How social media affects our mental health — especially during a pandemic

Maintaining communication has been a large focus during the pandemic by using social media platforms. With 3.96 billion users on social media, the concerns surrounding how social media affects mental health are accelerating.

One of the alarming effects of social media has on mental health is how it can shape a person’s self-esteem and body-image. A 2019 study by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found a correlation between time spent on social media and the rise in eating disorders.

Brooke Gilbertsen, a psychologist and clinical director at 1Method, said social media’s pressure to capture perfect moments while excluding the lived experience can take a toll on a person’s self-esteem.

“The damage can be that you can look at somebody else’s social media and think they must have it perfect compared to my life. It’s not the whole picture,” said Gilbertsen. “The damage of comparison.”

This rings true for CSUN student Lexi Sorenson. For a few years, she said she often compared her life to the images she would see on social media. Sorenson said she’s battled depression.

“I used to be a hefty girl growing up and I was constantly made fun of,” said Sorenson. “So of course, seeing millions of girls with perfect bodies getting millions of likes on their photos really hurt.”

Even some social media influencers feel the pressure to look or live in an idealized way.

Journalist and influencer Janelle Marie Rodriguez — who has more than 108,000 followers on Instagram, where she goes by the name Janelle Marie — said the pressure to promote a certain image has caused her to doubt her own identity and the purpose of her brand.

“So, then you start to devalue and question yourself,” Rodriguez said.

As knowledge of the risks grows, some users have tried to leverage social media to bring awareness to mental health issues and advocating for body positivity, according to Common Sense Media.

Rodriguez said she makes an effort to post content that displays a less-idealized image to her followers.

“With my journey on social media,” she said, “I decided that I wanted my platform to not only be a highlight reel, but at least dedicate one day of the week to make people who come across my page feel good.”

Gilbertsen also recommends users monitor the amount of time they spend on social media.

“Whenever your behavior becomes obsessive and your behavior becomes compulsive that’s probably an indicator that you really are a slave to your phone,” said Gilbertsen. “Realize you are in control.”

This show was produced by the following team: