How has Social Media Increased Mental Health Issues in the

Youth Population?
Abstract

This document will explore the relationship between social media and mental health issues
in young people from the UK and the USA.

It will discuss how social media usage is linked to mental health issues and the increase of
cyberbullying on social media platforms. It highlights how social media can cause anxiety,
depression, and other mental health issues in young people due to the pressure to present a
perfect image online and describes how social media can be addictive and how excessive
use can lead to decreased self-esteem and increased stress.

In addition, the document discusses how the increase of cyberbullying on social media
platforms and its contribution to mental health issues in the youth population while
highlighting how cyberbullying can cause various mental health issues, as mentioned
previously. While mainly focussing on the negative effects of social media, the document
also refers to the positive effects of social media on youth mental health, highlighting how
social media can provide a sense of community and support for young people and can
increase awareness and understanding of the various mental health issues. The document
concludes by discussing measures to regulate social media use and promote responsible
usage among young people. It suggests that social media platforms should provide more
resources and tools to help young people manage their usage and promote healthy habits.

Introduction

Social media has become an essential part of our daily lives. It has revolutionised forever
how we interact with each other, learn, share information, and conduct our business.
However, the rise of social media has also led to several negative impacts, especially on the
youth population's mental health.

The youth population, who are the most active users of social media, have become
particularly vulnerable to cyberbullying, online harassment, and exposure to unrealistic
beauty standards, leading to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Social media
platforms have also been linked to poor sleep patterns, addiction, and the exacerbation of
pre-existing mental health conditions.

The importance of addressing the impact of social media on the youth population's mental
health cannot be overstated. 45% of US teens have reported being online 'almost
constantly,' (Pew Research Center, 2018) and a report has found that social media is the
most significant cause of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression in young people
(Royal Society for Public Health, 2017).
Social Media and its ties to Mental Health Issues

Social media refers to websites and applications that enable users to create, share,
exchange content, and participate in social networking. The use of social media has
increased rapidly, with billions of active users worldwide. Social media platforms provide an
avenue for individuals to connect with others, share experiences, and access information.
However, research has shown that there is a link between social media use and mental
health issues in the youth population.

Studies have identified various ways in which social media use can affect mental health. One
of the ways is through social comparison, which involves individuals comparing their own
lives as a whole, to those that others portray on social media, which often only highlight the
best moments of their lives. Social comparison has been linked to depressive symptoms and
anxiety, as it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem (Fardouly, Diedrichs,
Vartanian, & Halliwell, 2015). The constant exposure to idealised images and lifestyles on
social media can lead to unrealistic expectations, which can be detrimental to one’s mental
health.

Another way in which social media can increase mental health issues is through
cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is the use of online communications to harass or intimidate
others. Social media platforms provide an easy platform for cyberbullying, which can lead to
anxiety, depression, and even suicide (Kowalski & Limber, 2013). The anonymity afforded by
social media platforms can embolden bullies to engage in harmful behaviours, with little to
no fear of consequences.

Social media use has also been linked to sleep disturbances, which can negatively impact
mental health. The blue light emitted by electronic devices suppresses the production of
melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep (Chang, Aeschbach, Duffy, & Czeisler, 2015). As
a result, excessive use of social media at night can lead to sleep disorders, such as insomnia,
which can negatively impact mental health. Sleep disturbances have also been linked to
depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

To summarise, while social media has its benefits, there is a link between its use and mental
health issues in the youth population. Social comparison, cyberbullying, and sleep
disturbances are some of the ways in which social media use can negatively affect mental
health.

Social Media Usage and its Links to Mental Health Issues

Social media has become an essential part of young people's lives, with 91% of teenagers
using it as a means of communication and entertainment (Lenhart, 2015). However, recent
studies have shown that excessive social media usage is linked to several mental health
issues, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

A study conducted by the Royal Society for Public Health (Cramer, Inkster, 2017) found that
social media is more addictive than cigarettes and alcohol, with young people spending an
average of 3 hours per day using social media platforms. This excessive usage has been
linked to a rise in mental health issues in young people.

Depression is one of the most common mental health issues linked to social media usage. A
study by JAMA Psychiatry (Riehm, K., Feder, K., Tormohlen, K. et al, 2019) found that
adolescents who spent over 3 hours per day on social media were more likely to suffer from
depression than those who used social media for less than an hour a day. The same study
also found that social media usage is linked to sleep deprivation, which is known to worsen
depression symptoms.

Anxiety is another mental health issue that is linked to social media usage. A study by the
Pew Research Center (Anderson, M., Jiang, J., 2018) found that 71% of teenagers feel the
need to respond to messages instantly, leading to constant anxiety and stress. Social media
also creates a platform for cyberbullying, which can lead to anxiety and other mental health
issues.

Low self-esteem is also linked to social media usage, with young people constantly
comparing themselves to others on social media platforms. A study by the Child Mind
Institute (Alexander, K.) found that social media usage is linked to feelings of inadequacy
and low self-esteem in young people.

Social media usage has increased mental health issues in the youth population, including
depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It is essential for young people to be aware of the
potential negative impacts of excessive social media usage and to seek support if they are
struggling with their mental health.

Cyberbullying on Social Media Platforms and its Contribution to Mental

In the 21st century, technological advancements have brought about numerous benefits,
including the growth of social media platforms. However, while social media has led to
many positive impacts, it has also contributed to an increase in mental health issues among
young people. One of the main reasons for this increase is the rising incidence of
cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying can be defined as the use of electronic communication to bully a person,

The effects of cyberbullying on mental health are profound. Victims of cyberbullying often
experience depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts (Kowalski et al.,
2014). A study conducted by the Royal Society for Public Health found that social media
platforms, including Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and Twitter, were among the most
detrimental to young people's mental health (Royal Society for Public Health, 2017). The
constant fear and anxiety of being bullied and the inability to escape the bullying can lead to
long-term mental health complications.

