From the University of California, Davis Health to Pew Research Center to Annie E. Foundation, all report that social media has a significant impact on mental health, with several studies showing how social media can negatively impact on, majorly, adolescence and young adults wellbeing by aiding anxiety, depression and loneliness.
“The addictive nature of social media activates the brain’s reward center by releasing dopamine,” UC Davis Health reports on its website. “When we post something, our friends and family can ‘like’ it, giving us a boost of dopamine. However, when we don’t get that boost or approval, it can impact our sense of self and adequacy.”
Social media is present in many people’s lives, according to Pew Research Center, one in five teens reported using social media apps like Youtube or TikTok “almost constantly.” With that much media consumption occurring, it tends to have an easier effect on people.
“When viewing various things one can have the perception that ‘everyone’s life is better than mine’ when in reality, they are just living a regular life,” mental health counselor Sasha Cotton said. “It [social media] has a tendency to lower self esteem due to comparison.”
