Behind the screens: what social media is really doing to our mental health

Social media has become an integral part of our modern lives, but its effects on mental and physical wellbeing are complex and multifaceted. While it can foster connection and community, concerns exist regarding its potential to contribute to anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues.

Most people probably have an idea of whether social media is inherently good or bad for their own health, but is it as simple as good vs negative? Social media is a powerful tool and, like any tool, it depends on how you use it.
To get a better understanding of the impact of social media on mental health, we surveyed 1,000 individuals. In this article, we will discuss the findings and compare responses across generations.

A brief history of social media

Six Degrees was one of the earliest social media platforms. Launched in 1997, it allowed users to create profiles, add friends, and join groups. Social media became mainstream in the early 2000s when platforms like Friendster and MySpace introduced customisable profiles, add-ons, and music features, enhancing the user experience. Whilst the popularity of these platforms increased, so did cyberbullying, as evidenced by the tragic suicide of 13-year-old Megan Meier in 2006.

Fast forward to the present day, where social media is no longer confined to our desktop computers. Instead, we carry a multitude of platforms on our mobile devices, accessible at all hours of the day. This dramatic shift has reshaped how we engage with social media, and consequently the significance it holds in our lives. Understanding how audiences feel about social media is especially important for brands and businesses, who may concern using social media strategies in their marketing.

Word cloud analysis

Positive impact
In our survey, we asked respondents to use one word to describe how social media makes them feel. Of the answers given, almost half (45%) had a positive sentiment, while 37.5% were negative and 17.5% were neutral. This suggests that despite concerns about social media’s negative impacts, many individuals have a positive outlook on social media.

The most used word was “connected”, which appears 125 times. This suggests that many people benefit from the ability to connect with others through social media. This sentiment is further supported by other answers to our survey. When asked whether social media had a positive or negative effect on their mental health, one respondent said it “…helps me feel connected to people and the world.” Another expressed that “…keeping in touch with those I care about keeps me happy and informed.” Indeed, for some, social media provides a vital lifeline. As one respondent put it, “It has helped if anything as I’m not able to get out and about anymore.”

The 2021 Journal of Medical Internet Research study found that online support groups can be helpful for managing depression, especially during periods of isolation, such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the 2021 Trevor Project National Survey, which focused on LGBTQ+ youth, revealed that social media platforms can help this demographic find affirming communities and supportive connections online, with 69% of respondents reporting positive experiences.

Other frequently used positive words to describe social media include:

• Informed (67 times)
• Happy (45 times)
• Interested (33 times)
• Entertained (29 times)
• Inspired (15 times)

Many people using words like “informed”, “interested”, and “inspired” suggests that social media is a good source of information and education. One individual explained they “…use social media for inspiration” and another said “I’ve…got engineering and science groups I follow.”
The 2022 Mind Youth study emphasised how social media can be used as a tool for education. The study found that access to mental health information online led to improved understanding, with participants reporting that they learned coping strategies via social media platforms.

In our survey, the word “happy” also ranks highly among the positive words used to describe social media and implies that it may actually improve mental wellbeing as opposed to harm it. One respondent said, “Social media helps me to forget my worries. It keeps me engaged.” While social media can be a good tool for distraction, it can also make it difficult to disengage and can possibly lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety.

Negative impact
The word “overwhelmed” emerges as the most frequently used to describe negative feelings associated with social media. This feeling may stem from the constant influx of information, the pressure to conform to unachievable lifestyle and beauty standards, or the inability to switch off and take time away from the screen.
Other frequently used negative words to describe social media include:

• Anxious (20 times)
• Annoyed (19 times)
• Frustrated (19 times)
• Uncomfortable (18 times)
• Depressed (15 times)

The term “doom scrolling” emerged in recent years, notably during the pandemic, to describe the habit of compulsively scrolling through social media for hours at a time. The term is synonymous with feelings of anxiety and burnout due to not being able to stop, and usually coming away feeling worse than when you started. One respondent from our survey said, “I’m addicted to doom scrolling and find it very difficult to put my phone down, it’s affecting my physical…and mental health by too much screen time.” Another claimed, “It can sometimes suck you in and before you know it a few hours have passed.”

The Microsoft Attention Span study conducted in 2015 investigated the impact that leading ever-increasing ‘digital lifestyles’ was having on our attention span. They found that the average human attention span had decreased from 12 seconds to 8 seconds over the span of 13 years, with social media usage identified as a major contributing factor.
Many respondents in our study mentioned the negativity spread by other users of social media, claiming “There is so much aggression in postings…” and expressed frustration at “the judgement or trolling people do for their own amusement.” One respondent stressed the importance of limiting online connections: “I limit the ‘friends’ that I have to ensure positivity and do not accept random people.” Another explained: “I…use social media more to browse and read rather than interacting with others so I don’t feel stressed.”

Generational differences

Gen Z vs Millennials

When asked whether social media has negatively affected mental health, both generations showed an awareness of the negative impacts social media can have on mental health. Approximately 34% of respondents from each generation reported negative mental health consequences stemming from social media use.
The younger generations were also shown to spend more time on social media. A quarter of Gen Z and a fifth of Millennials reported spending 4 to 6 hours daily on these platforms, while almost a fifth of Gen Z spend over 7 hours a day engaging with social media.

A 2018 study by Lancaster University researchers, which involved over 10,000 participants, looked into the relationship between social media usage and depression symptoms in adolescents. They found a correlation between high social media use and an increased likelihood of reporting depression symptoms, particularly for girls. More specifically, the study found that teenage girls who spent five or more hours a day on social media were three times more likely to report symptoms of depression compared to girls who used social media for one to three hours a day.

The silent generation

In stark contrast to the younger generations, the ‘Silent Generation’ (people born between 1928 and 1945) predominantly reported no change to their mental or physical health due to social media, with respondents saying “I’m older so I believe that helps my mental health not getting affected” and “I’m the generation that don’t believe everything in social media is true…” This disparity is likely due to the limited exposure to social media during their formative years.

There is also a significant difference in screen time between generations, with 91% of the Silent Generation reporting spending less than an hour per day on social media.
Intentional use may be a mitigating factor in whether social media negatively impacts health. Individuals who reported no negative impacts across all generations tended to demonstrate greater intentionality in their usage patterns, including limiting their time on these platforms and consciously choosing the content they consume.

Finding balance

While social media can offer valuable connections and support, particularly for marginalised communities and those seeking mental health information, research suggests it can also negatively impact mental health, especially among younger people.

To gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between social media and mental health, we consulted with Anna Shears, a positive psychologist and accredited coach. Shears states that

“Social media effects often interact with pre-existing conditions, and long-term impacts are still being studied as social media is relatively new.”

She goes on to say,

“In summary, I would say that a balanced approach is necessary when looking at the effects of social media on mental health. Disproportionate or excessive use can have negative consequences, whereas when used in a meaningful way as a tool to seek support or guidance can be useful. Proportionate use by younger people should be moderated with clear boundaries to ensure a healthy balance.”