Social media and technology in general have become a pervasive part of our everyday lives. Social networking sites have the function of keeping us connected to the people in our lives as well as providing an outlet for self-expression. Use of these sites can improve communication, promote socialization, and keep us connected to the world around us, but there are some negative sides to social media use, particularly for our mental health as young people.
A 2011 research article defines some risks of social media use as cyberbullying and harassment, sexting, and a phenomenon referred to as “Facebook depression.”
As Dr. O’Keeffe and Dr. Clarke-Pearson state, “the intensity of the online world is thought to be a factor that may trigger depression.” Particularly for individuals who struggle with self-esteem issues, underlying or otherwise, a site such as Facebook that focuses so much on external validation can pose some serious problems.
Unlike platforms such as Twitter, which focuses on the content of verbal posts, photo-sharing sites such as Facebook and Instagram place a lot of weight on an individual’s image, in the most literal sense of the word. This brings up complicated feelings around body image and external validation through “likes” on both sites.
Even for those of us who would like to deny it, a certain amount of deliberation and effort goes into each visual post that we make. From choosing flattering angles to filters that enhance but in a way that looks natural, these image-sharing sites invite us to criticize our own visual representations and outward appearance before giving our “friends” the chance to do the same.
A 2013 study found that “more Facebook impression management predicted more signs of major depression.” As one of the central components of Facebook is impression management, this is an alarming connection. For individuals who struggle with self-esteem, this need to manage your online image can reinforce negative self-talk or self-representation.
O’Keeffe and Pearson argue, “Other problems that merit awareness include Internet addiction and concurrent sleep deprivation.” Internet addiction is a theory that began to surface in the 1990s and describes an impulse control disorder. Sleep deprivation often goes hand-in-hand with this compulsive use of the Internet in general as it is easy to lose track of time or to have trouble falling asleep when your brain has been so stimulated.
In terms of managing these negative effects, it may not be a bad idea to start by taking a step back from social media. Try to decrease the number of times in a day that you check Facebook or Instagram, or reduce the number of posts you make. Concentrate instead on things in your real, physical life that make you happy on a day-to-day level just by doing them.
Having an awareness of some of the risks associated with social media can help users be aware of when it’s time to take a break. Don’t be afraid to put down your phone, go do something you like and share it with the people who lift you up.
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The Ontarion publishes independent, student-produced news, opinion, and commentary for University of Guelph students so that they can make informed decisions in their lives. To do this, The Ontarion provides learning opportunities and training in journalism, media production, leadership, board governance, and other aspects of nonprofit news.
The Ontarion is the University of Guelph’s independent student newspaper. It began in 1951 as part of the Ontario Agricultural College and then began to represent the entire University of Guelph once it amalgamated in 1964. The Ontarion incorporated in May 1970 as The Ontarion, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation registered with the province of Ontario.