Social Media vs. Mental Health: Is there a healthy balance?
- Kinsman Quarterly
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
By Audre Arnett
I started actively using social media at ten years old. My internet obsession began with tracking the latest updates on teen pop-sensation, Justin Bieber. My growing social anxiety made me reserved at school, but talkative online. The internet was my mask. I sent the trending memes to family members and friends. I laughed at home-made comedy skits. I became versatile in different genres and generations of music. I posted cheesy music videos through an online game I played to gain likes and views. As a teenager, the internet was my safe haven. As a young adult, it haunts me as an unhealthy addiction.
Social media is now a concerning part of our routine. However, the real problem exists with how long teenagers use it. According to Seattleanxiety.com, “Because social media inherently offers us so many methods for connection that don’t require any face-to-face interaction, our over-reliance on it is causing us to become more socially anxious every year. This is especially relevant when it comes to younger generations, who have increasingly liberal access to social media at younger and younger ages” (Thompson, 2024). It is a detachment from reality, which impacts mental health. It creates unrealistic beauty and lifestyle standards. It replaces real friendships with digital substitutes. It distorts self-worth through constant comparison. It encourages curated, inauthentic self-presentation. It reduces attention span and mindfulness. It promotes escapism over real-life problems. It normalizes unhealthy or risky behaviors. It overexposes teens to negative news. It interrupts sleep, skewing daily perception. It fosters dependence on virtual validation.
Here's just a few ways that social media detaches us from reality:
It creates unrealistic beauty and lifestyle standards
It replaces real friendships with digital substitutes
It distorts self-worth through constant comparison
It encourages curated, inauthentic self-presentation
It reduces attention span and mindfulness
It promotes escapism over real-life problems
It normalizes unhealthy or risky behaviors
It overexposes teens to negative news
It interrupts sleep, skewing daily perception
It fosters dependence on virtual validation
Here’s a few ways to connect with reality again:
Go outside, get connected with nature; sport activities, photography (even with the smartphone), walks/hikes, exercise.
Library trips—Read within your favorite genre.
Gain a new hobby; painting, drawing, kickboxing, etc.
Writing—journaling, poetry, story writing, songwriting, playwriting, etc.
Cooking with family or friends
Spend time with a furry friend
Hand engagement; knitting, crocheting, braiding, puzzling, etc.
In 2024, Yale Medicine reported, “According to a research study of American teens ages 12-15, those who used social media over three hours each day faced twice the risk of having negative mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety symptoms” (Katella 2024). Understanding the prioritization of mental health is crucial. It impacts teenagers' physical health, academic performance, social well-being, and establishes habits for adulthood. The goal isn’t to encourage deactivation of social media accounts. Find mindfulness in limiting usage, unfollowing negativity, prioritizing real-world connections, and discovering hidden talents in offline activities. The internet will be there when you get back.
Sources:
Katella, K. (2024, June 17). How social media affects your teen’s mental health: a parent’s guide. Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/social-media-teen-mental- health-a-parents-guide
Thompson, B. (2024, April 22). Exploring the recent rise of social anxiety disorder — Seattle Psychiatrist — Seattle Anxiety Specialists - Psychiatry, Psychology, and Psychotherapy. Seattle Anxiety Specialists - Psychiatry, Psychology, and Psychotherapy. https://seattleanxiety.com/psychiatrist/2023/2/24/exploring-the-recent-rise-of-social- anxiety-disorder
Audre Arnett holds a BA in English from Towson University. Outside of her role as Assistant Plant Administrator at Panera Bread’s Fresh Dough Facility, she is a versatile writer. From an internship as a blog writer for The DC Voice and The Just Girl Project to interning as a grant writer for the Maryland Food Bank. She currently has two manuscripts in progress, focusing on her memoir. Following in her great-grandmother’s footsteps, Audre is cultivating her mastery of sewing and plans to turn this passion into a small business, inspiring others through her artistry.
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