Make a PowerPoint Presentation based on the attached paper: How does social media effect young adults suffering from depression?
THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON YOUNG ADULTS
How does social media affect young adults suffering from Depression?
Dawn L. Williams
Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation & Psychometric Services, Jackson State University
COUN 585: Research in Counseling
Dr. Amirah R. Nelson
April 10, 2023
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How does social media affect young adults suffering from depression?
Depression is a major mental health concern that affects many young adults globally
(Tatari & Estacio, 2021). Depression usually begins during young adulthood and adolescence
with considerable impacts that can cause recurrent depression as well as constant severe courses
(Bucans, 2019). For example, the increased use of social media has contributed to some
adolescents and young adults suffering from depression (Sadagheyani & Tatari, 2021). This
proposal examines existing research on the topic to comprehend the different impacts of using
social media on the overall well-being of young adults with depression. The proposal will also
examine potential interventions individuals could implement to eliminate social media effects on
young adults suffering from depression. Social media impacts a wide range of areas, such as
communication, culture, politics, business, and interpersonal relationships.
What is social media?
Social media refers to a wide range of platforms that allow users to create and exchange
or share different information types, including audio recordings, videos, photos, and text
(Bucans, 2019). Examples of these social media platforms are TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram,
Twitter, Facebook, and many more. Social media has made it possible to connect people and
groups worldwide that would otherwise be inaccessible owing to distance and other obstacles.
These platforms offer users various functionalities and tools to converse, collaborate, and interact
with others in virtual networks and communities.
Positive Effects of social media
Positively, social media has facilitated individuals’ ability to reach a wider audience with
their unique viewpoints and insights. Also, the different social media platforms have made it
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possible for individuals to stay in touch with long distance relatives, friends, and coworkers,
promoting global communication and collaboration. Furthermore, social media algorithms can
produce echo chambers and filter bubbles that place a high value on participation and user
attention, which can exacerbate polarization and division. Social media, in spite of these
complaints, nonetheless has a significant impact on individuals’ lives (Tatari & Estacio, 2021). It
has opened up new avenues for activism, community building, and self-expression, as well as
enhanced the global exchange of ideas and information. Nonetheless, it is crucial for people to
use social media responsibly and with knowledge while also being aware of the possible pitfalls.
This includes being informed about the potential social media’s negative effects on social norms
and mental health, being informed about the collection and utilization of user data and taking
precautions to ensure one’s safety and privacy online. Social media can have beneficial impacts
on young adults suffering from depression. Millions of people around the world, especially
young adults, suffer from depression. Depression affects a large percentage of the population,
causing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and sometimes even suicidal ideation
or action (Valkenburg, 2022). Young individuals may find a caring online network, useful
educational materials, and contact information for mental health experts through their social
media accounts. Secondly, young adults who are depressed can find a welcoming online network
through social media. Forums, chat rooms, and support groups found online can unite people
experiencing similar issues and provide a confidential place to share their perspectives and
advice (Valkenburg, 2022). Young people benefit greatly from having social connections with
other young people in their age group who can serve as mentors and friends. In addition, young
adults can find resources and information to help them cope with depression on social media
(Bucans, 2019). Several popular social media sites offer sections or other resources devoted to
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helping people with their mental health and self-care issues. These materials can take the shape
of articles, movies, or infographics covering a wide range of topics, such as the efficacy of
physical activity, nutritional changes, and mindfulness practices in treating depression. Access to
professionals in the field of mental health is another benefit of joining a social network.
Teletherapy and online counseling sessions are becoming increasingly common, and many
mental health professionals now have internet profiles and offer these services. Support groups
and crisis hotlines are just two examples of how social media can help with mental health issues.
Finally, social networking can aid young adults in making friends and discovering their life’s
purpose. There are several online communities devoted to various pursuits and causes. Teens and
young adults can boost their emotional health and overall happiness by participating in such
groups.
Negative Effects of social media
Social media has attracted much scrutiny for having a detrimental impact on social
standards, privacy, and mental health (Sadagheyani & Tatari, 2021) (Bucans, Y. K., 2019).
