​Social Media’s Affect on Mental Health By: Lizzie Thwaites

A study done by JAMA Psychiatry publishes, “Data collected from 6,600 adolsecents ages 12 to 15 who reported spending time on social media during a typical day has reported mental health difficulties.”  Social media has grown very popular over the years, especially with teens. There are benefits to it, but it can be a harmful effect mentally. 

    Lily Flail mentioned some of the beneficial points, “It helps you reach out to people and you can stay in touch with family and friends.” Social media is great for seeing what friends and family are doing and communication. Raegan Armstrong stated, “I think it can be beneficial but I also feel it can be not beneficial in some ways.” Everything has its pros and cons, and social media seems to have many cons. Since it is continuing to grow, social media will greatly impact the future, Raegan says, “I think it can be negative because, like, it can make people want to be something their not.” Social media and influencers have a huge impact on this generation and standards. Lily said, “I’d say insecurity because we have all these people that make up their perfect life but they don't really show what really goes on so it shows that false sense of perfection.” Young kids especially, are easily influenced so seeing these celebrities on social media can really affect how they look at themselves.  

    Cyberbullying has become a very common thing now with the use of social media. Anna Sass says, “Um, because I feel like they think it's easier to do it than in person because they are hidden behind a screen.” Being bullied online can cause major mental health issues to depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, some people decide to use social media for the wrong reasons and use it to hurt others. Lily said, “People should cut back from it because it can become really addicting.” Lots of teens and adults spend the majority of their day using social media, which is not good for the brain at all.

    Social media has its few benefits and cons. Sadly though, it is harmful and just all around bad for the brain mentally and physically. It is harmful, but social media will continue to grow and big a be part of the future considering it is a big part of the present.