It’s crazy the way social media has completely changed the way our world operates. Gone are the days when a “friend” was actually someone who you spent time with, rather than someone who is just connected with you online. It’s no longer enough to have a social reputation, now you also have a virtual one.
Social media is great for a lot of things—connecting with (real) friends and family who live far away, reading the latest news or seeing today’s pregnancy announcements. Heck, the only reason my job even exists is because of social media.
We all know the dangers of social media—violations of privacy, “cat-fishing,” people learning too much about you and even predators that are after our children. But what about the dangers that often go unseen?
A recent survey conducted in the U.K. suggests that social media platforms are believed to pose a staggering threat to mental health.
The poll, conducted by the Royal Society for Public Health, was given to 1,479 young people between the ages of 14 and 24. They were asked to score the most popular social media platforms based on 14 different health and well-being issues or topics—things like anxiety, depression, bullying, body image and loneliness.
YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat were the apps featured in the survey.
According to the RSPH, 90 percent of young people use social media—more than any other demographic of people—which is why they are believed to be more vulnerable to the effects of social media.
Surveyed users found YouTube to have the most positive influence on mental health, while Twitter and Facebook followed suit.
Instagram and Snapchat—both image-heavy platforms—were given the lowest scores by those surveyed.
Ironically enough, Instagram has repeatedly stated that maintaining a safe and supportive environment for young people is one of the platform’s top priorities. Yet it’s one of two platforms that invokes the most threats to the mental health of young people.
“It is interesting to see Instagram and Snapchat ranking as the worst for mental health and well-being,” says Shirley Cramer—Chief Executive of the RSPH. “Both platforms are very image-focused and it appears they may be driving feelings of inadequacy and anxiety in young people.”
Of course, being that the survey scored 14 areas of experience on each social media platform, Instagram didn’t completely fail. Users found the app to offer a positive impact on self-expression and self-identity.
Isla Whateley
Isla Whateley is living proof of the double-edged-sword that is social media. While going through tough times in her teens, Isla turned to social media to help her through.