Social media, once a niche aspect of the internet, has become a significant platform for communication and digital interaction globally.
With approximately 5.56 billion people engaged on these networks, a significant portion of this activity comes from Generation Z, individuals born between 1997 and 2012.
In the United States, about 25% of social media usage is attributed to this demographic, who have grown up with constant exposure to digital platforms.
This raises concerns regarding the long-term implications of such exposure, particularly regarding the mental health of young adults.
In his book “The Anxious Generation,” social psychologist Jonathan Haidt addresses the troubling increase in mental health issues among Gen Z members.
Haidt attributes this rise in anxiety and depression to the influence of smartphones and social media.
He notes, “The mental health of adolescents plunged in the early 2010s,” highlighting a sharp increase in rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide.
To gain insights into how national trends correspond with local experiences, The Daily Utah Chronicle conducted a survey among University of Utah students, examining their interactions with social media.
The survey comprised a blend of multiple-choice questions and open-ended prompts, aimed at understanding the students’ perspectives regarding social media’s impact.
Findings from the survey reveal that 89% of students have utilized social media for over five years, with 11% being active for four years or more.
Instagram emerged as the most popular platform, with 94% of respondents actively using it, followed by YouTube at 77%, Pinterest at 72%, and TikTok at 61%.
These statistics align with national averages reported by Pew Research, which notes that 76% of adults aged 18-26 use Instagram, 43% use Pinterest, 91% use YouTube, and 59% use TikTok.
The prominence of Instagram among University of Utah students underscores its significant influence on Gen Z.
Various factors contribute to the platform’s appeal among students.
Investopedia points to Instagram’s emphasis on visually appealing content as a key reason behind its success.
The platform has diversified from static images to include audio and video features through Stories and Reels, which cater to user preferences and keep it competitive with rising platforms like TikTok.
Kennedy Chiara, a senior majoring in entrepreneurship and director of Geekwave, reflects on the strong visual nature of Instagram and its role in her own experiences while studying abroad.
During her time in Dublin, Ireland, Chiara felt compelled to document her journey on Instagram, treating the experience as one that required verification through well-curated images.
“While I was there, I started to notice that I still was treating this whole experience as something that needed to be documented,” Chiara explained.
Now, two years after deleting her account, Chiara admits to feeling better without it, revealing that her initial feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out) have since dissipated.
Students shared a broad range of emotions associated with social media use, with many indicating feelings of anxiety and unease.
One respondent remarked, “I always compare myself to others, their experiences, their friends, even though I’m satisfied with my own life.”
This unease is largely attributed to negative news content, which students consume in their efforts to stay informed.
Several students expressed anger, particularly in response to political content.
Comments included, “[I feel] anger with the political state of our country” and “Lately, with our political climate, I tend to go on deep dives on everything going on, and I cry a lot.”
Dr. LillyBelle Deer, a professor in the University of Utah’s Department of Psychology, provided insights into these emotional responses during an interview with The Chronicle.
She suggested that the frequency of updates and constant exposure to emotionally charged online content could lead to increased stress levels among users.
“There is less of an opportunity to disengage when these updates are so built into our daily life,” she explained.
Dr. Deer warned about the dangers of ‘doomscrolling,’ where users continuously scroll through negative news, which can increase stress and anxiety levels.
Striking a balance between staying informed and managing exposure to distressing content is crucial, she noted.
The issue of body image also emerged as a significant concern.
Students reported feeling inadequate and engaging in unhealthy comparisons, with one mentioning that social media often intensifies their feelings of inferiority.
Comments such as “Social media often intensifies my feelings of inadequacy, even when I know they aren’t based in reality” highlighted this trend.
Terms like “Thinspo” and “SkinnyTok” were noted as contributing factors to body image issues among users.
Dr. Katherine Pagano, an assistant professor in psychology specializing in male body image, cautioned against the influence of unqualified social media influencers.
“When we look at these ‘fitspirational’ people, … they’re not validated or studied,” she said.
Pagano emphasized that the trends promoted by these influencers often lack scientific backing.
She also pointed out the importance of promoting self-compassion and critical consumption of body image content to counteract negative feelings.
Despite the indelible negative experiences reported by some students, there were positive reflections on social media as well.
Every student surveyed indicated that they felt ‘happy’ at some point while using social media.
Many students articulated that social media fosters connections and understanding.
One student stated, “Sometimes when scrolling through [Instagram] reels, I feel like I see something that connects to how I’m feeling and helps me understand how to put it into words.”
Another found social media to be beneficial for maintaining contact with friends, both local and far-flung, emphasizing its use as a primary means of communication.
Nsilo Challenger, a third-year psychology and pre-med student, believes that social media has advantages, particularly in how it facilitates communication.
However, he stresses that its use should be moderated.
Challenger argued that social media can serve as a vital tool for advocacy and idea exchange but insists that online engagement must extend beyond the screen.
“If you’re interested in political activism, you should be volunteering your time or showing up to protest,” he noted.
For students like Challenger, the focus should be on achieving balance — utilizing social media as a stepping stone for connections and awareness while ensuring it does not replace real-world interactions.
The conversation around the effects of social media on mental health continues to evolve, with university students living the unique intersection of digital interaction and personal experience.
As students navigate their relationships with social media, it becomes increasingly necessary to address both its potential pitfalls and benefits in fostering community and understanding.
image source from：dailyutahchronicle
