Bitescience, in collaboration with the Expertise Center for Digitalization and Wellbeing of the Trimbos Institute, analyzed the most recent and relevant research among young people on the impact of social media.
The positive and negative sides of social media
We see that there is both a positive and a negative mortgage is between social media use and the well-being of young people. Social media offer young people many opportunities. Such as making contacts, deepening relationships, finding support from others and forming their identity. This can contribute to higher self-confidence, more positive self-image, stronger social skills, less loneliness and greater life satisfaction.
But social media use may also be related to anxiety, feelings of depression, and lower life satisfaction. In addition, the pressure to always be connected and accessible can cause anxiety and cause young people to sleep worse.
It is difficult to prove the effect of social media on the well-being of young people
It is difficult for researchers to prove that social media is real effect have on the well-being of young people. A causal relationship is often not found. But that there is one relation is confirmed in some studies. This concerns, for example, an interaction. Consider, for example, young people who use social media more due to feelings of depression. Their depressive feelings are in turn reinforced by social media.
What is striking in the studies is that the link between social media and the well-being of young people is generally very small. For a large group of young people we even see no connection at all. According to some researchers, this does not alter the fact that the social consequences can be major, even if only a small group experiences negative effects. For some young people we see a clear relationship between social media and their well-being. Certain personal characteristics and how social media is used play a role in this.
Personal qualities that play a role
The most important personal characteristics that can influence the relationship between social media use and well-being are gender, age, the ability to regulate your emotions, your personality and exercise.
Gender: girls vs. guys
Girls seem to use social media more often to maintain social relationships than boys. As a result, they experience more online support and more meaningful online relationships. But they are also more susceptible to the negative aspects of social media. Especially when it comes to body image satisfaction and online bullying. Read more about the role of gender.
Age
Younger teens (10 to 15 years old) who spend a relatively large amount of time on social media appear to be more vulnerable to developing depressive and anxious symptoms as a result of social media use. This is because they have more limited social and emotion regulation skills than older young people.
Being able to regulate emotions
Young people who can regulate their emotions well are less affected by the negative sides of social media. Young people who are less good at regulating their emotions more often use social media to regulate their mood. For example, they look for distraction on social media when they feel bad. These are also more often young people who have feelings of depression.
Personality
Extroverted, socially confident young people who have a strong offline social network would mainly use social media to communicate with that network. As a result, they experience better offline friendships and more social support. Introverted young people with lower social self-esteem and a less strong offline social network would be more likely to interact with strangers online. This increases the risk of unwanted contacts via social media. Read more about the role of personality.
Movement
Young people who are more physically active seem less susceptible to the negative sides of social media use, such as anxiety and depressive feelings.
How do young people use social media?
The way young people use social media can also influence their mental health and well-being. The main features are: the way they use it, how long they spend on social media and the type of feedback (such as comments or ‘likes’) they receive.
The way of use
Young people who mainly use social media passive way (for example, by viewing photos of other users or scrolling through comments or feeds) young people are more likely to compare themselves to others. They also experience envy, loneliness, anxiety and depressive feelings more often. Young people who use social media mainly active way people, experience a more positive mood, view themselves more positively, are more satisfied with their lives and experience more social support from others. It appears that young people who use social media to express their thoughts and feelings and to find social support have better overall mental health. They are also more satisfied with their lives. Read more about how social media is used.
How much time on social media
Anxiety, feelings of depression and sleep problems seem to be more common among young people who spend a lot of time on social media. According to some studies, that is more than 2 hours per day. According to other studies, it is more than 4 hours per day. Young people who use social media in a problematic way also experience more negative consequences. The relationship between excessive/problematic social media use and anxiety and feelings of depression is two-sided: excessive and problematic social media use can lead to anxiety and feelings of depression. On the other hand, those feelings can lead to excessive and problematic use of social media. Moderate social media use (less than about two hours per day) has been linked in some studies to higher life satisfaction, more perceived social support, better social relationships, and stronger community involvement.
Side note: However, there are also studies that find no relationship between time spent on social media and well-being.
