Breadcrumb Trail Links
In the context of psychological well-being in the digital era, UBC professor Dr. Amori Mikami advocates for a more intentional engagement with social media rather than complete disengagement.
Published Nov 17, 2024 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 3 minute read
University of B.C. professor Amori Mikami. Photo by Arlen Redekop /PNG
Article content
Can we mitigate the psychological harms of social media by altering our engagement strategies instead of severing ties entirely?
When it comes to psychological well-being in the digital age, University of B.C. professor Amori Mikami suggests that embracing social media in a thoughtful manner may yield better outcomes than simply logging off.
Mikami emphasizes the mantra of “quality over quantity” when interacting with social media.
Mikami recently authored a comprehensive study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, which explores the psychological effects of reducing social media usage versus enhancing the quality of its use among young adults aged 17 to 29.
Advertisement 2
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
The detrimental impacts of social media on young individuals are well-documented, with issues like depression, anxiety, negative body image, and cyberbullying frequently arising as significant concerns associated with digital interactions.
Historically, strategies for managing social media use have revolved around abstinence, utilizing approaches such as logging off, deleting applications, quitting entirely, or employing timers to limit exposure.
For digital natives—those raised in an era dominated by technology—total abstinence may not only be impractical but could also be counterproductive.
“Quitting social media, taking a fast or a break doesn’t work for everybody,” Mikami stated. “I was curious to determine whether there exists an alternative that allows individuals to optimize technology use, maximizing benefits while minimizing drawbacks.”
Mikami’s research findings indicate that transforming the manner in which one engages with social media can be more beneficial than total cessation.
Despite the well-known negatives, social media has its advantages, such as fostering connections with family, friends, and peers, which can actively diminish feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Mikami analyzed different groups: one that continued its usual social media routines, another that completely abstained, and a “tips-and-tricks” group that applied strategies to engage with the platforms in a healthier manner, such as logging out of sites that elicited negative emotions and concentrating on positive interactions.
“We encouraged participants to prioritize those fulfilling social relationships that previously brought them joy, whether they were with family or friends,” Mikami explained.
Though abstainers reported some mental health benefits, such as lowered feelings of anxiety and depression, it was the group that used social media thoughtfully that experienced a substantive decrease in loneliness and fear of missing out.
“Social media is fundamentally a commercial product,” emphasized Mikami. “Its revenue model largely depends on keeping users engaged on the platform for as long as possible, making it all too easy to fall into the cycle of self-comparison or endless scrolling.”
Instead of disconnecting completely, leaning into the positive aspects of social media could lead to healthier outcomes without sacrificing valuable connections.
“The true benefits lie in maintaining social connections and keeping in touch with the people who matter to you,” Mikami noted. “Deepening friendships and supporting bonds with loved ones can be critical, especially for individuals from marginalized communities where finding social support is paramount.”
Mikami offers several tips for users seeking to “lean in” rather than log out:
1. Take a moment before logging on to consider your intentions. Ask yourself: ‘Am I procrastinating, or am I genuinely connecting with others?’
2. Be mindful of how your online interactions with specific platforms or individuals impact your mood. Feel free to “unfollow” accounts that induce feelings of anxiety or stress.
3. Embrace the positive: Utilize your online network to nurture or strengthen relationships, actively engaging with those you wish to connect with more deeply.
Recommended from Editorial
-
Closure of TikTok’s Vancouver office a big blow to employees, content creators
-
Calvin White: Warnings on apps won’t make kids forsake social media
Article content
Share this article in your social network
How does intentional social media engagement impact psychological well-being, based on Dr. Mikami’s research findings?
**Interview with Dr. Amori Mikami on Intentional Social Media Engagement**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Mikami. Your recent study sheds important light on the relationship between social media and mental health. Can you summarize the key findings of your research?
**Dr. Mikami:** Thank you for having me! Our research explored how young adults can navigate social media in ways that enhance their psychological well-being. We found that rather than completely disengaging from social media, which may not be practical for many, it’s more beneficial to adopt a more intentional approach. This involves prioritizing quality interactions over sheer quantity.
**Editor:** That’s an interesting perspective. In your study, you mentioned three groups of participants. How did their experiences differ?
**Dr. Mikami:** Yes, we had one group that continued its regular social media habits, another that abstained from social media altogether, and a third that applied specific strategies for healthier engagement. While abstainers reported some short-term mental health benefits, it was the “tips-and-tricks” group that experienced greater reductions in feelings of loneliness and fear of missing out. They focused on engaging with content and connections that uplifted them.
**Editor:** What are some of the strategies you recommend for healthier social media use?
**Dr. Mikami:** We encouraged participants to log out of accounts that sparked negative emotions and to concentrate on positive interactions. Prioritizing fulfilling relationships—whether with family or friends—was crucial. Simple practices like curating one’s feed to include more uplifting content can make a significant difference.
**Editor:** Considering the commercial aspect of social media, how important is it for users to be aware of the platforms’ revenue models?
**Dr. Mikami:** It’s very important. Social media companies thrive on keeping users engaged, which can often lead to unhealthy comparison and excessive scrolling. By being mindful of this, users can take control of their engagement and restore their focus on meaningful interactions rather than just consumption.
**Editor:** what message would you like to leave with our audience regarding social media and mental health?
**Dr. Mikami:** I encourage everyone, especially young adults, to think critically about how they engage with social media. It’s not about choosing between complete abstinence or mindless consumption; it’s about finding a balance that enhances your life and connections. Choose to engage intentionally, and you’ll likely see improvements in your psychological well-being.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Mikami, for your insights. This research certainly adds a valuable dimension to our understanding of mental health in the digital age.
**Dr. Mikami:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic!