Social media is everywhere. It’s become a big part of our lives, especially for young adults. As they go through important life stages, the impact of social media on their mental health can’t be ignored. Let’s take a closer look at how social media affects young adults, particularly regarding social anxiety and depression, and how counselling can help.
The Idealised Self on Social Media
Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are all about showing the best moments of life. While this can be inspiring, it also creates a world where young adults are constantly seeing idealised versions of others’ lives.
- Social Comparison: This is when people compare their lives to others’ perfect posts. It can make them feel inadequate and dissatisfied.
- Pressure to Have It All: When young adults see perfect jobs, bodies, relationships, or lifestyles online, they might feel immense pressure to live up to these standards.
The Pressure to Perform
Early adulthood is full of big changes like starting college, launching careers, and forming serious relationships. Social media adds an extra layer of stress to these transitions.
- Curated Lives: Young adults often feel they need to present a perfect version of their lives to match societal expectations.
- Fear of Judgment: The fear of not meeting these expectations can lead to social anxiety, as they worry about being judged by their peers.
The Toll on Mental Health
Constant comparison and the pressure to perform can seriously affect mental health.
- Increased Anxiety and Depression: Studies show heavy social media use is linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety in young adults.
- Negative Self-Perception: Seeing others’ successes can make individuals feel isolated and inferior, creating a cycle of negative thoughts and low self-esteem.
The Role of Counselling
Counselling can be a crucial support system for young adults dealing with social media pressures.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps identify and challenge negative thoughts. It teaches young adults to reframe their thinking and focus on their intrinsic value, building resilience against harmful social comparisons.
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR helps process distressing memories. For young adults, this could mean dealing with past experiences of bullying or rejection that are triggered by social media.
Building a Healthier Relationship with Social Media
Beyond counselling, developing a healthier relationship with social media is key.
- Set Boundaries: Limit screen time and curate your feed to include positive content.
- Practice Mindfulness: Be aware of how social media affects your emotions and make conscious choices about your engagement.
- Media Literacy: Understand that social media often shows a distorted reality. Approach it critically to reduce negative comparisons.
Final Thoughts
Social media has a significant influence on young adults as they navigate early adulthood. While it offers ways to connect and express themselves, it also brings pressures that can lead to social anxiety and depression. Counselling, especially through methods like CBT and EMDR, can provide essential support. By developing a balanced relationship with social media, young adults can better handle its challenges and focus on their growth and well-being.
By understanding these impacts and learning how to manage them, young adults can use social media in ways that enhance rather than harm their lives.