Positive, negative or no feedback
Young people who receive positive feedback on social media (such as compliments or kind comments) have higher self-esteem, a more positive self-image and are more satisfied with their lives. This is especially true when that feedback comes from close friends. Young people who receive negative feedback (e.g. hate or other unkind reactions) or are ignored or excluded on social media experience a lower sense of self-acceptance and self-esteem. They feel less comfortable in their own skin. Young people who are ignored or excluded online also experience the feeling of not belonging.
Properties of the content
Positive messages about mental health, such as messages that break the taboo surrounding mental health, can inspire young people and teach them something. It can also promote discussions about mental health and support young people recovering from a disorder. Young people who more often use visual social media, such as Instagram and TikTok, appear to be more concerned about their body image and are more likely to suffer from anxiety and feelings of depression. Seeing the number of ‘likes’, friends and followers can also influence the self-acceptance of young people. That’s because it can be interpreted as a measure of self-esteem and popularity. This entails the risk that young people will compare themselves excessively with others and worry more. Read more about the properties of the content.
More information
Social Media and Young People’s Well-being: The Double-Edged Sword
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the fascinating world of social media, where the only thing more inflated than the egos is the number of ‘likes’ on that selfie you posted last Friday!
We’ve got a hot-off-the-press analysis from Bitescience, who’ve teamed up with the Expertise Center for Digitalization and Wellbeing of the Trimbos Institute. You guessed it, they’ve taken a deep dive into how social media is shaping the psyche of our precious youth. Spoiler alert: it’s a mixed bag. More mixed than the cocktails we’re drinking while scrolling through endless memes at 2 AM!
The Positive and Negative Sides of Social Media
So, let’s get down to it. Social media is like the friend who comes over to borrow a cup of sugar but accidentally spills the entire sack all over your pristine carpet. In one moment, it’s helping young folks connect, find meaning, and bolster self-confidence, while in the next, it’s turning into a source of anxiety and despair. It’s a classic case of “you win some, you lose some.” Who knew that ‘Instagram influencer’ was actually an occupational hazard?
On one hand, it strengthens social ties, boosts self-image (well, until you see that beach body photo of someone you went to school with), and builds those vital social skills. On the other hand, it’s linked to anxiety, depression, and a generous side order of sleep deprivation. So, kids, put down your phones and pick up a book—or at least the remote for your TV binge; you’ll find the glazing over of your eyes much more beneficial to your health!
Proving the Effect of Social Media on Well-being: Easier Said Than Done
Now, here’s where things get even trickier than trying to balance on a tightrope while texting. Researchers have found it hard to prove a definitive causal relationship between social media use and young people’s well-being. It’s like asking if the chicken or the egg came first. Some say social media increases depression, while others contend that the depressed flock towards social media like moths to a flickering neon light!
Interestingly, the studies show the connection is generally quite small. It’s not a total wreck for every young person, with some seemingly fine. Apparently, there’s a special group of virtuosos among our youth who manage to wade through the social media waters with nary a scratch! Hats off to them, but let’s not kid ourselves—many are gleefully drowning in FOMO!
Personal Qualities at Play
So, who’s more susceptible to the social media madness? Factors like gender, age, emotional regulation skills, personality traits, and even how much they move their bodies can all affect the outcome. Who knew that going to the gym could pay off in the battle of mental health and social media? Onward with the exploration!
Gender: Girls vs. Guys
Boys might enjoy the occasional meme, but girls utilise social media like it’s their personal diary, where they get to doodle their friendships into vibrant pictures. Sure, they experience more online support, but the downside is intense pressure over body image and online bullying. Ah, the joys of growing up in an era where your self-worth is measured in ‘likes.’ Thanks, social media!
Age
Younger teens (10 to 15 years old) are particularly fragile creatures in the social media ecosystem, absorbing the emotional chaos like a sponge. They don’t have the social skills we cool adults do (ha!), so they’re at risk of anxiety and depression like a kid walking into a room full of spiders. Just. Not. Good.
The Ability to Regulate Emotions
Then we’ve got emotional regulation skill—or the lack thereof, more like! Young people who can’t control their emotions might turn social media into a coping mechanism. They scroll for distraction, which sounds suspiciously like my method of avoiding chores. Those who are more emotionally well-adjusted tend to keep their mental health in check. Who knew navigating social media was akin to a therapy session?
