ENG 108
The Effect of Social Media on the Mental Health of College Students: Why Universities Need to Promote Digital Wellness Education
Introduction
Social media is an integral part of college life. Most college students wake up to check their phones. Throughout the day, notifications disrupt classes, study sessions, and even meals. Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X are the platforms where college students interact with friends, stay updated on trends, and share their lives. According to the Pew Research Center, most young adults use social media every day (Auxier and Anderson). Although social media makes communication easier and faster, studies have shown that excessive use of social media is linked to increased cases of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. College students are already struggling with academic stress, identity formation, and autonomy. Adding digital comparison to the list can make it worse. Social media is an integral part of college life, but universities need to promote digital wellness education to mitigate its negative effects on the mental health of college students.
The Role of Social Media in College Life
For today's college students, social media is normal. Most people don't even think about how many times they check their phones. According to Pew Research, "Nearly 95% of young adults use YouTube, and more than 70% use Instagram" (Auxier and Anderson). Many college students spend several hours a day on the internet, even if they don't realize it.
Social media is more than just a fun way to pass the time. Students use group messages to work on assignments together, stay up to date on college organizations, and even network for jobs. It is a very important part of college life. But because it is such a big part of everyday life, it is hard to get away from it. Even when students are studying, it is easy to just check social media "for a minute," and before they know it, they have spent hours on it.
This is a problem because it creates a mental environment where comparison and validation are almost automatic.
Anxiety and Social Comparison
One of the most significant links that have been discovered is between the use of social media and anxiety. In a study published in JAMA Psychiatry, it was discovered that more than three hours a day on social media increases the risk of mental health issues (Riehm et al.). Although this does not mean that social media causes anxiety, it is a link significant enough to be a cause for concern.
One of the main causes of this anxiety is social comparison. When people are on social media, they are viewing the best parts of people's lives: the filtered photos, the accomplishments, the fun vacations, and the parties. However, they are not viewing the failures and the doubts. Vogel et al. describe how viewing upward comparisons on social media can lead to a decrease in self-esteem and an increase in depressive symptoms. For college students who are still trying to determine their career paths, relationships, and identities, it can be overwhelming to see everyone else succeed.
There is also the problem of Fear of Missing Out, or FOMO. When students see pictures of things they were not invited to or accomplishments they have not yet achieved, they can feel left out. Rather than appreciating the moment they are in, students may feel as though they need to keep up with others.
Depression and Loneliness
It may seem counterintuitive, but despite the fact that social media brings people together, it can also lead to loneliness. Twenge et al. discovered that increased screen time is linked to lower psychological well-being. Passive use, or simply observing others without interacting, can make students feel more alone rather than less alone.
An experimental study by Hunt et al. demonstrated that when college students cut their social media use down to thirty minutes a day, they experienced a significant reduction in loneliness and depression. This indicates that reducing screen time can be an effective way to improve emotional states.
Many students have hundreds of followers online but still have trouble making meaningful connections with others. When online communication replaces in-person communication, emotional connections can be lost.
Sleep and Academic Performance
Another consideration is sleep. Many students are scrolling through their phones at night, often right before bed. A study conducted by Levenson et al. revealed a significant link between social media use at night and sleep problems.
Sleep deprivation impacts mood, concentration, and mental well-being. Students who are sleep-deprived are more likely to experience irritability and anxiety. Over time, sleep deprivation can lead to serious emotional issues. Social media use may not be the sole contributor to this issue, but it certainly is a part of the problem.
Why College Students Are More Vulnerable
College is a transitional phase. This "emerging adulthood," as described by Jeffrey Arnett, is a phase of exploration and turbulence. Students are trying to discover who they are and where they are going. Because identity formation is such a key part of this phase, comparison is even more painful.
In addition to all this, college students are dealing with academic rivalry, financial stress, and uncertainty about the future. Observing others' posts about internships, awards, or relationships can make feelings of inadequacy worse.
However, many students are also experiencing living away from home for the first time. Although social media enables them to stay in touch, it can also stop them from engaging with their new surroundings.
The Positive Side of Social Media
It is essential to note that social media is not a completely negative phenomenon. It can be a source of support networks, especially for students who feel as if they are on the margins of society. Naslund et al. argue that social media can be used to raise awareness about mental health issues and provide peer support.
Students also have academic advantages. Social media enables them to share resources easily, communicate quickly, and collaborate. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social media platforms were critical for staying in touch.
Since social media has many benefits, the solution to the problem should be one of balance rather than abolition.
Why Universities Must Support Digital Wellness
Because social media is such a big part of students' lives, it is up to the university to address its effects. Universities already teach students about alcohol safety, nutrition, and stress. Digital wellness must be added to this list.
Digital wellness education can be incorporated through workshops on managing screen time, the effects of social comparison, and sleep hygiene. Digital wellness can be incorporated into orientation programs. Counseling centers can also address social media-related anxiety.
Small steps, such as encouraging device-free study areas and digital detox events, can help change campus culture. Findings from Hunt et al. demonstrate that even small decreases in social media use can positively affect well-being.
The aim is not to eliminate social media use but to encourage students to have healthier relationships with it.
