Social Networking and Mental Health
Discuss the various positive and negative effects of our current technology on mental health. What concerns do you have (if any) about social networking as it pertains to mental health?
Posts should read approximately 200 words in APA format, including any citations
The Impact of Social Networking on Mental Health
In contemporary society, social networking has become an integral part of daily life, profoundly influencing human interactions and behaviors. While it offers numerous benefits, its effects on mental health are subject to debate. This essay explores both the positive and negative impacts of social networking on mental health, along with concerns regarding its implications.
Positive Effects:
Social networking platforms facilitate connections, fostering a sense of belonging and support, which can enhance mental well-being (Ellison, Steinfield, & Lampe, 2007). They provide opportunities for self-expression, self-disclosure, and emotional support, potentially mitigating feelings of loneliness and isolation (Kraut et al., 2002). Moreover, online communities offer resources for individuals coping with mental health challenges, reducing stigma and promoting empathy (Moorhead et al., 2013).
Negative Effects:
Conversely, excessive use of social media correlates with heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and stress (Primack et al., 2017). Comparison-based activities on platforms like Instagram can exacerbate negative self-perceptions and body image issues, contributing to mental health concerns (Fardouly et al., 2015). Furthermore, cyberbullying and online harassment pose significant threats to psychological well-being, leading to increased vulnerability and distress among users (Kowalski et al., 2014).
Concerns:
One major concern is the potential addictive nature of social networking, leading to compulsive behaviors and detrimental effects on mental health (Andreassen et al., 2017). Moreover, privacy breaches and data exploitation on these platforms raise ethical and psychological dilemmas, compromising users’ trust and sense of security (Tang et al., 2019).
In conclusion, while social networking offers various benefits, its impact on mental health is complex and multifaceted. It is imperative to address both the positive and negative aspects to foster a healthier digital environment.
References:
- Andreassen, C. S., Pallesen, S., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). The relationship between addictive use of social media, narcissism, and self-esteem: Findings from a large national survey. Addictive Behaviors, 64, 287-293.
- Ellison, N. B., Steinfield, C., & Lampe, C. (2007). The benefits of Facebook “friends:” Social capital and college students’ use of online social network sites. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 12(4), 1143-1168.
- Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2015). Social comparisons on social media: The impact of Facebook on young women’s body image concerns and mood. Body Image, 13, 38-45.
- Kraut, R., Kiesler, S., Boneva, B., Cummings, J., Helgeson, V., & Crawford, A. (2002). Internet paradox revisited. Journal of Social Issues, 58(1), 49-74.
- Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., Schroeder, A. N., & Lattanner, M. R. (2014). Bullying in the digital age: A critical review and meta-analysis of cyberbullying research among youth. Psychological Bulletin, 140(4), 1073-1137.
- Moorhead, S. A., Hazlett, D. E., Harrison, L., Carroll, J. K., Irwin, A., & Hoving, C. (2013). A new dimension of health care: Systematic review of the uses, benefits, and limitations of social media for health communication. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 15(4), e85.
- Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Whaite, E. O., Lin, L. Y., Rosen, D., … & Miller, E. (2017). Social media use and perceived social isolation among young adults in the U.S. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 53(1), 1-8.
- Tang, Y., Li, Y., Liu, X., & Zeng, L. (2019). The relationship between privacy concerns and unintended information disclosure on social networking sites: The moderating effect of social capital. Computers in Human Behavior, 100, 1-10.