Social Media’s Effect on Young Adults, Youth and Mental Health During Covid-19; Impacts on Our Society
Increased use of Social Media With Onset of Covid-19
Social media is a large part of our society. Whether it be scrolling through a feed, or just simply watching funny videos, the possibilities seem to be endless. As social media grows, so does the question of what these platforms are doing to the minds of those using them. Now, more than ever, social media usage has skyrocketed with the Covid-19 pandemic crisis. Alexandra Samet of Insider magazine writes, “The Harris Poll conducted between late March and early May, found that between 46% and 51% of US adults were using social media more since the outbreak began.” The young adults that were included within this survey, who had increased their usage of social media, were between the ages of 18–34.
As the scares of the pandemic dissipate within the upcoming years, the online platforms may sustain more users than they had in previous years. Alexandra Samet references the US social media usage report of 2020 when she states, “Platforms like Instagram and Snapchat will see a more sustained boost than Facebook from the coronavirus.” Although Facebook will not sustain the boosts that Instagram and Snapchat are receiving, it will still retain more minutes used per day than previous years. Kelly Burch of Insider magazine references the Pew Research Center results, “An estimated 63% of teenagers say they use social media every day, while 45% say they are on the internet ‘almost constantly…’” The youth of today seem to rely on not only their phones but also their social media platforms for interaction with others. Consequently, as the pandemic rose so did the use of these platforms among youth.
Social Media Use: Impacts on Youth: Mental Health
Mental health becomes a concern when developing minds incessantly utilize media platforms. As the youth tends to be more socially and emotionally vulnerable, the impacts of what is viewed on social media platforms can be detrimental to their self-esteem. Neha Chaudhary MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist describes, “’Teen social media use has been thought to be correlated with depression, anxiety, worsening self-esteem, and loneliness.’” Researchers have additionally found that those who are struggling with self-esteem or self-image issues are ones who frequent social media platforms of celebrities.
Even though there are few who consider their social media interactions to be enough for them socially, it is evident that larger online peer groups can lead to these issues of self-esteem. As Chaudhary states, “’Teens… have been comparing themselves more to their peers and have been deprioritizing healthy, in-person communication…” These human interactions can incorporate healthy, happy, and nurturing aspects into everyday life. The value of human interaction can integrate positive thinking, allow for stress relief and positive mood changes. Spending time with others can strengthen our mental health in a constructive manner allowing for those needing the value in human interactions to de-stress and decompress. Businesses nowadays understand the importance of human interactions and often encourage employees to interact with one another as well as encourage consumers to interact with one another.
In accordance with a study done by Debra Umberson and Jennifer Karas Montez in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, as referenced by Katherine Diggory, it was reported that the development of certain diseases was the cause of lack of social interaction. These infirmities include, diseases such as cancer, heart attacks and high blood pressure, and these are only a few of the ones reported. As a new generation of youth enter into the world, they are introduced to the new social media networks that continue to grow as time goes on, leading to disengaged youth detached from in-person socialization.
Adolescents tend to implement themselves into social media platforms often; committing themselves to lives that create an identity that results in valuing imaginative ideals. During this time of growth, it is crucial for these adolescents to “discover themselves” and direct their paths in life. David Buckingham describes in his article the way identity formation is formed in adolescence and the crucial formation of cognitive development:
Through this process and self-reflection and self-definition, adolescents arrive at an
integrated, coherent sense of their identity as something that persists over time. While this
is partly a psychological process — and indeed a function of general cognitive
development — it also occurs through interaction with peers and care givers. Identity is
developed by the individual, but it has to be recognized and confirmed by others.
Given the evidence within these statements, development is occurring within these stages of life. Social media plays a large role in creating a sense of identity. Since, in these times of covid-19, there is less face-to-face interaction, it is evident that many are losing their true sense of identity. The draw of social media connection is what in fact endears adolescents into the environment of online socialization. As these teens attempt to “stay in the know,” sleep deprivation soon follows due to the worry of not being “in the know” on time. However, seemingly “bad” social media can have some positive effects. Whilst not in person, connections can still be built within media communities and platforms. This not only provides adolescents with a sense of purpose and a boost of emotional support, but it can also build upon positive ways of developing identity. Positive support on such media platforms can lessen the effect of feeling isolated, especially now within these trying times of Covid-19.
Social Media Effects on the Workforce
As young adults begin their journey into the workforce, personal aspects are considered. Recruiters dig deep into the social media posts of potential employees. Although seemingly harmless, there are many posts/photos that can be detrimental to a future career in a specific business. Nearly 70% of those being screened online have not been hired due to a single piece of information found on either their social media platform or from information found about them online. Many social media users neglect to delete regrettable posts, creating a barrier to becoming part of an organization.
What can be done?
Defining for oneself a healthy balance of social media use, and connectivity amongst peers in person can increase positive mindsets and possibly push more individuals into a more personal relationship with those around them. Perhaps schools can get on board and begin to educate parents and students on the negative effects of overuse of social media as well as the negative results of poor choices in media posts. Parents who are wanting to stay more in tune with their child can give a specific timeframe as to when to use their devices in hopes that it can create more of a bonding environment. Parents should also monitor more carefully the posts and information that their children are sharing on social media.