How Social Media Has Become Directly Linked To Severe Mental Illness

For more than a decade, the concerning effects of social media have been well documented, with even Facebook executives admitting that the platform may pose a risk to users’ emotional well-being.

Chamath Palihapitiya, who was vice-president for user growth at Facebook before he left the company in 2011, said: “The short-term, dopamine-driven feedback loops that we have created are destroying how society works. No civil discourse, no cooperation, misinformation, mistruth.”

A number of studies have found an association between social media use and depression, anxiety, sleep problems, eating issues, and increased risk of attempted suicide.

The suicide rate in the US has grown nearly 25% since 1999 with part of the blame lying with the rise of social media and the effects of subsequent addiction.

A 2015 study by the University of Missouri found thatregularly using Facebook could lead to symptoms of depression if the site triggered feelings of envy in the user.

Another connection has been made between sleep disruption caused by excessive mobile phone use prompting social media scrolling at night, leading to depression and unhappiness.

It has been found that people who spend the night checking social media are more likely to suffer from mood problems such as neuroticism and bipolar disorder, and rate themselves as less happy, under accomplished and more lonely.

As disconcerting as this may sound, there are positive effects that social media can have on mental health as well. A University of Missouri study found a link between Facebook use and depression also found that people who use the platform primarily to connect with others do not experience the negative effects.

There is also evidence that social media can benefit people already dealing with mental health issues by helping them build online communities that provide a source of emotional support.

So, it’s safe to say, as long as you take the steps to curb social media addiction, we should be ok to scroll every once in a while.

Jasmine Browley holds an MA in journalism from Columbia College Chicago, and has contributed to Ebony, Jet and MADE Magazine among others. So, clearly, she knows some stuff. Follow her digital journey @JasmineBrowley.