The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Mental Health
Abstract:
The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
The use of social media significantly impacts mental health. It can enhance connection, increase self-
esteem, and improve a sense of belonging. But it can also lead to tremendous stress, pressure to
compare oneself to others, and increased sadness and isolation. Mindful use is essential to social media
consumption.
Social media has become integral to our daily routines: we interact with family members and friends,
accept invitations to public events, and join online communities to meet people who share similar
preferences using these platforms. Social media has opened a new avenue for social experiences since
the early 2000s, extending the possibilities for communication. According to recent research
[1], people spend 2.3 h daily on social media. YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat have become
increasingly popular among youth in 2022, and one-third think they spend too much time on these
platforms
[2]. The considerable time people spend on social media worldwide has directed researchers’ attention
toward the potential benefits and risks. Research shows excessive use is mainly associated with lower
psychological well-being
[3]. However, findings also suggest that the quality rather than the quantity of social media use can
determine whether the experience will enhance or deteriorate the user’s mental health [4]. In this
collection, we will explore the impact of social media use on mental health by providing comprehensive
research perspectives on positive and negative effects.
4.Social media can provide opportunities to enhance the mental health of users by facilitating social
connections and peer support .
[5]. Indeed, online communities can provide a space for discussions regarding health conditions, adverse
life events, or everyday challenges, which may decrease the sense of stigmatization and increase
belongingness and perceived emotional support. Mutual friendships, rewarding social interactions, and
humor on social media also reduced stress during the COVID-19 pandemic
On the other hand, several studies have pointed out the potentially detrimental effects of social media
use on mental health. Concerns have been raised that social media may lead to body image
dissatisfaction
[6], increase the risk of addiction and cyberbullying involvement , contribute to phubbing behaviors
[9]. Users at risk of social media addiction often report depressive symptoms and lower self-esteem
[10].Overall, findings regarding the impact of social media on mental health pointed out some essential
resources for psychological well-being through rewarding online social interactions. However, there is a
need to raise awareness about the possible risks associated with excessive use, which can negatively
affect mental health and everyday functioning
[11]There is neither a negative nor positive consensus regarding the effects of social media on people.
However, by teaching people social media literacy, we can maximize their chances of having balanced,
safe, and meaningful experiences on these platforms
[12].We encourage researchers to submit their research articles and contribute to a more differentiated
overview of the impact of social media on mental health. BMC Psychology welcomes submissions to its
new collection, which promises to present the latest findings in the emerging field of social media
research. We seek research papers using qualitative and quantitative methods, focusing on social media
users’ positive and negative aspects. We believe this collection will provide a more comprehensive
picture of social media’s positive and negative effects on users’ mental health.