Can Social Media Have a Negative Impact on Your Mental Health?

Social media has transformed how people communicate, stay informed, and engage with the world. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook have become ingrained in daily routines, offering instant access to news, entertainment, and social connections. While these platforms provide many benefits, they also raise concerns about their effects on mental health. Excessive social media use has been linked to anxiety, depression, stress, and other psychological challenges.

Studies show that prolonged social media exposure is associated with mental health struggles, especially in young adults and teenagers. Feelings of sadness and hopelessness have increased significantly among adolescents, with excessive screen time and social media engagement playing a role. Similarly, young adults who spend more than three hours a day on social media may be at a higher risk of developing mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.

At Family Psychiatry and Therapy, we help patients manage feelings of anxiety and depression and take control of their lives. Understanding how social media contributes to these issues is essential for individuals seeking to establish a healthier relationship with digital technology. 

How Social Media Contributes to Anxiety and Depression

There are several ways social media may negatively impact mental health. While the specific effects vary from person to person, certain patterns of social media use are linked to increased emotional distress. While there is no demonstrative evidence that social media directly causes depression, a study from the National Institutes of Health in 2016 showed a clear correlation between social media use and depression in young adults.

Below are some of the most common contributors:

The Comparison Trap

One of the most well-documented effects of social media is its tendency to encourage unrealistic comparisons. Platforms are often filled with carefully curated content showcasing the best moments of people’s lives—vacations, achievements, and highlights—while filtering out struggles and mundane experiences. This phenomenon, known as “social comparison,” can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

Passive social media use, such as scrolling without interacting, can worsen this effect. When individuals constantly compare themselves to others online, it may contribute to a decline in well-being and overall life satisfaction.

Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

Unlike face-to-face interactions, social media provides anonymity, which sometimes leads to toxic behaviors such as cyberbullying, harassment, and online shaming. Victims of cyberbullying often experience heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

The psychological consequences of cyberbullying can be severe, particularly for adolescents, who may feel trapped and unable to escape online harassment. The emotional distress caused by these experiences can carry over into real life, affecting self-esteem, academic performance, and personal relationships.

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

FOMO, or the fear of missing out, refers to the anxiety that arises when individuals feel excluded from exciting experiences shared by others online. Social media amplifies this sensation by constantly presenting images and updates that make people feel as if they are missing out on something important. This feeling can lead to increased stress and dissatisfaction with one’s own life.

Many people who experience FOMO feel pressured to stay constantly connected, fearing that they will miss out on valuable social interactions or events. Over time, this pattern can contribute to increased stress and emotional exhaustion.

Social Media and Sleep Disruptions

Sleep plays a crucial role in mental well-being, yet social media use is a known disruptor of sleep patterns. The blue light emitted from screens interferes with melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Additionally, engaging with stimulating content—whether it be distressing news, heated debates, or endless scrolling—can keep the mind active, delaying sleep onset.

Individuals who use social media before bedtime are more likely to experience poor sleep quality, leading to increased stress and emotional fatigue. Developing healthier screen habits, such as limiting phone use before bed, can help mitigate these negative effects.

Signs Social Media Is Negatively Affecting Your Mental Health

While moderate social media use may not be harmful, excessive engagement can lead to negative psychological effects. Here are some warning signs that social media may be taking a toll on your mental well-being:

• Feeling anxious or overwhelmed after using social media
• Experiencing low self-esteem due to online comparisons
• Spending excessive time online, leading to neglect of real-life responsibilities
• Struggling with sleep disturbances due to nighttime scrolling
• Feeling isolated or disconnected from in-person relationships

If you notice these patterns, it may be beneficial to reassess your social media habits and implement healthier digital boundaries.

How to Build a Healthier Relationship with Social Media

Social media is not inherently bad, but its impact on mental health depends on how it is used. Here are some strategies to maintain a healthier relationship with these platforms:

Set Time Limits

Limiting screen time can help reduce stress and anxiety. Many smartphones offer built-in features to track and set time limits for app usage.

Curate Your Feed

Follow accounts that inspire and uplift you. If certain profiles or pages trigger negative emotions, consider unfollowing or muting them.

Take Social Media Breaks

Periodic breaks from social media can improve mental wellbeing. Even short-term reductions in social media use can lead to lower levels of anxiety and depression.

Prioritize Real-Life Connections

Make an effort to spend more time engaging with family, friends, and hobbies outside of the digital world. Strengthening real-life relationships can help counteract the negative effects of social media.

Contact Family Psychiatry and Therapy for Feelings of Anxiety or Depression

Social media can be both a tool for connection and a source of stress. If you or a loved one are struggling with the mental health effects of social media, contact us today. Our team at Family Psychiatry and Therapy is here to provide the guidance and support needed to help you develop a healthier mindset.