Social Media and Your Mental Health

While the world of social media has increased the spread of information, it has also opened up people to constant connection with the rest of the world. While in some ways this can be a good thing, in other ways it has lead to unhealthy habits and exposure to bullying that one cannot get away from by simply going home or leaving the room. Therefore, it is vital that we understand how to stay mentally healthy while using social media.

First, understand that social media is a tool that should be used in moderation. Much like texting, social media is designed to connect you with other people; however, it is important that you set boundaries in your use of it. Do not live on social media, but instead remember that the world is not in social media, but out your door and with people who you can interact with face to face.

Second, remember that pretty much everything on social media is an opinion. This means that you have to be discerning and search out what is true and what is not.

Third, understand that social media is full of trolls and bullies and be ok with how God made you. Many of you have probably heard of news stories where people have harmed themselves because of something someone said on social media or someone who is depressed because of something someone said on media. The issue is that when people are on social media, they typically are more open, usually because they are in the comfort of their own home, and can thus be more sensitive to what people say. For this reason, you must be extra careful and guard yourself on social media. First, do not engage with trolls and bullies. If they say something mean to you, remember that they do not know you and that they do not define who you are. God defines who you are and He says that you are special, fearfully and wonderfully made, and that you have a purpose. Second, try to stay mostly in social areas that are healthy and try to limit your exposure to high-stress areas like news or politics. Third, limit your time on social media. Studies have shown that the more people are on social media, the more depressed they are. Why? Because we are social creatures and we were not made to be in our own little world exposed to the world for long periods of time. Go hang out with your friends or family, start a hobby, or take a walk outside. Do whatever you have to do to make sure that most of your time is spent in the real world, not in a social media bubble.

Finally, parents, I highly encourage you to not allow your minors on social media platforms. One should only use social media once they are mature enough to be sure in themselves and know how to be discerning on social media. Also, studies have shown that social media has led to teenage depression and issues in cognitive development. Why? Because again, we were not meant to be in our own closed off little world where we are vulnerable to the outside world, especially at a young age. In addition, during the teenage years, teens are just starting to develop a sense of self-identity and belonging, which must be nurtured, not thrown into the mental battlefield that can often be social media.