“The online communities made me feel included and that I was worthwhile,” she says. “However, I soon began to neglect ‘real life’ friendships and constantly spent all my time online talking to my friends there. I fell into a deep depressive episode aged 16, which lasted for months and was utterly horrible.”
Isla says that during her first depressive episode, social media made her feel even worse—causing her to constantly compare herself to other people, and see only the “bad” qualities in herself.
“When I was 19, I had another bad depressive episode. I’d go on social media, see all my friends doing things and hate myself for not being able to do them, or feel bad that I wasn’t as good a person as them.”
Since then, Isla has found ways to make social media work for her, rather than letting it take hold of her mental health.
“I have blogged a lot about mental health and I’m quite open about it and have good conversations with people about it. I find it gives me a platform to talk, and talking with people is something I find imperative to my own health.”
Seventy percent of the young people surveyed said that they supported social media platforms introducing pop-ups that warned them of using the app for a long period of time.
The RSPH findings are being used by public health officials to present a series of checks and measures that would offer positive wellness support for users across all platforms.
This is the world our kids are living in today. One that’s virtual, and full of Satan’s favorite weapon: comparison.
In addition to the apps incorporating precautionary measures, it’s important that we regularly talk with our children about the hidden dangers of social media—those that can take a toll on our mental health, and aren’t necessarily inflicted by the wrong-doing of others.
Hard conversations are always worth it, and in a world where our kids are taught to compare themselves to others, it’s imperative that they be reminded who they are, and WHOSE they are.