A significant debate has risen in the social and scientific communities in the past decade, centered on one key question: Does social media cause anxiety? We've moved past the age of simply seeing social media as an entertaining pastime or an avenue for connecting with old friends. With an estimated 4.2 billion active social media users worldwide, we must explore its impact on our mental health.
The Digital Dilemma
Research is ongoing, but an increasing body of evidence suggests a connection between social media use and increased anxiety. A study published in the 'Journal of Abnormal Psychology' in 2019 noted that high digital media usage may be associated with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among adolescents (Twenge et al., 2019).
Likewise, a report in the 'Canadian Journal of Psychiatry' revealed that higher levels of social media use, nighttime-specific social media use, and emotional investment in social media — such as feeling upset when prevented from logging on — were each linked with worse sleep quality and higher levels of anxiety and depression (Woods & Scott, 2016).
Social Media, the Anxiety Amplifier
Despite these findings, it's important to note that social media is not necessarily the root cause of anxiety but acts as an amplifier in most cases. Social media exacerbates feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and depression by promoting unrealistic life standards and facilitating social comparison. The 'Fear of Missing Out' (FOMO), an increasingly common phenomenon where individuals fear they're being left out of rewarding experiences that others are having, is primarily driven by social media usage and can significantly contribute to anxiety (Przybylski et al., 2013).
Positive Aspects of Social Media
However, it's not all doom and gloom. Social media also has its positive aspects, like fostering social connections, providing platforms for self-expression, and increasing access to health information. It's all about how we utilize these platforms, how we let them affect our self-perception, and the boundaries we set for ourselves.
Tools for Mindful Social Media Use
So, if the question is, "Does social media cause anxiety?" the answer is, "It can." However, it doesn't mean we should discard social media entirely. Instead, it's more about encouraging mindful and responsible social media use.
One tool to help with this is applying 'digital minimalism,' an idea put forth by Cal Newport. He suggests focusing on what's essential in the digital space and ignoring everything else. It's about choosing technology that directly benefits things we value instead of mindlessly interacting with it (Newport, 2019).
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, social media can contribute to anxiety, but how it impacts us depends significantly on how we use it. It's a tool; like any tool, it can be used or misused. Remember, if you're feeling anxiety or depression, always seek professional help. Social media can be an excellent tool but should never replace real-life interactions and professional mental health assistance.
What's Next?
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Further Reading and Resources
Twenge, J. M., Cooper, A. B., Joiner, T. E., Duffy, M. E., & Binau, S. G. (2019). Age, period, and cohort trends in mood disorder indicators and suicide-related outcomes in a nationally representative dataset, 2005–2017. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 128(3), 185–199. [Abstract](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31070493/)
Woods, H. C., & Scott, H. (2016). #Sleepyteens: Social media use in adolescence is associated with poor sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Journal of Adolescence, 51, 41–49. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140197116300476)
Przybylski, A. K., Murayama, K., DeHaan, C. R., & Gladwell, V. (2013). Motivational, emotional, and behavioral correlates of fear of missing out. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(4), 1841–1848. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23664600/
Newport, C. (2019). Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40672036-digital-minimalism)
Center for Humane Technology (http://www.humanetech.com/) – Offers resources for using technology in a balanced, respectful way.
References
Przybylski, A. K., Murayama, K., DeHaan, C. R., & Gladwell, V. (2013). Motivational, emotional, and behavioral correlates of fear of missing out. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(4), 1841–1848.
Twenge, J. M., Cooper, A. B., Joiner, T. E., Duffy, M. E., & Binau, S. G. (2019). Age, period, and cohort trends in mood disorder indicators and suicide-related outcomes in a nationally representative dataset, 2005–2017. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 128(3), 185–199.
Woods, H. C., & Scott, H. (2016). #Sleepyteens: Social media use in adolescence is associated with poor sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Journal of Adolescence, 51, 41–49.
Newport, C. (2019). Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World. Portfolio/Penguin.