Anxiety, envy, and feelings of inadequacy are a few examples of the effects that continual
exposure to edited and frequently inaccurate images and information on social media can have.
Social media may also help propagate false information, cyberbullying, and online harassment,
negatively affecting people and society (Tatari & Estacio, 2021). In addition, social media
platforms have garnered much criticism for their corporate policies and the ways in which they
gather, retain, and utilize user data. Commercializing user data has raised concerns regarding
privacy and the possibility of misuse by governments and businesses. For depressed young
adults, social media can be a double-edged sword. Young adults’ preexisting anxiety, despair,
and low self-esteem may be exacerbated by their use of social media, according to some research
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(Valkenburg, 2022). First, young adults’ usage of social media has been linked to feelings of
inadequacy as well as low self-esteem (Bucans, 2019). Teens who spend much time on social
media may develop unhealthy comparisons to the well-staged and sometimes exaggerated lives
exhibited by others online. Anxiety and sadness might worsen as a result of the accompanying
feelings of worthlessness, envy, and insecurity. Notably, social media can amplify emotions of
loneliness and isolation (Sadagheyani & Tatari, 2021). Teens and young adults dealing with
mental health issues may find comfort in the online communities they can join through social
media. However, this can also lead to isolation and a decline in interest in interacting with others
in real life. Spending much time on social media can negatively affect young adults’ mental
health by preventing them from forming real, personal interactions with people (Valkenburg,
2022). Thirdly, young adults may become targets of cyberbullying and harassment when using
social media. Online harassment may be more likely to affect young adults who suffer from
mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Cyberbullying and harassment might, as a
last resort, even trigger suicidal thoughts or behavior. The use of social media by young adults
can be addictive, which impairs relaxation and productivity. Young people’ usage of social media
has been connected to insomnia, which has been associated to an uptick in feelings of depression
and anxiety. Social media can also be a distraction from work, school, and other obligations,
which can result in subpar academic or professional performance as well as more stress and
concern.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the main goal of this project is to investigate how social media affects
young adults who are depressed on a general level and to identify viable interventions that, if
used, could lessen the negative effects of social media on their health. The many effects of using
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various social media platforms on young adults—both harmful and beneficial—have been
examined in this essay. It has highlighted the necessity for people to use social media responsibly
and casually, especially young adults. Although social media can offer access to various mental
health professionals, educational resources, and a supportive community to many young adults
battling depression, it can significantly contribute to anxiety, isolation, low self-esteem, and
inadequacy feelings. It is essential for people to remain aware of social media’s potential risks as
well as take the necessary steps to protect their well-being and mental health. This entails being
aware of how social media affects social norms and mental health, comprehending how user data
is gathered and used, and taking precautions to safeguard one’s privacy and security online.
Therefore, social media can affect young adults with depression in both positive and harmful
ways. It is crucial to balance using social media for its advantages while minimizing its possible
risks. Future studies can examine these effects in greater detail and pinpoint more potent
therapies to alleviate the detrimental consequences on mental health.
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References
Bettmann, J. E., Anstadt, G., Casselman, B., & Ganesh, K. (2021). Young adult depression and
anxiety linked to social media use Assessment and treatment. Clinical Social Work
Journal, 49, 368-379. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-020-00752-1
Bucans, Y. K. (2019). Instagram, Addiction, and Spirituality: Remaining Human in a Social Media
World. Pacifica Graduate Institute.
Sadagheyani, H. E., & Tatari, F. (2021). Investigating the role of social media on mental
health. Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 25(1), 41–51. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI06-2020-0039
Tatari, M., & Estacio, R. S. J. (2021). Mental health and social media: An overview. In M. Tatari
& R. S. J. Estacio (Eds.), Mental Health and Social Media (pp. 1-18). Springer.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-72504-8_1
Valkenburg, P. M. (2022). Social media use and well-being: What we know and what we need to
know. Current opinion in psychology, 45, 101294.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.12.006
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