The rise of cyberbullying on social media platforms has therefore contributed to the
increase in mental health issues among young people. The effects of cyberbullying are far-
reaching and can lead to long-term mental health problems which we are only now
becoming aware of. Therefore, it is important for parents, educators, and policymakers to
take steps to combat cyberbullying and its effects on young people.

Specific Ways Social Media has Increased Mental Health Issues

Social media has become a platform for sharing negative content such as violent, sexual, or
disturbing images, which can be detrimental to the mental health of youths. According to a
recent study conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), exposure to
violent media content can contribute to aggressive behaviours, desensitization to violence,
nightmares, and fear of being harmed (Ferguson, 2015, p. 35).

Furthermore, social media platforms have made it easier for cyberbullying and online
harassment to occur, leading to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental
health issues among the youth population. A study by the Pew Research Center found that
59% of US teens have been bullied or harassed online, and 23% have experienced physical
threats (Lenhart, 2017, para. 1).

In addition, social media has created a culture of comparison and perfectionism, leading to
low self-esteem and body image issues among young people. A study by the Royal Society
for Public Health (RSPH) found that Instagram was rated the worst social media platform for
mental health and wellbeing, with young people feeling inadequate and anxious about their
bodies and lifestyles (RSPH, 2017, p. 5).

Moreover, social media has created a new fear, FoMO – the fear of missing out. FoMO is the
worry that social events, or otherwise enjoyable activities, may be taking place without you
present to enjoy them leading to feelings of anxiety and inadequacy. A study by the
researchers (Bloemen, N., De Coninck, D., 2020) found that 20% of all adolescents
experience FoMO and that 30% ran the risk of becoming addicted to social networking
services.

Social media has contributed to the increase in mental health issues among the youth
population through the sharing of negative content, cyberbullying, and the culture of
comparison and perfectionism.

Positive Effects of Social Media on Mental Health

Social media has become a prevalent part of a young person's life. While there has been
speculation on the negative effects of social media on youth mental health, it is important to
acknowledge the positive effects that social media can have when used in moderation. In
fact, social media has the potential to provide expert support and awareness on mental
health issues for all individuals.
Firstly, social media offers a platform for young people to connect and communicate with
others who may be experiencing similar mental health issues. This can be particularly
helpful for those who feel isolated and alone in their struggles. For example, a study found
that online peer support groups for young people with mental health conditions facilitated
social support and reduced isolation (Best et al. 2014).

Furthermore, social media can be used as a tool to raise awareness and reduce stigma
surrounding mental health issues. Young people may feel more comfortable discussing their
mental health struggles online, where they can connect with others in a safe and supportive
environment. Additionally, social media campaigns have been developed to raise awareness
on mental health issues, such as the ‘Mind’ campaign in the UK, which aims to get people
talking and increase awareness surrounding mental health.

Social media can serve as a helpful supplement to traditional forms of treatment however, it
is not a replacement for professional mental health support. Social media has the potential
to positively impact youth mental health by providing general support, reducing isolation,
and raising awareness on mental health issues.

Measures to Regulate and Promote Responsible Use of Social Media

Studies have found that social media use has increased mental health issues among young
people. This has led to a growing concern about the impact of social media on the mental
health of the youth population.

Various studies have established a correlation between social media use and mental health
issues among young people. For instance, a study (Twenge et al. 2018) found that social
media use was positively associated with depression and anxiety symptoms among
adolescents. Another study (Kross et al. 2013) found that the use of Facebook led to a
decline in subjective well-being.

There are several measures that can be taken to regulate social media use among young
people. One such measure is to limit the amount of time spent on social media (Ben-Joseph,
2022). Parents and schools can encourage young people to engage in other activities such as
sports, reading, or spending time with friends and family. This can help reduce the negative
impact of social media on mental health. Another measure is to monitor social media use.
Parents and teachers can monitor the online activities of young people and intervene when
necessary (Caring for kids, 2018). They can also provide guidance on responsible social
media use and highlight the potential risks associated with social media use.

Promoting responsible and moderate social media use is another way to reduce the
negative impact of social media on mental health. Parents and schools can teach young
people about social media etiquette, such as being respectful to others, avoiding harmful
content, and protecting their privacy (Ben-Joseph, 2022). They can also encourage young
people to use social media to connect with others, share positive experiences, and express
themselves in a healthy and constructive manner.
To conclude, measures can be taken to regulate social media use and promote responsible
usage among young people. These measures include limiting the amount of time spent on
social media, monitoring social media use, and promoting responsible social media use. By
taking these measures, we can help young people use social media in a safe and healthy
manner.

Personal Summary

From my researching of this extensive topic, and some of my own personal experiences, I
have concluded that social media has played a large role in the increasing of mental health
issues of young people worldwide; especially now in a day and age where people are
becoming more aware of the symptoms of mental health, it is becoming clearer the extent
of how much social media has had an impact on young people’s development and their day
to day lives, taking a toll on their mental health.

However, despite this it is impossible to ignore the fact that we are now in a time where we
are surrounded by technology, and will now be almost constantly aware of social media. It
gives communities amazing opportunities to connect around the world and strengthens
relationships between loved ones through being able to contact people from anywhere
almost instantly. Our generation is the first to experience this technology, yet in the future
young people would have grown up with and adapted to the technology around them,
allowing them to learn how to responsibly and moderately use social media in ways which
would not impact their mental wellbeing. Although social media is worsening mental
wellbeing overall at the moment, I do believe it will improve with time.

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