- How do you think social media consumption affects teenagers' mental health compared to other types of media consumption, such as television or video games?
- Social media usually exists on platforms that have free access, without limits, in a teenager’s words, “ social media is about everything and anything”. Both the issue of no limits and the issue of “everything and anything” can have detrimental effects on a teen’s mental health. Starting with the latter, “everything and anything”, teenagers are not yet emotionally mature and the neo-cortex (executive functions) part of their brains are not fully developed and wont be until they are 26 years of age. The exposure and stimulation of “everything and anything” can be content, which they will may not be able to tolerate or process emotionally without it having an negative impact consciously or subconsciously on their psyches. In addition, they most probably will not understand the ramifications of what some violent, sexual, or unrealistic content can do to their mental health.
The former issue regarding, “without limits”, is also important. Television and video games have the potential to be toxic content, however at least these platforms usually have a start and an end time. Social media is ongoing and unlimited. In teenagers’ brains, their neurotransmitters and hormones are wired toward novelty, learning, excitement, and immediate gratification. Therefore, at this stage of their lives limits and boundaries of their novelty and pleasure seeking tendencies are essential to safeguard their bodies and brains from damage and/or danger.
Social media also allows any person to portray their lives, their bodies, the images very different to who and what they are, in reality. It therefore sets up unrealistic and unachievable images, which teens feel intense pressure to keep up with or attain. Owing to these portrayals being unrealistic, teens feel a vicious cycle of inadequacy and unworthiness.
- In your professional opinion, what are the psychological consequences of excessive social media use, and how do they differ from those of other forms of addiction.
- Relatively new research demonstrates that a notification, “like” on social media, or the interesting content can trigger the dopamine receptors in the brain, thus producing the satisfying feeling that dopamine brings. Dopamine is one of the chemicals, albeit in much smaller amounts, elicited from taking the drug Cocaine.
In my professional opinion, excessive use of social media begins to consume the space in a teen’s brain, becoming their sole source of calm, satisfaction, and motivation. They learn that it can be an escape from having to confront the the trials and tribulations of real life, which is essential for development. When excessive escape entrenches the dopamine – satisfaction cycle, social media can be likened to the obsessive-compulsive need of any addictive substance.
- Do you believe social media use has positive effects on teenagers’ mental health? If so, in your professional opinion, what are some of the benefits?
- I think during Covid-19 time in the lock down period social media had many positive effects for teenagers. During the teen stage, their peers are their main social group of importance where they experiment with their identities, communication, and interests. This is also when they become sexually mature and develop romantic interests. It is therefore a critical time for them to connect and spend time with their peers. During lock down, social media was a platform where teens could connect with friends, share information, make new friends and romantic relationships online, without even meeting in person.
Social media is also valuable for introverts and teens who are shy. They can use the platforms to connect and initiate conversation, behind the safe barrier of a screen. The negative side of this coin is that teens can become prey for potential pedophiles.
- Based on your experience working with teenagers, what do you think are the most effective ways to mitigate the negative effects of social media on their mental health?
- Parents need to model boundaries with their devices as well as social media. Therefore, they need to understand how addictive social media can become and to set clear rules for themselves. They then need to do their best on investing in a relationship of mutual respect, trust and communication with their teen. When the relationship is wholesome, both parents and teens can struggle through these new major influences on our lives and figure out healthy ways of navigating them. The health of the relationship will also set the stage for the teen respecting boundaries or rules set by the parents on when and how much social media and device time is of value.
- Can you speak to the potential long-term effects of excessive social media use on teenagers' mental health, such as addiction or changes in brain development?
- There is new research on the relationship between social, dopamine and motivation levels in teens. The dopamine cycle is triggered when we complete a task or achieve something worthwhile. Therefore, if teens are receiving their dopamine hits from social media, then one can deduce that they will feel less likely to need to tick off their to do lists or go to gym. Not only is the act of reading social media making teens more sedentary, the chemical effect of reading social media on the brain is also encouraging a lack of movement and action.
- In your opinion, how can parents and educators help teenagers balance the use of social media with other activities that promote positive mental health?
- Social media and devices are part of how lives now and may need to play a larger role in a teen’s career in the future. Both the positives and the negative effects need to be considered.
The key word to assist in social media balance for teens is structure. Teens need structure more than any other age group. Other activities, sport, art, performing arts, music and other experiential activities need to be an essential part a teens day depending on their interests and talents. This would leave less room for social media time. A pre-scheduled structure would factor in a balance of healthy activities know for healthy cognitive and social development of teenagers, which included a limited section of social media viewing and engagement.