SUN Behavioral Columbus Warns About Social Media Effects on Mental Health

SUN Behavioral Columbus, a behavioral and mental health facility in Columbus, OH, has recently published an article titled, “Social Media Effects on Mental Health.” A 2017 study revealed that people who used social media too often were more likely to feel depressed and isolated compared to those who only used social media occasionally. For some people, social media can have negative effects on their mental health but they may not even be aware of it.

According to the Pew Research Center, more than 86 percent of teenagers use social media while only 69 percent of adults use it. Furthermore, adolescents don’t just use social media more frequently, but they also spend more time on social media. This means they are more likely to experience the negative health effects of social media. For one, teenagers consider social media as a way to connect with their peers and get validation. If they get only a few “likes” on their posts, they may consider it as a lack of validation, and this can significantly affect their self-esteem.

Another problem with social media is cyberbullying. Teenagers find it hard to comprehend the permanence of things they post online or the way that their actions are affecting other people. A study published in the Journal of the Ohio Council of Professors of Educational Administration (OCPEA) has revealed that 36.5 percent of students, 12 to 17 years old, have reported they experienced cyberbullying. This has been linked to suicide, suicide attempts, self-harm or self-mutilation, teen anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, poor sleep quality, and more.

Meanwhile, the new article published by SUN Behavioral Columbus has also pointed out that social media has negative effects on adult mental health although the reasons are a bit different. There are three primary ways social media affects adults' mental health.

First of all, social media can cause the fear of missing out (FOMO). It can be psychologically damaging to find out that friends and family members are doing things one has never done and going to places one has never gone to. FOMO may result in feelings of discontentment, self-doubt, and self-loathing. Second, social media can be addictive, which can significantly impact productivity and motivation. Third, some adults may feel shackled to their smartphones or tablets because they are unable to walk away from social media, which can affect their mental health. Fourth, social media can be an obstacle to real-life relationships and experiences.

Meanwhile, studies have revealed that restricting social media usage to less than 30 minutes per day can result in a substantial improvement in mental health and well-being. A common problem is that it is possible to become addicted to social media. This is because getting a positive comment on a post can cause the brain to release dopamine, which may cause the person to become addicted to social media.

SUN Behavioral Columbus is a 144-bed psychiatric hospital located on the north side of Columbus, Ohio. This facility offers a comprehensive range of specialized care, including inpatient and day hospital services for those who are living with substance use and mental health disorders. SUN Behavioral has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Accreditation for their continuous compliance with the performance standards established by The Joint Commission. This accreditation serves as an indicator of the premium quality services they offer and their commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

For those living with anxiety, depression, or thoughts of self-harm, never hesitate to seek mental health treatment. At SUN Behavioral Health Columbus, the goal is to have a healthy community that can lean on each other in times of need. If you have any questions or if you’d like to discuss treatment options, please call SUN Columbus or visit their website to find out more information.