Additionally, concerns have been raised about poor quality or misleading health information shared on social media, and that social media users may not be aware of misleading information or conflicts of interest especially when the platforms promote popular content regardless of whether it is from a trustworthy source (Moorhead et al., 2013; Ventola, 2014). This is pertinent because existing research looking at duration of exposure cannot account for the impact of specific types of content on mental health and is insufficient to fully understand the effects of using these platforms on mental health. Similarly, in a 2018 national survey of young people, respondents ages 14 to 22 with moderate to severe depressive symptoms were more likely to have had negative experiences when using social media, and in particular, were more likely to report having faced hostile comments, or being “trolled”, from others when compared to respondents without depressive symptoms (31% vs. 14%) (Rideout & Fox, 2018). Most studies report cross-sectional associations between cyberbullying and symptoms of depression or anxiety (Hamm et al., 2015), though one longitudinal study in Switzerland found that cyberbullying contributed to significantly greater depression over time (Machmutow, Perren, Sticca, & Alsaker, 2012). Quantity of social media use is also an important factor, as highlighted in a survey of young adults ages 19 to 32, where more frequent visits to social media platforms each week were correlated with greater depressive symptoms (Lin et al., 2016). In the sections that follow (see Table 1 for a summary), we consider three major categories of risk related to use of social media and mental health.
School-based Programs and Social-emotional Learning
These campaign evaluations show that exposure to campaigns has largely positive effects on proximal and intermediate outcomes. Increase in intervening online with a person at risk of suicide was also reported (La Sala et al., 2021). Participants also reported better coping strategies following campaign exposure and increased confidence when talking about suicide online (Craig Rushing et al., 2021; La Sala et al., 2021).
Some experience improved well-being from the connections they maintain, while others experience fatigue, comparison stress, or disillusionment with online interactions. On the other hand, it can also be a source of stress, with exposure to political debates, misinformation, or the pressures of maintaining an online image. On one hand, it provides a way to stay connected with friends and family, share life updates, and even find support groups for parenting, health issues, or professional growth. Social media during this stage can be both a relief and a stressor.
Greed as a Mental Illness: Examining the Psychology Behind Excessive…
This review included media campaigns directed toward young people focusing on emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety, self-harm, and/or suicide and presented favorable impacts on their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Two studies that utilized a randomized approach to measure the impact of a mental health campaign found direct effects on individuals in the intervention groups in terms of decline in mental health-related outcomes such as depressive moods, anxiety, stress and suicidal thoughts (Carli, 2016; Niederkrotenthaler & Till, 2020). To address this gap, the purpose of this systematic review is to explore the impacts of existing media mental health awareness campaigns directed toward young people. The rise of social media use among young people presents an opportunity to harness these outlets to communicate important mental health information and engage young people in mental health education. The inclusion of few studies in the review indicates a need for ongoing evaluations of media mental health awareness campaigns for young people to inform good practices in their development and distribution.
- Mindful use can transform social media from a source of stress into a tool for growth, connection, and empowerment.
- Future research should focus on developing comprehensive, tailored interventions that address the evolving nature of online interactions and consider the diverse needs of student populations.
- While this can be a positive outlet for learning and connection, it also presents a risk of excessive screen time and potential digital addiction.
- In fact, journaling is proven to improve mental help and reduce stress, offering a healthy coping mechanism.
- Many adolescents now feel more comfortable texting or messaging on social platforms than engaging in face-to-face conversations.
Behavioral therapy appears to have a greater impact on overall impairment, while medication is more effective in reducing core ADHD symptoms . Studies have shown that behavioral interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, skills training, and contingency management, improve academic performance and social functioning . Other non-stimulant options, such as guanfacine and clonidine, are sometimes prescribed, particularly for children with co-occurring conditions like anxiety or sleep disturbances . Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting children and adolescents, with treatment approaches including both pharmacological and behavioral interventions. Open communication, proper use of parental https://businessesgrow.com/2021/06/30/brand-generosity/ controls, peer advocacy, and social-emotional learning all contribute to creating safer online environments for youth.
I hope you found these mental health topics to write about helpful. Use our mental health topics to write about with your students and writers. Better mental health journalism requires addressing the harmful history of coverage, challenging overly westernised and medicalised narratives, and foregrounding the socioeconomic factors that influence mental health. The ultimate goal is to tell stories that drive home the urgent need for equity and inclusion in mental health. Newsrooms should emphasise the “why” and “how” of mental health funding rather than solely focusing on the “how much”.
The responsibility will lie not only with individuals but also with policymakers, educators, and tech companies to create environments that prioritize mental well-being over profit. However, overuse or reliance without real-world social support can deepen feelings of disconnection. Cyberbullying, online harassment, and social comparison are especially damaging. The teenage years are a time of self-discovery, peer influence, and heightened sensitivity to social feedback. Social media specifically can expose children to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, or unrealistic portrayals of life.
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