Social Media and Mental Health Issues- Prevention



Research has shown that using social media for longer periods of time may lead to mental health issues in "vulnerable adolescents" (Memon et al., 2018). So, what are things to suggest to teens who may be having a hard time, especially with their social media use? Here are seven steps to help reduce the negative effects of social media:

1) Employ mindfulness and critical thinking about social media use

2) Use good time management

3) When on social media, use active techniques

4) Have a purpose for using social media

5) Manage relationships that come from social media

6) Use social media as a preventative measure and be aware of social media use

7) Be present during social media use and time when not using social media

With all of the mental health problems that may come from social media, it's important that adolescents have steps they can take in addition to the other needed steps to address mental health issues like therapy and medication.


The role of online social networking on deliberate self-harm and suicidality in adolescents: A systematized review of literature - PMC (nih.gov)

Comments

  1. Haley HaunApril 12, 2024 at 3:24 PM

    Jayde I think you brought up a good point about how adolescents need to have steps they can take to address mental health issues. I feel like while therapy is generally less stigmatized than medication it can be so hard to help people admit they have a problem! It has a lot to do with the third person effect that Kjersti always talks about in class. I feel like we have a lot of work as a society before the majority of people really start getting the help they need.

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