Social media is full of “trends” and “fads” that seemingly improve your overall mental health. They’re often presented in a way that suggests if we follow these trends, we’ll eventually overcome any challenges and hurdles. But that can sometimes be far from the truth. While some content on social media can be beneficial, like most things in life, it’s diluted by those spreading mental health misinformation and the algorithms that keep reinforcing the misinformation. So, the question is: is health content on our socials all smoke and mirrors?
According to a BMC study, content creators who share their physical and mental health journeys can influence viewers to self-diagnose mental health conditions if they experience similar issues to the ones the creator is conveying. Equally, the study found that seeking non-professional mental health advice from social media instead of an accredited practitioner can lead to worsened mental health symptoms.
Let’s get down to the brass tax. Not all content is harmful. On the contrary, resonating with others’ experiences can make us feel a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation. You know, realising that we’re not the only ones feeling how we feel or experiencing what we’re experiencing. However, what it comes down to is our ability to discern what is correct and what is false. And boy, isn’t that tricky when we become engrossed in an influencer’s content and feel a lack of objectivity because we’re so emotionally invested.
How Social Media Trends Affect Mental Health and Focus
Social media trends pop up in the most obscure of times. And many of us think, what in the world is that? You might be saying: “This is dumb”, or “Why would anyone do that?” But then, you find yourself setting up your ring light and performatively joining in on the trend. We’ve all been there. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Yet, have you ever asked yourself: is this impacting my emotional wellbeing?
Social media and mental health research suggest that trend-setting TikTok is attributed to reduced attention span and, in some cases, impaired cognitive function. Even I, your humble writer composing this article, find it difficult to enjoy a two-hour film these days without fidgeting or pondering the meaning of life. Equally, algorithm-driven content—yes, that dreaded word—can make us chomp at the bit to consume more and more short-form, 30-second videos.
In fact, research by Frontiers points out that user-generated health content is highly addictive to young people. Similarly, the need to get that next dose of dopamine that comes in short supply after consuming a funny video can have the reverse effect on our mental stimulation. Meaning, we’re becoming increasingly reliant on social media to fix a dull moment.
The Rise of Health Trends on Social Media: Helpful or Harmful?
Let’s get to the point: how do social media health trends have an adverse effect? Well, you may not be surprised, but viral health advice can be embroiled in misinformation. In this realm of UGC (user-generated content), anyone and everyone can offer wellness tips or DIY mental health hacks, which can feel inescapable.
A BMJ study from 2021 stated that health misinformation on social media spreads rapidly compared to accurate medical content. So, next time you consider that rather simple health hack, do your research and see if it’s actually worth doing. For some of the most trending hashtags in 2021, it was found that only 6.4% of content creators held a professional qualification. Equally, only 4.3% disclosed that their post was sponsored. And alarmingly, 97% of health supplement videos severely lacked scientific evidence to support the claim.
It’s becoming increasingly common for disastrous consequences to hit the news. The APA reports that “falsehoods about evidence-based cancer treatments, birth control, and other forms of medical care have caused confusion, conflict, and premature death.” We strongly recommend exploring the validity of a social media health trend and defiantly resisting leaning into a TikTok wellness trend that a content creator says works. Seeking mental health support services from an accredited professional is the best way forward, rather than exclusively relying on HealthTok!
Social Media and Health Recovery: Can You Trust Viral Advice?
We’re all saturated with the power of social media. Most news cycles involve some form of online health trend. We only have to look back historically to see the harm social media can spread. For example, I’m sure many of you may have watched the Netflix series Apple Cider Vinegar. If not, don’t worry, take this as some recommended watching.
Let’s get serious. Its relevance here is the fact that content creator Belle Gibson lied about a cancer diagnosis and said natural therapies cured her illness. What was alarming here was the fact that Gibson positioned herself as a poster child for alternative health, being able to cure cancer. The profiting aspect was also crude.
This form of unverified health advice can influence and sway people away from evidence-based healthcare. In contrast, a coupled approach, which combines eating healthily and working with a medical practitioner, can be the preferred way forward. All in all, this is a very famous example of where social media has driven trends in a harmful direction.
Who Uses Social Media the Most—and How It Affects Our Health
Young people are probably sick of being pigeonholed in this social media sphere; surely, they’re not the only ones who doomscroll. Well, the numbers speak for themselves. Statistically, according to Sprout Social, Aussies who are the most engaged in social media are the Gen Z mental health cohort, who spend over 10 hours scrolling per week. That’s certainly a lot of scrolling. This was swiftly followed by Millennials, who spend over seven hours, and Gen X, who scroll for over six hours. If only this pastime was good for our digital wellbeing.
So, what are the repercussions of doomscrolling? A Harvard Health article outlined that doomscrolling can cause tech neck, sleep issues, and raised blood pressure. For the old noggin, doomscrolling has been attributed to mental fatigue, reduced employee focus and engagement (when scrolling excessively in the office or building site), and existential anxiety, Harvard Health said.
How Social Media Affects Teen Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
Evidently, the data shows that the younger population taps the most. So, social media has become intergenerational. However, a Headspace survey identified that 57% of young people surveyed said their emotional health was deteriorating. Disconcertingly, 42% affirmed that social media anxiety was largely causing this mental health decline.
Sadly, this is trending upwards, much like the trends on social media regarding online therapy alternatives. Headspace’s previous 2018 survey saw a 37% correlation between social media and mental health. Chiefly, a 2023 U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory study found that excessive social media use can cause reduced sleep, increase harassment, impact teen body image, and increase depression. This is especially true when faced with viral wellness content, as we previously explored.
”“It’s clear from the research that social media is something young people feel is putting more and more pressure on them. Spending too long on social media is associated with higher levels of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression and psychological distress.”
Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan
Social Media and Mental Health: Pros, Cons, and Key Statistics
Surely there’s a benefit to endlessly consuming social media content. Right? Like everything we do, there’s a list of pros and cons. Another BMC study identified that moderate social media use can promote a sense of connection, improve our self-worth, and provide us with a sense of belonging.
I wish I could tell you that social media was littered with joy and positivity. However, the same BMC study outlined that social comparison stress, pressure, isolation and sadness are the negative fallouts. We hope some of you will take this stark reminder of how social media affects mental health and dramatically delete those pesky channels. But we know that won’t be the case for all of you. So, what can you do to limit the negative side-effects of social media use (lucky for you, that’s what the next section is about…)
How to Reduce the Negative Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
There are a number of ways you can prevent social media from causing more harm than good…
- Question viral health advice. Research whether the trend is based on fact or if it’s harmful. We can’t believe everything we see on social media.
- Set screen time boundaries. When they ping, don’t snooze them; pop your phone down and do something mindful like walking, running, cooking, or reading.
- Practice digital mindfulness. Silence your phone and set it aside, well away from arm’s reach.
- Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails and notifications. Really, we don’t need to know what’s on sale on Amazon every day.
- Track your mental state. If the content you’re consuming makes you feel anxious or negative, perhaps you should take a break.
- Try a digital detox for mental health. Spend a few days away from your devices and recharge.
How We Can Support You with Social (Media) Anxiety!
Social media has the power to connect us across vast lands. However, while there are many benefits, the negatives can be sever. So, if you’re feeling social media anxiety, support is always available. If we’re your workplace wellbeing provider, jump on our website or the Converge App and book an appointment for employee counselling or EAP counselling. Our expert team will give you worthwhile strategies that’ll help you manage your stress and anixety conjured by all of lifes problems – including social media. We’re here for you with confidential mental health support, anytime, anywhere. All you need to do is book an appointment.
