It’s no secret that the world today spends a significant amount of time online, whether it be for work or personal leisure. Regardless of what draws people to social media – whether it’s to catch up on news, connect with friends, or scroll through viral videos on any number of subjects – spending too much time online has the potential to negatively affect our well-being. Viewing the world through a screen can warp our perceptions, with polished filters and expertly angled shots portraying idealised and often exaggerated lifestyles that can chip away at self-esteem.
As users immerse themselves online more and more, it can create a desire to compare their own lives, leading to feelings of inadequacy or discontent. Interacting with this digital world of influencers and manufactured content can blur the lines of reality. Consequently, distinguishing between genuine and produced content becomes increasingly challenging, potentially impacting one’s perception of self-worth and overall health.
The impact of social media on mental health Mental health is a top concern among adults, and social media is a potential driver impacting Americans’ mental health. Recent data from a CVS Health and Morning Consult survey found that more than a third (36%) of respondents aged 18 to 34 believe social media has hurt society at-large. Some people are beginning to take charge of their social media usage with one in three (34%) adults turning off notifications and 33% attempting to spend.