Social media offers a fun way to escape the stress of work and demands of a busy life. At a time when many are taking a break from traveling or participating fully in pre-pandemic activities, it allows us to share and connect, get news and information, and even meet new friends.
But there can be a downside too. Excessive social media use has been linked to depression, anxiety and loneliness. Recent studies referenced by The Child Mind Institute and The National Center for Health Research suggest people who frequently use social media feel more depressed and less happy with life than those who spend more time on non screen-related activities.
“Young adults who have grown up using screens are particularly vulnerable to the negative aspects of social media, but we are all at risk,” said Christine Stabler, MD, MBA, FAAFP, medical director of Women’s Health for Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health and a family medicine physician with LG Health Physicians Women's Internal Medicine.
Taking a more mindful approach when using social media can be better for mental health. It helps to understand some potential traps:
- The constant feed of fresh content on social media apps and websites has the same chemical effect on the brain, a release of dopamine, as other potentially addictive activities such as gambling or recreational drug use.
- Placing too much emphasis on receiving “likes” or interactions can leave you feeling disappointed or invalidated.
- Comparing your posts to those of others can cause low self-esteem, loneliness, and feelings of anxiety or depression. This can be exacerbated by FOMO (fear of missing out) or the use of filters that hide physical imperfections and create false impressions.
To help curb unhealthy use of social media, pay attention to how you are feeling, how often you are checking your apps, and whether your usage is distracting you from your responsibilities, self-care, or in-person relationships.
“Having a digital world at your fingertips can be more tempting than getting out and having real social connections and interactions. Whenever possible, take opportunities to see friends in-person rather than chatting behind a screen,” Stabler said.