Template for Developing

Self Directed
Template Learning
Study ResourceSDL Case
3b –
 Using Social Media to Promote Positive Mental Health
Module Title

Case Study Title Case Case Study CS4.1

Your social media usage
Study
review
Code
Case study Type of
Type of resource Self-direct learning
(CS) learning

By completing this case

study, peer leaders will
Duration of understand what can be the
Learning
Activity 60 minutes positive impact of social
Outcome
(in minutes) media and how to promote
positive mental health
through social media

Aim of activity The aim of this activity is to show that not all social media is “bad” and
has a negative influence. Instead, there are many ways we can use social
media to promote positive mental health and use it for a good cause.

Introduction Social media has changed the way we live. From receiving news to
contacting your loved ones. Social media is ubiquitous, inevitable, huge
and here to stay.

Since 2004, social media has grown exponentially and has not yet reached
its peak of popularity. There is no denying that social media platforms are
now the main source of news and information.

For most of us, social media is part of everyday life. We consume it

without actively thinking about what or how it changes our mood and
attitude.

According to 2019 social media statistics, there are 3.5 billion social
media users worldwide, and that number is only growing. This
corresponds to about 45% of the current population (Emarketer, 2019).

90.4% of millennia, 77.5% of Generation X and 48.2% of baby boomers

are active users of social media for its distribution (Emarketer, 2019).

These social media statistics show that they spend an average of 3 hours
per person per day on social networks and messaging (Globalwebindex,
2019).
 We really need to acknowledge how social media influences us and how
to keep using it without having a negative impact of it on our mental
health.

Challenge Social media is designed to be social, but in reality it can have the
opposite effect on some users. Experts have been discussing this topic for
years. Substantiated evidence suggests that this may be the case. This is
particularly the case for young people, especially those in the Z
generation born between 1995 and 2010.

Pediatricians have warned of the possible negative consequences of

social media for infants and teenagers. In a report published by JAMA
Pediatrics, the results showed that with each additional hour spent on
screen (whether on television or social media), the symptoms of
depression in young people later increased.

Mental health problems have increased sharply, such as depression,

anorexia and austerity, which were thought to be in some way linked to
the proliferation of computers, the Internet and smartphones. Healthcare
professionals acknowledge that children and adolescents in particular are
more sensitive to the effects of the media.

The question remains, for the most part, we can't cut social media out of
our lives, but how can we educate Gen Z to be better prepared to use it?

Assignment Write a list of things you use social media for at the moment - it can be to
read the news, connect with family, promote your endeavours etc. Take
10 minutes to write down everything that comes into mind when using
social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, Snapchat
etc).

Take 5 minutes to cross off the things that are not giving you energy nor
benefit your daily life. For example, you might find that you scroll your
Instagram feed for hours even though it more depletes your energy
instead of giving you inspiration.

Now that you have the list, watch this video to see what can be the
positive sides of social media.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8Qs-wCbHgw

Now note them down into a table and write under each how this thing
can benefit your mental health in a positive way.
Project Number: 2019-3-UK01-KA205-077846