Finding a Balanced Approach to Social Media Use
In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, especially for young people. However, there is growing concern about the impact of social media on mental health. A recent study by the University of British Columbia suggests that the key to improving mental health may not lie in reducing the time spent on social media but in changing the way we engage with it. This approach emphasizes mindful social media use rather than total abstinence.
The Importance of Mindful Social Media Engagement
According to a Gallup poll, teenagers in the US spend an average of 4.8 hours daily on social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X. While there is no direct evidence linking social media usage to the rise in mental health issues among adolescents and young adults, studies indicate that excessive scrolling is associated with higher chances of experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. However, many young people also highlight the positive aspects of social media, such as connecting with loved ones and finding like-minded individuals who share similar experiences and identities.
Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
A survey revealed that three out of four Gen Zers believe that social media has negatively impacted their mental health. Despite this, many recognize the benefits of being online, such as building connections and finding support. Dr. Amori Mikami, the lead author of the study, noted that while there is a lot of discussion about the detrimental effects of social media, her team wanted to explore whether the way people engage with social media might make a difference in mental health outcomes.
The Study: A Closer Look at Different Approaches
The study involved 393 Canadian participants aged 17 to 29 who were experiencing mental health symptoms and were concerned about the impact of social media on their well-being. The participants were divided into three groups: a control group that maintained their usual routines, an abstinence group that stopped using social media entirely, and a "tutorial" group that received coaching on how to use social media more intentionally. After six weeks, both the abstinence and tutorial groups reduced their social media usage, engaged in less passive scrolling, and spent less time comparing themselves to others.
The Benefits of Each Approach
Each group experienced its own mental health benefits. The tutorial group reported feeling less lonely and experiencing less FOMO by focusing on quality interactions rather than quantity. On the other hand, the abstinence group saw improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms but did not experience any reduction in loneliness. Dr. Mikami explained that while completely stopping social media might reduce the pressures of presenting a curated online image, it could also lead to feelings of isolation by depriving young adults of social connections with friends and family.
Strategies for Healthier Social Media Use
The tutorial group improved their social media habits by following four simple steps to create a healthier online environment. First, they reflected on when their social media use positively impacted their lives versus when it caused harm, raising awareness about their usage patterns. Second, they considered the curated nature of social media posts, curbing the habit of social comparison. Third, they unfollowed or muted accounts that stirred envy or negative self-comparisons, eliminating sources of negativity. Lastly, they focused on active engagement, prioritizing real connections over passive use. Dr. Mikami believes this approach offers a sustainable alternative to completely leaving social media and could help break the cycle of "quit-and-return" that many people experience.
In conclusion, the study suggests that mindful social media use can be a powerful tool for supporting mental health rather than detracting from it. By adopting these strategies, young adults can curate a more positive online experience, fostering deeper connections and stronger feelings of social support.
