Individuals devote a lot of time to their screens, thanks to social media and smartphones. There is no denying that smartphones and social media may harm people’s mental health. Smartphone addiction is inextricably linked to poor mental health since many adolescents addicted to their phones are also addicted to social media (Cain). According to one study, those who use Facebook report having poor mental health and a lack of life satisfaction (Abi – Jaoude, Karline, and Antonio).
The use of social media has a detrimental impact on people’s psychological well-being because it encourages users to broadcast only the highlights of their life. This style of presentation provides the sense that everyone else’s life is excellent. Additionally, social media displays teens the exciting activities that other teenagers participate in, making them feel excluded. Further, it normalizes self-harm due to its prevalence on social media. These authors demonstrate that social media addiction can negatively impact mental health by increasing mental discomfort, self-injurious behavior, young suicide, and impaired interpersonal connections.
One of the claims pointed out is that social media use is related to body image problems and disordered eating. I concur with these assertions since remarks made online by friends about one’s looks can exacerbate body dissatisfaction. Adolescent females who utilized Facebook were more concerned with body image and concealing flaws than teenage girls who did not (Abi – Jaoude, Karline, and Antonio). Additionally, compared to seeing an appearance-neutral website, accessing Facebook was connected with a higher level of negative mood and body dissatisfaction among women who frequently compare their looks to others. Another assertion is that Internet addiction is linked to self-injury or suicidal behavior.
I concur with these assertions since young people utilize social media to express their sadness, most notably their peers. They accomplish this through the sharing of visual information, which may include photographs of self-inflicted injuries. The report emphasizes that the primary source of concern is that some viewers condone such behavior. However, there are some beneficial effects, such as guidance on seeking assistance on other online sites.
Another claim is that smartphones can obstruct face-to-face communication. I agree as adolescents increasingly connect online rather than in person, which makes for poor social skills. The more you prioritize social media activity over in-person connections, the greater your chance of acquiring or aggravating mood disorders such as anxiety and depression (Abi – Jaoude, Karline, and Antonio). Another claim against social media is that it disrupts sleep. I agree that using media before bed reduces sleep duration and quality and increases daytime sleepiness. Sleep deprivation is associated with an increase in sleeplessness and depressive symptoms.
One of the central claims is that the rise in depression and anxiety is directly related to increased social media and smartphone use. The more time spent on screens, the more depressed you are (Cain). I agree that the growth of smartphones and social media has harmed the mental health of teenagers and young adults. Social media users’ jealousy, despair, and lower happiness typically stem from comparing their lives to others.
I strongly relate to these articles’ topics. I was diagnosed with depression at the age of 17, which put me feeling lost and hopeless. On social media, I was constantly comparing myself to my peers. I was either not slim enough or not attractive enough. I felt inadequate, and it had a detrimental effect on my mental health. However, I have grown to accept who I am since then. Everyone, I feel, is unique and attractive in their way.
According to both publications, social media addiction can impair mental health by increasing mental discomfort, self-injury, juvenile suicide, and poor interpersonal relationships. Health care workers can integrate programs into the health system to educate young people about the negative effects of social media (Cain). The community and its leaders need to reach out to the youth both at home and at school to support them overcome the challenges they face.
Works Cited
Abi-Jaoude, Elia, Karline Treurnicht Naylor, and Antonio Pignatiello. “Smartphones, Social Media Use and Youth Mental Health.” (2020): E136-E141. Web.
Cain, Jeff. “It’s Time to Confront Student Mental Health Issues Associated with Smartphones and Social Media.” American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education 82.7 (2018): 6862. Web.