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The impact of social media on mental health and relationships

Manpreet Singh

College of New Caledonia

Sociology 206 - Social Problems

Ellen A. Winofsky

March 21, 2024

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The impact of social media on mental health and relationships

Introduction:

Begin by defining social media, outlining its main purposes (e.g., communication,

information sharing, entertainment), and discussing its increasing prevalence in modern society.

This section sets the stage for the essay by highlighting the integral role social media plays in

daily life and why its impacts are worth examining. Online social networking has significantly

altered how individuals engage and communicate during the last ten years. However, it's

unknown if any of these modifications might have an impact on typical human behavior and lead

to mental health issues. Numerous research has suggested a connection between depressive

symptoms and extended usage of social networking sites like Facebook. Furthermore, some

writers have suggested that using specific social networking sites may be linked to low self-

esteem, particularly in kids and teenagers. When it comes to the benefits of social networking on

self-esteem, other research has shown contradicting findings. Even now, there is debate

concerning the link between using social networking sites and mental health issues.

Impact on Mental Health

Comparison and Self-Esteem Issues: Discuss how constant exposure to curated images and

stories on social media can lead individuals to compare themselves unfavorably to others,

potentially leading to decreased self-esteem and satisfaction with their own lives.
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Cyberbullying and Its Effects: Explain what cyberbullying is and its prevalence on social media

platforms. Discuss the psychological effects of cyberbullying, including anxiety, depression, and

social withdrawal.

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Describe FOMO as the anxiety that arises from the perception

that others are having more fulfilling experiences. Explain how social media exacerbates FOMO

by constantly showcasing highlights from others' lives.

Addiction and Its Psychological Impact: Address how the design of social media platforms can

lead to addictive behaviors, with users craving likes, comments, and shares. Discuss the

psychological impacts of social media addiction, such as mood swings, anxiety, and depression.

Impact on Relationship:

Communication and Its Changes: Analyze how social media has transformed communication

styles, facilitating instant and global communication but possibly at the expense of deeper, face-

to-face interactions.

Relationship Jealousy and Trust Issues: Discuss how social media can sow seeds of jealousy and

distrust in relationships, often due to misconceptions and the ease of accessing information about

partners or ex-partners.

Social Media Portrayal vs. Reality: Highlight the discrepancy between how relationships are

portrayed on social media versus reality, leading to unrealistic expectations and dissatisfaction.
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Time Spent on social media vs. Time Spent Together: Address the impact of excessive social

media use on the amount of quality time that partners spend together, potentially straining

relationships.

Coping Strategies:

Setting Boundaries for Social Media Use: Offer advice on setting limits on social media use,

such as designated "social media-free" times or limiting notifications, to mitigate negative

impacts.

Digital Detox and Its Benefits: Discuss the concept of a digital detox—taking intentional breaks

from electronic devices—and its benefits for mental health and relationship quality.

Seeking Professional Help When Needed: Encourage readers to seek help from mental health

professionals if they find that social media is having a significant negative impact on their mental

health or relationships.

Conclusion:

Recap of Main Points: the key points made throughout the essay, reiterating the significant

impact social media can have on mental health and relationships.

Encouraging Healthy Social Media Usage: Conclude by encouraging readers to adopt a more

mindful and healthy approach to social media, emphasizing quality over quantity.
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Importance of Real-World Connections: Finish by highlighting the value of real-world

interactions and connections, suggesting that these are essential for a balanced and fulfilling life,

alongside or even instead of social media interactions.

REFERENCES

Journal Article

Kross, E. (2021). Social Media and Well-Being: Pitfalls, Progress, and Next Steps, 25(1).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2020.10.005

E-Book

Seale, C. (2002). Media and Health. SAGE Publications Ltd.

https://web-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.cnc.bc.ca/ehost/detail/detail?

nobk=y&vid=11&sid=3a4a27e9-44e8-4bda-9ba0-

152560502297@redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#AN=251756&

db=e025xna

Journal Article

Pantic, I. (2014). Online Social Networking and Mental Health.

https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2014.0070
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News Article

Nothaft, D. (2023, April 18). How does social media affect mental health? It's complicated. USA

TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2023/04/18/how-does-social-

media-affect-mental-health-pros-and-cons-explained/11680198002/

E-Book

Conley, K. (2021). Social Media and Modern Society. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Essential

Library. https://eds-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.cnc.bc.ca/eds/detail/detail?vid=4&sid=e8a5fee2-

00f6-4129-9086-

120fbdff9319%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d

%3d#AN=3125626&db=e865sww