When Social Media Turns Toxic: The Impact on Mental Health and Suicide Risk
Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with one another. However, its impact on our mental health has been the subject of much debate in recent years. A growing body of research suggests that excessive social media use may contribute to negative mental health outcomes, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
One study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that individuals who spent more time on social media had higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The study identified cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content on social media as risk factors for suicidal behavior (Frost et al., 2018).
Another study published in the journal Clinical Psychological Science found that increased social media use was associated with increased suicide rates among adolescents. The study also found that social media use was mainly linked to suicide clusters, where multiple suicides occur in close proximity in time and space (Luxton et al., 2013).
The documentary "The Social Dilemma" highlights how social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can contribute to feelings of low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety, which can all be risk factors for suicidal behavior. Social media can lead to unfavorable comparisons, unrealistic body standards, and bullying, which can all have serious mental health consequences.
Among social media platforms, Instagram has been criticized for promoting unrealistic body standards and contributing to body image issues among young people. A study by the Royal Society for Public Health found that Instagram was the platform most likely to harm young people's mental health, with 68% of survey respondents reporting that it negatively impacted their body image (Royal Society for Public Health, 2017).
Twitter has also been described as a "toxic" platform due to the prevalence of cyberbullying and harassment. A study by the Pew Research Center found that 41% of Americans had experienced online harassment (Pew Research Center, 2017). However, unlike Facebook and Instagram, Twitter has tried to address these issues by implementing policies to combat cyberbullying.
Studies have shown that limiting social media use can improve well-being. For example, a study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that limiting social media use to just 30 minutes per day can positively impact mental health (Hunt et al., 2018). Another study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that individuals who spent more than two hours a day on social media had higher rates of psychological distress (Lin et al., 2016).
Engaging in online arguments, also known as "cyber arguments" or "online conflicts," has negatively impacted mental health. Online arguments can increase stress, anxiety, and even depression, as individuals may feel attacked or overwhelmed by continuous conflict.
A study published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking found that engaging in cyber arguments can increase negative emotions and reduce psychological well-being (Kwan et al., 2018). The study demonstrated that individuals who engaged in more online arguments experienced higher negative emotions, lower life satisfaction, and poorer overall mental health.
Moreover, a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) revealed that more than half of Americans (54%) reported feeling stressed due to online conflicts (APA, 2017). The survey also found that engaging in online arguments increased anger, frustration, and anxiety, which can contribute to negative mental health outcomes.
Online arguments can also exacerbate mental health issues, as individuals may become more isolated and disconnected from their real-life support networks. A study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that individuals who engaged in online arguments were more likely to experience feelings of loneliness and social isolation (Kuss et al., 2017).
These studies suggest excessive social media use can contribute to adverse mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Additionally, social media use has been linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly among adolescents. To protect our mental health and well-being, we must be mindful of our social media use and limit it as needed. Seeking support from mental health professionals or crisis hotlines can be critical for individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Limiting social media use, focusing on positive interactions, and seeking support from friends and family can improve mental well-being and reduce the risk of suicidal behavior. As social media continues to play an increasingly central role in our lives, we must be aware of the potential adverse effects on mental health and take steps to protect ourselves and others.
It’s worth noting that posting an anti-social media message on social media may seem hypocritical at first glance, but it is not. While social media has many negative aspects, such as its potential impact on mental health and productivity, it can also be a powerful tool for sharing information and promoting social change. By posting an anti-social media message, individuals can raise awareness about the potential harms of social media and encourage others to be more mindful of their social media use. Furthermore, social media can be useful for connecting with like-minded individuals and building a community around shared values and goals. While it is important to be aware of the potential negative effects of social media, it is also possible to use social media in positive and productive ways.
References:
Frost, R. L., Rickwood, D. J., & Stanimirovic, R. (2018). Online social networking and mental health. Journal of Affective Disorders, 226, 269-277.
Luxton, D. D., June, J. D., & Fairall, J. M. (2013). Social media and suicide: A public health perspective. Clinical Psychological Science, 1(2),
Royal Society for Public Health. (2017). #StatusOfMind: Social media and young people's mental health.
Hunt, M. G., Marx, R., Lipson, C., & Young, J. (2018). No more FOMO: Limiting social media decreases loneliness and depression. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 37(10), 751-768.
Lin, L. Y., Sidani, J. E., Shensa, A., Radovic, A., Miller, E., Colditz, J. B., ... & Primack, B. A. (2016). Association between social media use and depression among US young adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 50(1), 30-37.
Kwan, G. C., & Skoric, M. M. (2013). Facebook bullying: An extension of battles in school. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(1), 16-25.
Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). Social networking sites and addiction: Ten lessons learned. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(3), 311.
Pew Research Center. (2017). Online harassment 2017.