The Influence of Social Media on Mental Health

The use of social media has become increasingly popular in the recent past, and this aspect has raised a lot of questions on whether social media affects the mental health of users, especially youngsters. Keles et al. (2019) conducted a systematic review to establish the link between social media use and depressive symptoms among young people, with the study revealing a negative relationship, though small and statistically significant. Nevertheless, there exists an ongoing debate over the causality of this link, and more work must be done to formulate explanation-based models and hypotheses for other inference-based studies. Two general categories of social media impact on mental health include Negative social interactions and cyberbullying. According to Keles et al. (2019) systematic review and meta-analysis, cyberbullying victimization had a moderate positive meaning that related to the poor mental health of adolescents, including an increased rate of depression and anxiety. Naslund et al. (2020) pointed out that the impacts of cyberbullying through the use of social media are always negative to the wellbeing of the affected victims, aggravating depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Moreover, studies have shown that social media brings about body image issues and eating disorders, conditions that predominantly affect women. Keles et al. (2019) opine that appearance comparisons are made possible through SM platforms with subsequent undesired effects on body image and practices. Khalaf et al. (2023) also found that social media use is related to appearance comparisons and body image concerns, especially with female students. However, it is crucial to comprehend that social media platforms are not completely negative because they can also benefit people's wellbeing. According to a review by Naslund et al. (2020), digital and social media contain advantages and risks for the health of children and adolescents. Of course, such recommendations include the creation of an IFMP with goals of creating a healthy family media use schedule, spending the right amount of time with screens and non-screens, getting better digital literacy and having open communication.

Social media platforms can promote engagement and retention in mental health services. Naslund et al.  (2020) posited that many individuals with mental disorders engage in the use of social media to share information about themselves, as well as encounter other persons in similar situations. It can also assist in eradicating loneliness, which is always a vice that accompanies bad mental health. Moreover, social media may positively affect participation and compliance with mental health care. Naslund et al. (2020) observed that the patient's treatment adherence and perceived social support are enhanced as direct support with technology-based intervention. Moreover, studies on social media have explored the feasibility of using social media to spread and the use of productive programs and interventions relating to mental health-related symptoms and psychological functioning.

They include, however, the threats and challenges related to the use of social media on mental health. In their systematic reviews, Naslund et al. (2020) acknowledged patients with mental disorders' concerns about privacy, job loss, stereotyping, and online bullying when engaging on social media. Naslund et al. (2020) highlighted that the information disseminated through social media may be unreliable, and there may be some biases and subjectivity. Based on these studies, using social networks may not always have the negative consequences for mental wellbeing that one would expect at first sight; even though social media work effectively for social relatedness, help-seeking, and resource procurement when appropriate, it has a negative influence on wellbeing when inappropriately or excessively used. Despite the benefits, a middle ground must be taken to overcome the pitfalls. An individual family media use plan, as defined by Naslund et al. (2020), can entail the establishment of constraints, the development of critical perception, and conversing about using digital media. Third, mental health professionals should be aware of social media's impact on their patients to give recommendations and, where necessary, advice on how to cooperate appropriately.

In conclusion, the impacts of social media on wellbeing are an area that should be at the centre of ongoing analysis. Even though the current studies indicate that the campaign brings only benefits and harms, it is necessary to take a broader view and be more proactive to promote the use of new media positively, especially for the youth and patients with mental disorders.