram’s CEO will appear before Congress about accusations that the social media platform is damaging to teenagers, according to the company’s own study.
As the country’s young search for a way out, change is possible if we keep the dialogue going.
