What is social media’s influence on our mental health?

It can be easy to forget that social media is still an exceptionally recent phenomenon. If you want, you could claim that social media goes back to May 24, 1844 with the invention of Morse Code.

However, for the majority of us, the before and after period can be marked by one platform – Facebook. For the younger readers out there, Facebook probably already feels like the equivalent of black and white TVs compared to color ones for previous generations. 

Facebook changed it all

And yet it’s worth remembering that it’s only 20 years old. Facebook was launched outside of select institutions in 2005. And it’s not that Facebook was the first platform. Many out there will remember MySpace or similar as their first contact with social media. 

But Facebook was different. 

According to research carried out by Pew Research Center in 2019, 72% of American adults use some form of social media. When Facebook went live, it was just 5%. By the end of that year, the company had six million monthly active users. It only grew from there.

A positive force in the world

At that time, social media seemed like such a wholesome, tight-knit experience. Suddenly, it was not just possible to talk to people on the other side of the world, but to actively maintain relationships. 

It was a truly revolutionary way for friends and family to stay in touch. And that remains true today. 

The positive aspects of social media shouldn’t be ignored. Psychology Today offers three implications of social media, saying: 

• Young Americans thrive in digital spaces, experiencing connection and growth through positive social comparison.

• Online comparisons can promote well-being, particularly when involving relatable peers and uplifting content.

• Social media fosters stronger teen friendships and support networks, especially when guided by parental involvement and digital literacy.

There is a temptation among older generations to see something new and be automatically suspicious. For example, in 1926, the Knights of Columbus Education Committee concluded that the telephone makes you lazy.

And yet, even at the risk of sounding out of touch, there is good reason to be suspicious. 

The darker side of social media

Social media has been in the news a lot recently. It has been a hot topic since the killing of Charlie Kirk, both in terms of the shooter’s radicalization through social media and the celebration of the act by members of the public.

The above story is still ongoing but shows one of the most extreme outcomes that can come from social media – or where social media at least plays a part. 

It is, of course, far from the only instance. Social media can lead to “poor sleep, memory issues, and academic struggles”. It has been linked to negative body image in youth alongside increased rates of anxiety and depression. There are also documented connections between social media and suicide, with an increase of 62% from 2007 to 2021 among 10 to 24 year olds potentially influenced by social media according to one study.

How should we deal with social media?

Whether as parents, guardians, educational professions, or when dealing with our own usage, it can be difficult to know how to deal with social media. 

Total abstinence is possible for some but for many this would mean cutting yourself off from a large part of the world. As we mentioned above, children do use social media in a positive way and it can increasingly play a vital role in the development of relationships. 

Mental Health America compiled a report on this topic, looking at how we can "redesign social media for youth well being.” The findings, however, could be useful for people of any age who aren’t happy with their current use of social media apps.

Breaking the Algorithm: Redesigning social media for youth well-being

The report begins by saying, “The fragmented, algorithm-driven nature of platforms and the diversity of user experiences defy one-size-fits-all explanations, making it difficult to label social media as purely ‘good’ or ‘bad’ for youth mental health.”

This means that, in general, full abstinence isn’t necessarily recommended, or at least isn’t feasible. 

So, what should we do?

The report breaks down the recommendations into three sections and is primarily focused at app developers and educational professionals. For example, the report found that apps should design more well-being-centered algorithms that encourage healthier usage by prompting breaks, reflection, and mindful engagement – along with other key features. 

In terms of what we can do (as parents or for ourselves), the recommendations come down to: 

Education (not punishment)

Students and adults alike need to learn to practice self-control through education. In the case of students, this shouldn’t be reinforced through punitive measures. Instead, it’s important to understand why boundaries are important and how to self-regulate tech use.

Offline zones

When people are interacting in person – they should interact in person. Try to limit the use of mobile devices in offline situations. The classic family situation is the “no phones at the dinner table,” but again, through education people should understand why this is important and voluntarily be fully present when with others. 

Monitor (within reason)

This will invariably depend on the age of the individual in question. It is true that teenagers specifically need certain levels of privacy. However, problems with harassment and bullying are severe. Ideally, according to the report, the apps themselves would develop ways to detect and address cyberbullying. Otherwise, discuss it with your child and come to an agreement, emphasising that it is to protect their mental health.

Support networks

With social media now so ingrained in society, there will inevitably be more issues arising with regard to mental health. As parents, educators, or community members in general, we need to start developing support systems to help with people who are struggling. 

Help is always available

Social media is deeply woven into our daily lives, and while it brings connection and opportunity, it can also take a toll on mental health. If you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or trapped in unhealthy patterns of use, remember you’re not alone – and it’s okay to reach out for help. 

Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. Support is available, and taking that step can make a real difference. Social media should be a tool for connection, not a source of harm. 

If it starts to feel like the latter, give yourself permission to seek support. You can contact us at MHAI here for any information or to help set you up with a professional.