Social Media and the Risk of Poor Mental Health Among Young Adults

Abstract

Social media platforms have become an integral part of people’s lives in the last decade. As a prominent fixture in young people’s lives, social platforms have allowed them to share their experiences and connect with peers. However, using these platforms excessively can become problematic. Research has linked problematic use of social sites to more risk of having mental health issues. Some of the common mental health problems reported include depression, anxiety, loneliness, social media-related fatigue, unhappiness, and increased risk of alcohol use. Different reasons contribute to the increased risk of developing mental health problems because of excessive use of these platforms. They are sedentary behavior, poor sleep patterns, cyberbullying and victimization, multitasking, and internalizing online experiences. Others have a high risk of developing mental disorders because they neglect important aspects of their lives such as real-life social interactions. Addressing these factors can lower individual’s risk of developing mental health issues. Besides, some studies have shown that there is a link between using social platforms and positive mental health more so for individuals struggling with mental problems. Social sites can be used to provide social support for young individuals experiencing mental problems. Individuals can use these problems to share about their life struggles with mental issues. They can also use these platforms to obtain help and resources. Therefore, the aim of this review is to explore how social media increases the risk of mental problems among young adults. Keywords: Social media, depression, anxiety, loneliness, social support, problematic/excessive social media use