In this web portal we examine the positive and negative impacts of social media. The negatives may seem overwhelming, but as a user we have the power to use our technology for the betterment of ourselves and others. In the form of physical activity, mental health resources, creative expression, and human connection, we can restore technology's hopeful future.
Basic Human Needs that Contribute to Happiness:
Physical Activity:
- Exercise improves mental health by decreasing anxiety and boosting self-esteem.
- Helps with social withdrawal
- Decreases symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts
- Brings motivation in all areas of your life
Emotional and Creative Outlets:
- Sharing creativity on social media
- Discovering new ideas and projects through social media
- Connecting with friends and family
- Access to more mental health resources than ever before
“In a nationally representative sample of adolescents, more social media use was associated with more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Increased physical activity was associated with decreased depression and anxiety symptoms. Physical activity partially mediated the relationship between social media use and depression and anxiety. “ (National Library of Medicine)
Depression By Technology
Depression due to over-use of social media affects people young and old. It was shown that people under 35 experienced a mass amount of depressive symptoms from the over-use of TikTok and Snapchat.
Additionally, users over the age of 35 over-using facebook showed the same amount of high-level depressive symptoms.
Self-Esteem, Body Image, and Physical Inactivity by Technology
It is shown that lack of physical activity, caused by increased use of screens, can lead to weight gain, reduced sleep, and diabetes.
According to a survey of teens students, asked if they experienced issues regarding their self-esteem and body image because of social media, 47% said yes, 30% said probably, and only 23% of students said no.
Anxiety Due to Technology
There are many ways technology can increase our stress and anxiety levels. For example, the blue light emitted from our phone and computer screens can interrupt our natural sleeping patterns, leading to a worse night's sleep. Without the proper rest that we need, our anxiety levels go up.
Technology and social media especially can also lead us to feel FOMO or have a fear of missing out. FOMO is a type of social anxiety where we feel that if we are away from our screens and social media apps for just a couple of hours, we will miss out on important news, events, life updates, etc.
However, there are ways to work against technology's negative affects. Think of 'digital wellness'(a key idea in finding harmony in tech) as a spectrum, ranging from excessive technology use to complete unplugging:
It is not about discarding technology and social media, but rather, using it in a controlled way that is beneficial instead of detrimental.
How Can We Combat This?
There are many forms of action we can take to keep our activity online healthy and uplifting; some of these include:
- Do not overuse: One of the most important steps in digital wellness is using it to enhance parts of your life, not take over. A little goes a long way.
- Explore opportunities for physical activity and motivation: Researches found that exploring physical activity pages on social media and getting into physical wellness apps greatly improves motivation in users.
- Physical activity apps: can provide curated exercise for your exact needs, as well as provided goals and rewards to make bettering your physical health an enticing process.
- Try it out: Start slow; track your screen and social media time for the day, take 30 minutes from that time away from social media and replace it with a form of physical activity. You will absolutely notice a difference in your happiness.
- Access to creative outlets and sharing: Now more than ever, artists and creatives have platforms to explore, share, create, and collaborate. Rather than scrolling for hours, utilize social media's original intent, and share something you're proud of.
- Mental health resources: Although technology has caused a wave of negative impact on mental health, there is an abundance of resources at our fingertips who are willing and able to help.
Mental Health Resources:
- The National Crisis Hotline: Text HOME to 741741 and or text STEVE to 741741 for a crisis hotline made for the support of young people of color.
- The Trevor Project: Support and help for LGBTQA+ youth - Available by call, text, or chat. Visit the website for more info or send a text to 678678.
- National Domestic Ab*se Hotline: 800 - 799 - 7233
Caroline Engel, Josie Ford, Sophie Dubé
NMD 211 With Jon Ippolito
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470658/
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/technology-and-the-future-of-mental-health-treatment
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity
https://etactics.com/blog/negative-effects-of-technology-on-mental-health
https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/activity/social-media-to-promote-health/
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=does-social-media-motivate-or-discourage-you-to-work-out-88-p11067#:~:text=In%20a%20new%20study%2C%20researchers,feel%20motivated%20to%20work%20out.
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_technology_can_be_part_of_a_happy_life
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/09/220907105433.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8482183/
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/health-sports-psychology/mental-health/stress-and-anxiety-the-digital-age-the-dark-side-technology
Credits:
Created with images by Drazen - "Happy African American businessman uses laptop while talking to colleague at creative office." • New Africa - "Lonely woman with smart phone sitting on floor in dark room. Space for text" • Elena - "Portrait of a sad girl with a smartphone in one hand and a smiling mask in the other hand." • peopleimages.com - "Sad, anxiety and woman at mirror with phone for pensive reflection photograph for social media. Depressed black girl with frustrated and unhappy face thinking of self esteem problem in distress." • WavebreakMediaMicro - "Executives doing yoga in office"