The Role of Social Media in Mental Health

Social media serves as a space for communication, entertainment, and self-presentation. However, its influence on mental health can be complicated, especially for young users. Many teens and young adults feel pressured to maintain a curated online presence, where likes, followers, and comments become measures of self-worth. This constant comparison, often to highly edited or filtered versions of others' lives, can result in feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

In addition to self-comparison, social media can be a breeding ground for negative experiences like cyberbullying, exclusion, and exposure to harmful content. These factors contribute to emotional distress and increase vulnerability to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The relentless nature of online interactions can make it difficult for young people to take breaks or process negative emotions, leading to a vicious cycle of stress and anxiety.