Mental wellbeing
Mental Well-being and Social Media – How Social Networks Affect Our Mental Health
What Does Mental Well-being Mean?
Mental well-being describes how a person feels psychologically and emotionally. It includes aspects such as self-esteem, dealing with emotions, the ability to cope with stress, as well as experiencing joy, satisfaction, and social relationships.
Social media are now an important part of everyday life for many young people. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube allow people to communicate, entertain themselves, and stay in contact with friends. They can strengthen a sense of belonging, provide inspiration, and make it easier to access information.
At the same time, scientific studies show that intensive use of social media can also affect mental well-being – both positively and negatively. What matters most is how and for how long social media are used.
How Can Social Media Affect Mental Well-being?
Social networks often show particularly beautiful, exciting, or successful moments from other people's lives. Many posts are carefully selected or edited and do not reflect everyday life as a whole.
Young people therefore often compare themselves with others. At the same time, likes, comments, or the number of followers can create the feeling that one's own worth depends on the opinions of others. Researchers point out that social comparison and the search for social approval can affect psychological well-being.
What Risks and Challenges Are There?
Social Comparison
When scrolling through social networks, young people often see pictures of seemingly perfect bodies, exciting experiences, or special achievements. This can create the impression that other people are happier or more successful.
This can lead to dissatisfaction with one's own life or appearance.
Stress and Constant Availability
Many young people feel under pressure to respond quickly to messages or regularly post new content. The fear of missing out (“Fear of Missing Out” – FOMO) can also cause stress.
As a result, some people find it difficult to relax or consciously take breaks from social media.
Lower Self-esteem
People who frequently compare themselves with others or place a lot of importance on likes and comments may increasingly make their self-esteem dependent on the feedback of others.
Young people in particular are still developing their identity and can therefore be more sensitive to social judgments.
Mental Health Problems
Scientific studies show that very intensive use of social media can be associated with various mental health problems. These include:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depressive moods
- Loneliness
- Sleep problems
Social media alone do not cause these problems. However, they can make existing problems worse or create additional pressure.
How Can Social Media Also Have Positive Effects?
Social media do not only have risks. They can also support young people by:
- making it easier to stay in contact with friends,
- allowing people to connect over shared interests,
- providing information about health, school, or hobbies,
- offering creative opportunities,
- providing support through online communities.
Using social media consciously can help people benefit from these positive aspects.
How Can You Strengthen Your Mental Well-being?
Having a healthy relationship with social media does not mean giving them up completely. Instead, it is about consciously deciding when and how to use social networks.
Helpful tips include:
- Regularly check your screen time.
- Follow accounts that show realistic and diverse content.
- Avoid constantly comparing yourself with others.
- Take regular breaks from social media.
- Make time for exercise, hobbies, and meeting people in person.
- Consciously put your smartphone away before going to bed.
- Remind yourself that likes and followers say nothing about your value as a person.
- Talk to friends, family members, or trusted adults about difficult experiences.
How Can You Support Your Friends?
If friends seem to be negatively affected by social media or frequently compare themselves with others, support can help.
Helpful things to do include:
- Listen to them and take their concerns seriously.
- Show understanding and avoid blaming them.
- Spend time together without smartphones.
- Give positive feedback that is not only focused on appearance.
- If the problems continue, seek help together from parents, teachers, counseling services, or mental health professionals.
Healthy mental well-being does not come from having as many likes or followers as possible. Instead, it comes from stable relationships, self-confidence, relaxation, and a conscious approach to digital media.
Sources
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Mental Health and Well-being
WHO – Mental Health - American Psychological Association (APA) – Social Media and Mental Health
APA – Social Media and Mental Health - JAMA Network – Research on Social Media and Mental Health in Adolescents
JAMA Network - PubMed – Scientific Studies on Social Media, Well-being, and Mental Health
PubMed - UNICEF – Children, Adolescents, and Mental Well-being in the Digital World
UNICEF
