Social media is a big part of daily life for over 78% of Aussies. It keeps us in touch with friends and family and serves up a variety of endless entertainment. Plus, it gives us a platform to share everything from cute pet pics to viral dance moves. But social media isn’t just funny memes and beauty filters. For some of us, it can have a negative impact on our mental health and wellbeing.
How does social media affect our mental health?
Social media use is often linked to mental health issues. In fact, around 42% of young people have said that social media is the leading cause of their own mental health decline.
batyr is a leading youth mental health organisation that connects with thousands of young people each year, gaining valuable insights into the complex and evolving relationship between social media and youth mental wellbeing.
"While much of what we’re seeing in the media (and ironically, online) at the moment paints social media as all bad, we know it’s not the case for everyone,” says Katie Acheson, CEO at batyr.
“For many people, social media offers positive benefits. It can be a fantastic tool for building communities, connecting with like-minded individuals or simply staying connected when feeling isolated.”
What are some of the negative impacts of social media?
Katie mentions that there has been a growing body of research on the negative impacts of social media, especially for teenagers and some interesting trends are emerging. Some of the negative impacts may include:
Disrupted sleep
A good night’s sleep is one of the foundations of good mental wellbeing. But did you know that scrolling social media before bed can disrupt your rest? The blue light from screens can interfere with melatonin production, the hormone that helps you sleep.
Plus, the content can keep your mind buzzing, making it harder to drift off. Katie suggests trying to put away all screens at least two hours before bedtime to get in to relax mode.
Increased cyberbullying
While social media can be a place for making connections, it can also lead to cyberbullying and harassment. The anonymity of these platforms can encourage mean behaviour, known as cyberbullying. It's difficult to measure exactly how common it is due to varying definitions. However, about one in five young Australians aged 8 to 17 reported feeling excluded, threatened or abused online.
Cyberbullying impacts our mental health just as much as in-person bullying. Online bullying can lead to depression, anxiety, self-harm, low self-esteem and loneliness.
If you or someone you know is being bullied online, report it immediately to a parent or guardian, manager (if you’re at work) or law enforcement. And don’t forget to block or delete the contacts responsible for the bullying.
Social comparison and being unable to disconnect
Do you ever feel the fear of missing out (FOMO) keeps you stuck on social media? It’s that annoying feeling when you see friends enjoying sunny Europe while you're working 9-to-5 in winter. Or that feeling you get when you see everyone was invited to a party, except for you.
“The constant stream of posts showing people ‘living their best life’ can often lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and anxiety if you perceive that you are missing out on something,” explains Katie.
“Social media gives us endless chances to compare ourselves to others and likes, comments and follower counts become easy measures of success. But remember, people usually share the best or idealised versions of themselves online and what you’re seeing isn’t the whole truth,” Katie reminds us.
“If you notice that you tend to feel bad about yourself after seeing posts online, it could be a sign that you need to take a break from social media, even for a few hours a week. Be kind to yourself and remember nobody’s perfect, no matter how it appears in your feed.”
Are there benefits of social media?
Before you delete all your social media apps, here’s a reminder that the online world isn’t all doom and gloom. “Social media can be a positive force in your life if you can create a positive relationship with it,” explains Katie.
Here’s how you can develop a healthy relationship with social media and stay connected with the world around you:
Engage, don’t compare - Social media should be about connecting with what makes you happy. Follow accounts that spark joy and unfollow any that don’t
Stay safe and secure - Manage your privacy settings and be mindful of what you share online
Join the conversation - Find online communities that match your interests. You might make new friends or learn something new
Use social media with purpose - Create a feed with quality content that adds value and positivity to your day
Know your limits - Notice when social media starts feeling stressful or negative and take a break when you need to.
Need help with your mental health?
At nib, we’re here to be your number one follower and support you and your mental wellbeing. If you’re an nib member, you might be able to participate in our mental health management programs. These programs help you take the right steps towards improving your mental health.
Or you could chat with a medical doctor through our telehealth partner hub.health. They might refer you to a psychologist who could help you manage your mental health in a way that works for you.
And remember, if you or someone you know needs help, please call:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
Please note: The information throughout this article serves as broad information and should not replace any advice you have been given by your medical practitioner.
