When Social Media and Mental Health
COLLIDE
A mid shot of a girl using her iPhone in bed and smiling.
A mid shot of a girl using her iPhone in bed and smiling.
Social media overuse hurts mental health and increases self-harm. Public health officials have called for more education and treatment intervention nationwide.
Close-up shot of someone typing on a smartphone.
Close-up shot of someone typing on a smartphone.
Suicide remains the second-leading cause of death for teen and adult Americans under 34.
A high-angle shot of a girl waking up and using her phone.
A high-angle shot of a girl waking up and using her phone.
Psychologists and academics debate cyber addictions. To most, they look like drug abuse because social media or internet abuse disrupts lives, causes harm, and weakens relationships.
IS SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION REAL?
Close-up shot of someone typing on an Asus laptop.
Close-up shot of someone typing on an Asus laptop.
Social media and internet overuse simulates a drug-taking experience through hyper-arousal, visual stimulation, and rewards. Experts say "virtual addictions" create a hypnosis and arousal that can form a compulsive need.
A still shot of a woman with red-painted nails scrolling on an iPhone.
A still shot of a woman with red-painted nails scrolling on an iPhone.
Users enter a state of focused attention that limits their ability to remain self-aware, present, and mindful. Such hypnotic trances predict an addictive behavior.
Timelapse footage of someone using social media in the dark.
Timelapse footage of someone using social media in the dark.
Social comparison, bullying, and negative perceptions lead to cycles of depression and anxiety.
bullying
bullying
SYMPTOMS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION
Lowered functioning over 12 months Lack of control over behavior Loss of interest in other activities Continued use despite negative impacts Deception of family and friends
A still shot of a woman taking selfies whilst sitting on a bench in the park.
A still shot of a woman taking selfies whilst sitting on a bench in the park.
GET THE FULL STORY
Get an in-depth look at social media, suicide risks, and cyber addiction. Read our review of the psychological research.
A close-up shot of someone scrolling through Instagram on an Android.
A close-up shot of someone scrolling through Instagram on an Android.