Works Cited
The Effect of Social Media on the Mental Health of College Students: Why Universities Need to Promote Digital Wellness Education
Introduction
Social media is an integral part of college life. Most college students wake up to check their phones. Throughout the day, notifications disrupt classes, study sessions, and even meals. Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X are the platforms where college students interact with friends, stay updated on trends, and share their lives. According to the Pew Research Center, most young adults use social media every day (Auxier and Anderson). Although social media makes communication easier and faster, studies have shown that excessive use of social media is linked to increased cases of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. College students are already struggling with academic stress, identity formation, and autonomy. Adding digital comparison to the list can make it worse. Social media is an integral part of college life, but universities need to promote digital wellness education to mitigate its negative effects on the mental health of college students.
The Role of Social Media in College Life
For today's college students, social media is normal. Most people don't even think about how many times they check their phones. According to Pew Research, "Nearly 95% of young adults use YouTube, and more than 70% use Instagram" (Auxier and Anderson). Many college students spend several hours a day on the internet, even if they don't realize it.
Social media is more than just a fun way to pass the time. Students use group messages to work on assignments together, stay up to date on college organizations, and even network for jobs. It is a very important part of college life. But because it is such a big part of everyday life, it is hard to get away from it. Even when students are studying, it is easy to just check social media "for a minute," and before they know it, they have spent hours on it.
This is a problem because it creates a mental environment where comparison and validation are almost automatic.
Anxiety and Social Comparison
One of the most significant links that have been discovered is between the use of social media and anxiety. In a study published in JAMA Psychiatry, it was discovered that more than three hours a day on social media increases the risk of mental health issues (Riehm et al.). Although this does not mean that social media causes anxiety, it is a link significant enough to be a cause for concern.
One of the main causes of this anxiety is social comparison. When people are on social media, they are viewing the best parts of people's lives: the filtered photos, the accomplishments, the fun vacations, and the parties. However, they are not viewing the failures and the doubts. Vogel et al. describe how viewing upward comparisons on social media can lead to a decrease in self-esteem and an increase in depressive symptoms. For college students who are still trying to determine their career paths, relationships, and identities, it can be overwhelming to see everyone else succeed.
There is also the problem of Fear of Missing Out, or FOMO. When students see pictures of things they were not invited to or accomplishments they have not yet achieved, they can feel left out. Rather than appreciating the moment they are in, students may feel as though they need to keep up with others.
Depression and Loneliness
It may seem counterintuitive, but despite the fact that social media brings people together, it can also lead to loneliness. Twenge et al. discovered that increased screen time is linked to lower psychological well-being. Passive use, or simply observing others without interacting, can make students feel more alone rather than less alone.
An experimental study by Hunt et al. demonstrated that when college students cut their social media use down to thirty minutes a day, they experienced a significant reduction in loneliness and depression. This indicates that reducing screen time can be an effective way to improve emotional states.
Many students have hundreds of followers online but still have trouble making meaningful connections with others. When online communication replaces in-person communication, emotional connections can be lost.
Sleep and Academic Performance
Another consideration is sleep. Many students are scrolling through their phones at night, often right before bed. A study conducted by Levenson et al. revealed a significant link between social media use at night and sleep problems.
Sleep deprivation impacts mood, concentration, and mental well-being. Students who are sleep-deprived are more likely to experience irritability and anxiety. Over time, sleep deprivation can lead to serious emotional issues. Social media use may not be the sole contributor to this issue, but it certainly is a part of the problem.
Why College Students Are More Vulnerable
College is a transitional phase. This "emerging adulthood," as described by Jeffrey Arnett, is a phase of exploration and turbulence. Students are trying to discover who they are and where they are going. Because identity formation is such a key part of this phase, comparison is even more painful.
In addition to all this, college students are dealing with academic rivalry, financial stress, and uncertainty about the future. Observing others' posts about internships, awards, or relationships can make feelings of inadequacy worse.
However, many students are also experiencing living away from home for the first time. Although social media enables them to stay in touch, it can also stop them from engaging with their new surroundings.
The Positive Side of Social Media
It is essential to note that social media is not a completely negative phenomenon. It can be a source of support networks, especially for students who feel as if they are on the margins of society. Naslund et al. argue that social media can be used to raise awareness about mental health issues and provide peer support.
Students also have academic advantages. Social media enables them to share resources easily, communicate quickly, and collaborate. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social media platforms were critical for staying in touch.
Since social media has many benefits, the solution to the problem should be one of balance rather than abolition.
Why Universities Must Support Digital Wellness
Because social media is such a big part of students' lives, it is up to the university to address its effects. Universities already teach students about alcohol safety, nutrition, and stress. Digital wellness must be added to this list.
Digital wellness education can be incorporated through workshops on managing screen time, the effects of social comparison, and sleep hygiene. Digital wellness can be incorporated into orientation programs. Counseling centers can also address social media-related anxiety.
Small steps, such as encouraging device-free study areas and digital detox events, can help change campus culture. Findings from Hunt et al. demonstrate that even small decreases in social media use can positively affect well-being.
The aim is not to eliminate social media use but to encourage students to have healthier relationships with it.
Works Cited
