(The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Al-Fanar Media).
While news stories increasingly raise concerns about the impact of social media use on mental health and well-being, research suggests there are both benefits and risks. There are also strategies that individuals can adopt to promote healthier digital habits.
Social media is not going away. The global count of social media users has reached an unprecedented 4.9 billion individuals, according to Demandsage, and projections indicate an anticipated surge to around 5.85 billion users by 2027. Moreover, these users are not confined to a single platform; on average, individuals are now active across six to seven different platforms each month.
Although social media is widely used, there are differences among age groups. While Millennials, the generation born between 1981 and 1996, tend to be more active, with 32 percent posting at least once a day, Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) spends more time on social media, but these users are often less active and more likely to scroll down passively without any engagement, a McKinsey Health Institute survey found.
Research mentioned in a U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory suggests that social comparisons made on social media are connected to feelings of dissatisfaction with one’s body, disordered eating, and symptoms of depression. In a survey about the impact of social media on their body image, almost half (46 percent) of adolescents ages 13–17 said social media made them feel worse, 40 percent said it had no significant effect, and only 14 percent said it made them feel better.
On the other hand, the McKinsey Health Institute survey identified both unfavorable and favorable outcomes of engagement with social media. Over 50 percent of respondents across all age groups highlighted self-expression and social connectivity as positive aspects.
Research suggests that among teenagers, social media comparisons are connected to negative feelings about one’s body, disordered eating, and symptoms of depression. Other studies, however, note both unfavorable and favorable outcomes of engagement with social media.
Notably, research done at the University of Bath examined the mental health consequences of a weeklong break from social media. Those who took a break reported substantial enhancements in well-being, decreased levels of depression, and reduced anxiety, in comparison to a group that remained active on social media. This implies that even a brief respite from social media usage can yield beneficial effects on mental health.
Although mitigating the adverse effects of social media requires a collaborative effort between government bodies, parents, users, researchers, and technology companies, there are a few strategies that can be adopted to engage with social media in a safer and healthier way:
- Engaging in periodic digital detoxes by unplugging from social media for a defined period. A temporary break can contribute to improved mental well-being and a more balanced use of time.
- Implementing effective time management strategies and setting clear boundaries on social media usage. For example, setting daily or weekly limits on usage can help individuals regain control over their time and attention.
- Diversifying offline activities is essential for reducing dependency on social media. Actively participating in hobbies, sports, social interactions, and other non-digital pursuits can provide a well-rounded lifestyle, diminishing the reliance on social media as the primary source of entertainment or connection.
- Taking advantage of tools such as screen time trackers, app usage reports, and notification controls to regulate their time spent on these platforms. Setting reminders for breaks and establishing app limits can be effective in curbing excessive use.
- Implementing educational campaigns that highlight the potential risks and impact of excessive social media use can raise awareness.
These approaches cater to the diverse needs and preferences of users, recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to address overuse of social platforms.
Cakil Agnew is an associate professor of psychology at Heriot-Watt University, Dubai and director of the Online M.Sc. Business Psychology programme.
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