The Feedback Loop: How Social Media Sculpts Our Mental Health

In less than a generation, social media was born and evolved into a staple of modern life. In 2020, there are an estimated 3.8 billion social media users worldwide, representing half the global population. Today, the “typical” social media user spends 2 hours and 23 minutes a day perusing social platforms and according to a 2023 survey by Pew Research Center, 1 in 5  teens report being on YouTube or TikTok “almost constantly”.

Social media is often criticized for its negative impact on mental health, but can also be a powerful tool for improving well-being when used intentionally. The relationship between social media and mental health depends on how individuals choose to engage with these platforms.

Algorithms on social media platforms are designed to show users content that aligns with their interests and behaviors. This can create an “echo chamber,” where users are repeatedly exposed to content that reinforces their thoughts, including mental health concerns.

Gloria Gates CARE Therapist Courtney Blair, LSCW states, “Social media offers instant gratification: a like, a comment, a quick hit of dopamine, but that feel-good feedback loop is by design and it’s taking a toll on our health.”

COVID Impact on Social Media and Mental Health

The COVID-19 pandemic and social media became closely connected, shaping how people communicated, coped, and understood the crisis. The interaction had both helpful and harmful effects on mental health and society. During lockdowns, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook helped people stay in touch, attend virtual events and communities, and share experiences and feel less alone.

A large component of these platforms also created comparison and self-esteem issues. During lockdown, people posted “productive” or idealized lives. Others felt like they weren’t coping as well. This increased feelings of inadequacy, depression, and low self-esteem, especially among teens and young adults.

Social media platforms are also popular venues for sharing personal experiences, seeking information, and offering peer-to-peer support among individuals living with mental illness. Social media habits changed following COVID, including increased usage. Apps like TikTok and Instagram especially saw lasting growth.

Social media also saw increased use alongside growing mental health awareness. There has been increased openness around anxiety, burnout, and depression. Digital communities became “real” communities; People continue to rely on these digital communities for support groups, identity exploration, and shared interests.

Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Social Media for Diagnosis

Social media has become a prominent fixture in the lives of many individuals facing the challenges of mental illness. Social media refers broadly to web and mobile platforms that allow individuals to connect with others within a virtual network (such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok), where they can share, co-create, or exchange various forms of digital content, including information, messages, photos or videos.

One of the most beneficial aspects of social media is its ability to foster connections. Meaningful interactions such as messaging, commenting, and sharing experiences can help reduce feelings of loneliness and build a sense of community. In this way, social media can serve as a support system rather than a source of stress. However, maintaining balance is essential.

However, relying on social media for medical or mental health diagnosis can be harmful. Social media content frequently oversimplifies complex conditions, causing users to adopt inaccurate labels or overlook serious underlying health issues.

This can reinforce certain beliefs or misunderstandings about mental health, rather than offering balanced or accurate perspectives. Relying on online information can delay professional intervention, potentially causing conditions to worsen.

How to Use Social Media in a Healthier Way

Remember that social media isn’t real life. It’s helpful to recognize (and remind younger social media users) that people can easily  manipulate, enhance and curate the posts and information they’re sharing. Social media should enhance real life, not replace it.

Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for proper evaluation. Mental health is complex, and if you have concerns, please reach out for professional guidance and assessment. You can share what you have read but allow the professional to perform a formal evaluation.

Reducing screen time. Limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day has been shown to reduce levels of anxiety, depression, loneliness, sleep problems and FOMO, according to a 2018 study the University of Pennsylvania.

Building connections offline. Set aside time to connect directly with family and friends, volunteer for a good cause or join a group of like-minded individuals that meet up on a regular basis. It is also important to prioritize offline activities such as exercise, hobbies, and face-to-face interactions.

Our Mental Health Team at Gloria Gates CARE is here to help, if you’re experiencing problems don’t hesitate to book an appointment at 814-300-2273.

Take our fun interactive quiz! How Sensitive Are You to Social Media?