Social Media Influences On Mental Health

by Madeline Gavin

 Many teens and young adults use social media, but are they always good for their mental health?

Sergio Marini, 4Cs professor of psychology and chair of the ​Department of Social Behavioral Sciences and Human Services, referred to tips on the American Psychological Association website on how to have a positive experience with social media to encourage mental wellness.

“I wholeheartedly agree with them,” Marini says.

• Follow hashtags of topics, places, activities, nutrition, art and music or other things that motivate and ground you such as #mindfulness #selfcare #bodypositivity, #dailypoet, etc.
• Repost, share, and engage with posts that are uplifting, rooted in gratitude or celebration. Research among Facebook users has shown evidence of emotional contagion, meaning that emotions expressed by others on Facebook can influence our own, whether in a positive or a negative direction.
• Utilize social media as an outlet for creativity and self-expression. Follow accounts and hashtags for communities of artistic endeavors that inspire you or help you grow as an artist.
• Focus on your real friends and maintaining connections, versus voyeurism which can increase feelings of loneliness and inadequacy.
• Live your life. Remember that Internet use should not displace offline activities, only enhance your social connections.
• Be analytical and selective about the information you consume and share. Evaluate the source, content and credibility of research or reporting and investigate information before you share. It is vital to be a smart consumer and understand and verify what we see online before we react to it and spread it.

Graphic art by Dolfina Allan.

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