By Mental Health First Aid USA on June 19, 2019
“While notable shares [of teens] say they at times feel overwhelmed by the drama on social media and pressure to construct only positive images of themselves, they simultaneously credit these online platforms with several positive outcomes – including strengthening friendships, exposing them to different viewpoints and helping people their age support causes they care about,” according to a survey by Pew Research Center.
By age 12, 50 percent of young people in the United States use at least one social media platform. That means at least half of all youth are on social media and susceptible to both its positive and negative effects.
As children grow up and enter their teenage years, they are faced with unique situations – bullying, peer pressure, body image and more. These issues usually occur face-to-face, at school or during extracurricular activities; however, they can occur online through social media. Either way, these interactions can lead to increased feelings of depression and anxiety.
That’s why it’s important to be careful when using social media and focus on making it a positive and empowering environment. Here are three easy ways to use social media constructively:
- Connect with loved ones.
Social media is a great way to stay in touch with your friends and family, whether they live nearby or across the globe. Use your social media channels to reach out and see how your loved ones are doing, share personal stories and photos and remind you of the important people in your life. - Follow and share inspiring stories.
Follow and share inspiring stories that make you feel confident and positive about your life. If a friend or influencer is sharing negative content that makes you anxious, sad or insecure, remove that person from your news feed. - Create a balance.
Create a balance between using social media and focusing on what’s in front of you. Take time to connect with your loved ones not only through technology, but also through face-to-face interactions. This will help you be mindful of what’s real and most important to you.
These tips can help make social media a more positive experience that builds confidence, strengthens relationships and increases awareness. Young people can support each other when it’s needed most and understand when someone might need help – in person and online.
If you or someone you know is struggling with negativity from social media or elsewhere, remember that asking for help is okay. Mental Health First Aid can help you identify and understand your feelings and provide strategies on how to get the help you may need. Take a course today and #BeTheDifference.
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FAQs
The pros of social media
Find new friends and communities; network with other people who share similar interests or ambitions. Join or promote worthwhile causes; raise awareness on important issues. Seek or offer emotional support during tough times.
How can social media help with mental health? ›
Far from increasing isolation, social media can provide alternative means of finding support, even helping to lift depression, and as Meetups have shown, provide a healthy excuse to go outside rather than stay cooped up indoors or hunched over a computer.
How can social media be positively used? ›
Social media is a great way to connect with people, maintain friendships, share interests and stay up to date with news and events. It's also important to be aware of the impacts social media can have on your mental health and wellbeing.
What are the positive effects of social media on children's mental health? ›
Social media can provide benefits for some youth by providing positive community and connection with others who share identities, abilities, and interests. It can provide access to important information and create a space for self-expression.
What are 3 ways a client's social environment can impact their mental health? ›
Three main types of environmental factors that affect mental health are: Physical factors, such as pollution, working conditions, and weather conditions. Social factors, such as abuse, poor support, and toxic relationships. Other factors, such as lack of stimulation, lack of green outdoor spaces, and messy environments.
How is social media good for society? ›
Social media's impact has created many positive effects for society. Mesfin Awoke Bekalu and Rachel F. McCloud concluded in a 2020 Harvard study that routine daily use of social media positively correlated with “three health-related outcomes: social well-being, positive mental health, and self-rated health.”
What are 5 negative uses of social media? ›
These negative effects include cyberbullying, the spread of misinformation, addiction, the decline in face-to-face communication, self-esteem issues, social isolation, polarization, and echo chambers, cyber stalking and harassment, a decrease in privacy, and comparison and envy.
What are the positive effects of social media on the mind? ›
How your social media makes you feel is dependent on the type of content and people that you choose to follow. A strong network of like-minded voices can lead to interesting conversations, new ideas and inspirations. By being selective of the content you choose to see, time spent online can lead to positive feelings.
What are 3 impacts on your mental health? ›
For example, the following factors could potentially result in a period of poor mental health: childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect. social isolation or loneliness. experiencing discrimination and stigma, including racism.
