The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health (Essay Sample)

Name Instructor Course Date The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health In recent years, the rise of social media has had a profound impact on the way we communicate and interact with one another. As social media usage continues to grow, it has become increasingly clear that it also has a significant impact on our mental health. This essay will examine the effects of social media on mental health, with a focus on the relationship between social media usage and depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. One of the most well-established effects of social media on mental health is its relationship with depression. A study by the University of Pennsylvania found that individuals who spent more time on social media were more likely to report symptoms of depression (Lin, Sidani, Shensa, Radovic, & Colditz, 2016). This relationship is thought to be driven by the way social media encourages constant comparison and the creation of a "highlight reel" of one's life. Individuals are exposed to the curated and often idealized versions of their peers' lives, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem (Lin et al., 2016). Social media also has a significant impact on anxiety. A study by the University of Glasgow found that individuals who used social media frequently were more likely to report symptoms of anxiety (Pantic, Damjanovic, & Stankovic, 2014). This relationship is thought to be driven by the constant access to information and the pressure to be constantly connected that social media encourages. The constant flow of information can lead to feelings of overwhelm and the pressure to constantly respond to messages and notifications can lead to feelings of anxiety (Pantic et al., 2014). Social media also has a significant impact on self-esteem. A study by the University of Houston found that individuals who spent more time on social media were more likely to report lower self-esteem (Perloff, 2014). This relationship is thought to be driven by the constant comparison and idealized versions of one's peers' lives that social media encourages. When individuals are exposed to the curated and often idealized versions of their peers' lives, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem (Perloff, 2014). It is important to note that while social media usage can have negative effects on mental health, it is not the sole cause of mental health issues. Rather, it is one of many factors that can contribute to the development of mental health issues. In addition, social media usage can also have positive effects on ment...