The Established Link Between Depression And Social Media

When used responsibly, social media may be an insightful tool. It can allow persons to keep in touch with friends and relatives and establish contacts that can be useful in a professional setting while potentially enabling defenders of social justice to speak out against unfair policies or leadership. However, emerging evidence has shown a clear link between social media use and depression, which can be valuable to examine.

How is depression related to social media usage?

According to a survey, 97% of youth aged 13 to 17 have at least one social media account, and over half report being online daily or nearly daily. On average, adolescents spend between five and seven hours on social media daily, not including the time spent doing homework or attending classes online.

For those prone to depression, social media can be more harmful than helpful. Many young people regard feedback from their peers as being of the utmost importance. An offhanded comment by someone on a social media page can affect one's mental health and increase their risk for depression. 

A child being bullied or teased online might emotionally distance themselves from their family members. They may become reluctant to go to school or leave the house. They may sleep too much or little or lash out verbally or physically. In extreme cases, there is evidence that social media can influence suicide-related behavior in children and adults. Other categories below explain further connections between depression and social media. 

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text 988 to talk to a crisis provider over SMS. They are available 24/7 to offer support. 988 also offers an online chat for those with an internet connection.

Societal changes

Studies show that depression among teens and young adults has skyrocketed over the last few years, coinciding with social media's rise in popularity. While there is no clear evidence that social media use directly causes depression, experts have found several ways internet use can harm kids.

For example, social media usage often involves a desire for social recognition. It can be highly upsetting when someone is scorned via Twitter or another platform, and being ignored can also feel alienating. Social media can also give users a sense of missing out. Since some of the content uploaded to the internet is curated, watching others have fun, go on vacation, or live seemingly "perfect" lives can affect a person's self-worth and self-esteem.

Fewer face-to-face interactions

In the social media age, the time spent by young people interacting with their peers face-to-face has lessened. In the 1980s, kids would go to the local mall or the video arcade to talk and hang out. In modern society, many of these interactions are held online, and because of this, there may be a lack of deep empathetic connections being made.

How to address depression related to social media

Parents and caregivers may think that limiting social media is the best way to reduce adverse mental health impacts on their children. However, enforcing these rules can be challenging, and children may find other ways to connect online in secret.

One of the most effective ways to keep children and adolescents safe online, according to research, is having frank conversations with them about it in the same way that you might about sex, substances, and other temptations that they may face. You might tell your children that even though social media can be valuable and fun in moderation, it can become potentially harmful if it becomes an obsession.

Kids might tend to downplay the importance of social media in their lives and its power over them. Yet there is mounting evidence that too much social media use can lead to depression and negative thoughts and actions, and it can be a distraction from chores and schoolwork.

Set limits

Parents may sometimes limit a child's social media use in the same way they might limit their TV watching or set a bedtime for them on school nights. Social media can become harmful when parents aren't paying attention. By ensuring you are present and active in your child's everyday life, you can help them healthily use social media.

The more active you are in your kids' lives, the more you may instill positive values. For example, you can tell them that a particular time of the evening is designated as dinnertime; during that hour, they may be asked to spend time with the family and not use their phones. After dinner, you might set rules about when they need to do their homework rather than engaging with their friends on social media via cell phone, desktop, or laptop.

Children may resist the idea initially, but they may adjust to the routine if you're firm in your convictions and don't back down. This practice might also set a positive example. If you chastise your child for using their phone but spend excessive time on social media yourself, you may percieved as hypocritical. However, if you use the designated screen-free times to give your kids your undivided attention, they might see the value and enjoyment in that quality time. 

Watch for changes in behavior

Watch your children to ensure they are not exhibiting any symptoms of depression that you suspect could be related to social media. In addition, it may be helpful if you encourage them to limit their use by partaking in activities like sports, clubs, afterschool groups, or volunteer work.  

Social media for adults

For adults who have difficulty with social media use and no longer have a parent or guardian to tell them to limit their consumption, it can be difficult to extricate themselves from the situation. The urge to check your profile several times daily can be as enticing as spending money or drinking with friends. For many, compulsive behavior can be seen with social media similarly to other compulsions, like substance use. 

You may decide to contact a healthcare professional about your social media usage if it has a profound negative impact on your life. If you're feeling miserable about what people say on social media, consider speaking to a therapist. 

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources.

Social media can expose more profound concerns

People who overuse social media might do so because they struggle with making genuine personal connections. Interactions in cyberspace are not interactions in real life. Your pleasure receptors in your brain may be stimulated if a few people like your vacation pictures. Still, that feeling might quickly dissipate if someone says something hurtful about your physical appearance. Social media can have power over many, and you may have the choice between ignoring it or focusing on these areas further. 

Counseling options 

Social media may be considered a tool; it can be constructive or destructive, depending on how you use it. Experts don't know all the long-term effects of excessive social media use. Still, many studies show it can change the brain similarly to dependency and may be linked with depression. It can help to set some time away from screens and spend time with family or friends. In addition, if you are concerned about your children's use of social media, it can help to set a positive example consciously. 

If you're looking for support in moving forward from excessive social media use, you might try another form of online support through online therapy. Online therapy is affordable compared to in-person treatments, and clinical studies have also proven that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy. If you want to talk about your social media use or are worried about using social media to avoid other challenges, a therapist can be an effective support system. 

Through an online platform like BetterHelp, you can work with a compassionate provider who meets your needs. When signing up, you can clarify any areas on which you'd like to focus and whether you'd like your therapist to have experience with your symptoms or identity.