Have you ever heard the phrase, “too much of a good thing?” It means that anything in excess can become harmful—too much time in the sun and your skin burns. Too much chocolate pie, and you get a stomach ache. A little vitamin D, a yummy piece of pie, or even a good glass of wine…all are fine until you have too much. Now apply that same principle to the time you spend on social media.
Social media in and of itself is not bad. But researchers are noticing a trend that should be concerning to us all. Dr. Jeremiah Dickerson, a child psychologist at the UVM Medical Center, emphasizes the stark difference in the quality of connections built through social media compared to real-life interactions. He explains that falling into a vicious cycle of social media dependence can be challenging to overcome, especially for individuals who continue to use these platforms extensively. The vulnerable nature of teenage minds makes them particularly susceptible to the manipulative algorithms that drive social media applications. A Pew Research Center poll revealed that 95% of teens use social media daily, with 35% using at least one of the most popular platforms “almost constantly.”
Reward systems embedded within social media platforms play a significant role in triggering addictive behavior among teens. Notifications, likes, and comments release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, which creates a craving for more. This addiction-like response further fuels their desire for validation and acceptance. It is crucial to recognize that excessive dopamine release can have adverse effects on mental health and overall well-being. Teenage girls, in particular, face immense pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by social media. And with photo editing apps, the ability to alter body shape and skin texture makes the line between reality and fantasy all the more difficult. The constant self-comparison and self-criticism can lead to low self-esteem and increased vulnerability to mental health issues. In fact, a recent CDC survey revealed that from 2011 to 2021, “persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in teenage girls soared from 36% to 57%. The percentage who’d considered suicide within the past year rose by 60%. In the previous decade – before all the major social media apps launched – levels remained relatively steady.”
So, what can we do? For starters, establish limits and boundaries around social media. Encourage face-to-face interactions with people. Dr. Dickerson also urges parents to model healthy social media relationships and engage in open, non-judgemental conversations with their children. By discussing how social media makes them feel, parents can help their kids develop self-awareness. Social media isn’t going away, so we need to help our children navigate it in a healthy, responsible way. It may not be easy, but it can be done.
To read more on this, visit the link here: https://www.wcax.com/2023/05/17/healthwatch-social-medias-mental-health-toll-teens/
