Blog #8
The Effects of Social Media and Mental Health in Young Adults
Our worldview is mostly shaped by the things we do, say, and see. This poses a great challenge if our perception of people and the world is mostly shaped by what we see on social media platforms. According to the American Psychiatric Association, and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), “body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is classified along the obsessive-compulsive Spectrum. Those suffering from BDD are preoccupied with at least one nonexistent or slight defect in physical appearance. This can lead them to think about the defect for at least one hour a day, therefore impacting their social, occupational, and other levels of functioning. The individual also should have repetitive and compulsive behaviors due to concerns arising from their appearances.
Furthermore, an increasingly destructive facet of social media use is the prevalence of cyberbullying. This pervasive issue poses a significant threat to any individual engaging in social media platforms. Young adults, in particular, bear a heavy burden as they often experience the detrimental effects of cyberbullying, leading to thoughts of suicide and depression. The anonymity afforded by screens allows anyone to unleash ruthless criticism and dehumanization, creating a new and unsettling reality. Unfortunately, heavy social media users, despite their level of experience, often find themselves devoid of the empathetic connections crucial for personal development. While cyberbullying doesn't necessarily correlate directly with excessive social media use, its indiscriminate nature means that anyone, even those just starting on a social media platform, can become a victim of this harmful phenomenon.
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