Personality Traits
Extroverts use social media to catch up with friends and have a laugh, while introverts may venture into chat rooms with strangers. Pro tip: get to know your offline friends before you make ‘friends’ with that suspicious account named @UncleBob247. Just saying!
Movement
Look, if you’re busy playing sports, you probably don’t have time to scroll mindlessly on your phone. Active young people seem to fare better emotionally. So, let’s all grab a tennis racket, hit the park, and temporarily abandon those addictive scrolling habits. Who knows, maybe we’ll even break a sweat!
How Do Young People Use Social Media?
It’s not just about existing on these platforms; it’s about how they use them! Are you a passive observer or an active participator? Spoiler: passive scrolling leads to serious envy, anxiety, and loneliness. If you’re just comparing yourself to strangers, it’s time to log off and perhaps join a pottery class. What could possibly go wrong?
How Much Time on Social Media
Is there a magic number? Studies suggest that spending over two hours can lead to a cascade of anxiety and depression. Yes, you heard correctly! Cut that scrolling time before you end up in a mental health crisis. Perhaps consider a ‘social media diet’ instead of the fad diets everyone seems obsessed with these days. Spoiler alert: you’re not going to be found in the kitchen at 11 PM if you decided to turn the phone off at 8 PM instead!
Feedback Matters
Positive feedback? Good vibes only! Compliments can boost self-esteem like a rocket, while negativity can crush it like a bad joke. It’s all about who’s applauding you on social media. So, if your ‘friends’ are throwing shade, it may be time to reassess who’s in your crew. Nobody wants to hang with the queens and kings of negativity!
Properties of the Content
You see, positive messaging can be a game changer. But let’s not beat around the bush—media that emphasizes body image can wreak havoc on mental health. Visual platforms like Instagram and TikTok might lead young people to spiral into anxiety quicker than you can say “body positivity”! Let’s assure our youth that their worth is so much more than their follower count!
More Information
In conclusion, social media is both friend and foe—making it complex, much like understanding why your favorite TV show was cancelled prematurely! So young people, navigate wisely. For the rest of us, let’s continue being loudly supportive when they need it most. After all, life is a balance, and isn’t that what social media is supposed to foster? Yeah, right! To your health!
Make a switch to active engagement! Young people who get involved—sharing their thoughts, offering support, and connecting with friends—tend to report feeling better about themselves. It’s all about using social media as a tool for connection rather than a highlight reel of others’ seemingly perfect lives.
The Social Media Toolkit
To navigate the tricky waters of social media, young people should be equipped with some essential tools and strategies. Here’s what can help:
Set Time Limits
Encourage young folks to monitor their usage. Setting achievable limits—like a maximum of two hours a day—can help mitigate feelings of anxiety and pressure. Remember, it’s all about balance! Life exists beyond the screen, we promise.
Engage with Positivity
Follow accounts that uplift and inspire! Content that promotes positive mental health can create a supportive online environment. It’s like curating a personal feed of cheerleaders!
Practice Mindfulness
Teach the importance of mindful scrolling. Ask them to be aware of how social media makes them feel. If it leads to jealousy or sadness, it might be time for a timeout from those platforms or a re-evaluation of who they follow.
Foster In-Person Connections
While digital conversations are great, encourage real-life interactions. Spending time with friends and family offline can provide the emotional connections that social media sometimes cannot.
Be Supportive
Creating a culture of support among peers on social media can help counteract negative experiences. A simple kind word can go a long way in raising someone’s spirits. After all, we could all use a little encouragement!
Conclusion: Navigating the Social Media Maze
Ultimately, social media is a double-edged sword—at times enriching, at others detrimental. By being aware of how they engage with these platforms, young people can harness the good and ward off the bad. With the right tools, we can help them transform potential pitfalls into powerful connections. So, let’s embrace the digital age with caution, awareness, and a sprinkle of humor, shall we? Cheers to a healthier, happier social media experience!
For more insights and detailed guidelines, continue exploring the fascinating intersection of technology and mental well-being.
