The Double-Edged Sword: How Social Media Can Affect Mental Health
- molloycommunicatio
- May 30
- 4 min read
By: Brianna Sepulveda
Over the last two decades, social media has transformed into a new source of technology into a part of our livelihood. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook, the world is more connected than ever. Anyone can share their thoughts, opinions, and ideas at any given moment. However, as we discovered how much screen time increases significantly, research suggests there may be a dark side to it. The darker side isn't gentle in its impact on our mental health.
No wonder anxiety and depression rates, and feelings of loneliness have increased with the explosion of social media use, particularly among youth. As reported by the Pew Research Center, 95% of teenagers today have a smartphone at their disposal and almost 60% use social media at least twice daily. This inescapable exposure has set off alarm among psychologists, educators, and parents alike.
But is social media really to be held responsible for our bad mental health? The answer is not quite that straightforward. It's a little bit of a two-edged sword as with most things in life.
Arguably the most discussed adverse effect of social media is how it fosters comparison. Scrolling through perfectly filtered vacation pictures, luxurious lives, gym bodies, and flawless relationships can lead to feelings of inadequacy and discontent with one's own life.
Even when people know that a lot of what they see is filtered and edited, it's difficult not to internalize the comparison. Over time, this can erode self-esteem and lead to a distorted self-image, especially in adolescents and young adults who are already trying to determine their identities.
Personally, I have fallen victim to comparing my body to Instagram “perfect” bodies. When realistically all bodies are beautiful, and you need to love the one you have. What I always think is, “I have to spend the rest of my life with myself, so why not love myself?” Social media shouldn't be factored into self-love unless it is in a positive manner.
A 21-year-old student, Derya Albayrak, majoring in psychology, has claimed that social media has affected her as well. She was asked “Do you believe that social media can affect the development of a teenager (14-18) mind?” She claimed, “it is a huge underlying factor that people slowly brush under the rug as social media expands.”
FOMO is another well-documented psychological condition worsened by social media. As we keep looking at friends hanging out, attending events, or having fun while we're not with them, it provokes feelings of rejection and loneliness. Social exclusion perceived through this phenomenon has been shown to be linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety. It's common to indulge deeply in social isolation, which subsides momentarily but feeling left out later comes.
Derya was asked, “How do you see social media leading to mental health issues?” She strongly proclaimed that, “Growing up with limitless accessibility tampers with your outlook on what life is supposed to look like. Not everything goes perfectly for everyone, there are struggles. People on social media don't like to show the ugly side.”
All social media platforms are designed to be addictive. The likes, comments, and sharing releases dopamine- the “feel good” chemical in our brain. After using social media consistently, users become more dependent on the feeling and security, the internet is never going away. This reliance can affect sleep, productivity, and experiencing life- all of which are critical factors for maintaining good mental health.
Unfortunately, the anonymity and reach of the internet also make it a breeding ground for bullying. According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, around 37% of young people have experienced cyberbullying. The emotional toll of constant negativity, harassment, or trolling can be devastating and, in severe cases, contribute to suicidal thoughts or actions.
Despite of all the negative, it is important to remember everything social media has to offer isn't inherently bad.
Social media can be a powerful tool in finding communities, people who have or are going through similar things like you. Mental health can alter someones life deeply, but only if they let it. On social media, there are many different advantages of finding that target audience.
The mental health conversation has gained tremendous momentum, due to social media surprisingly. People advocate and promote that social media isn't all there is to life. Celeberties, influencer, and everyday users post hashtags such as #MentalHealthMatters or #EndTheStigma. This has promoted people more comfortable and encourage to seek help when needed.
Lastly, the psychology major was asked, “In your opinion, Does social media help more than it harms?” Derya responded, “It definitely doesnt help as much as it harms. However, the help is enormous and changed a lot for mental health today.” Clearly, People can come around to the idea of social media helping those in need, but we need to simultaneously be aware of the danger.
Many organizations now use social media to offer mental health resources, crisis support, and educational content. Apps and chatbots provide 24/7 support, while mental health professionals use platforms to share coping strategies and insights. For someone who might not feel comfortable talking to a therapist just yet, these resources can be a critical first step.
Social media is neither a hero nor a villain. It’s a tool—one that can help or harm, depending on how we use it. Being mindful of its effects and intentional with our usage can go a long way in protecting our mental health.
As we continue to navigate the digital age, let’s strive to use social media as a bridge to connection and understanding—not as a mirror that distorts our self-worth.
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