Comsats university Islamabad, Lahore

Assignment no# 01
Course: Introduction to sociology
Instructor: Ma’am Iffat Khalid
Submitted by:
Ali Husnain (SP22-BAF-048)
Talha Anwar (SP22-BAF-032)
Usama Ayaz (SP22-BAF-018)
Topic: Social media impact on mental health
 1. Introduction
Social media has become a ubiquitous part of modern life, with billions of people around the
world using platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to connect
with friends, family, and acquaintances, as well as to share information, opinions, and content.
While social media can have many positive effects on mental health, such as providing social
support, fostering community, and reducing loneliness, research has also shown that excessive or
inappropriate use of social media can negatively impact mental health in several ways.
Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, enabling us to connect with friends
and family, share information and ideas, and stay informed about current events. However, as
social media use has become increasingly widespread, there has been growing concern about its
impact on mental health.
Studies have shown that social media use can have both positive and negative effects on mental
health. On the positive side, social media can provide a sense of connection and support,
particularly for those who may feel isolated or marginalized in their offline lives. Social media
can also facilitate access to mental health resources and information.
However, social media use has also been associated with a range of negative mental health
outcomes, such as increased feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and FOMO (fear of
missing out). Social media has been linked to cyberbullying and harassment, which can have
serious and lasting impacts on mental health. Social media use has also been associated with
disrupted sleep patterns, which can have negative effects on mental health.
Overall, while social media can provide valuable social support and information, it is important
to be aware of its potential negative impacts on mental health and to use it mindfully and in
moderation.
summary, while social media can have many positive effects on mental health, it’s important to
be aware of the potential negative impacts and to use social media mindfully and in moderation
to promote mental well-being.

2. Background
The use of social media has grown rapidly over the past decade, and with it, concerns
about its impact on mental health have also emerged.
One of the earliest studies on the impact of social media on mental health was conducted
in 2011 by researchers from the University of Salford in the UK. The study found that
social media use can lead to feelings of inadequacy and lower self-esteem, particularly
among young people.
Since then, numerous studies have been conducted on the relationship between social
media and mental health, with many finding a strong association between excessive
social media use and negative mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, and
loneliness.
 In recent years, social media platforms have also come under scrutiny for their role in
promoting harmful content, such as hate speech, misinformation, and conspiracy theories,
which can contribute to a sense of social and political unrest and further exacerbate
mental health issues.
As a result, there has been growing awareness of the need to use social media in a more
mindful and responsible way, both at the individual and societal level. This has led to the
development of initiatives such as digital detoxes, social media literacy programs, and
online mental health resources aimed at promoting positive mental health outcomes and
reducing the negative impact of social media on mental health.
3. Social media as a problem
The use of social media has increased significantly over the past decade, and while it can have
positive effects on individuals and society, there are also concerns about the potential negative
impacts it can have on mental health.
One issue is the impact of social media on self-esteem and body image. Social media platforms
are often flooded with images and messages that promote an unrealistic and often unattainable
standard of beauty, leading individuals to compare themselves to others and feel inadequate. This
can lead to negative feelings such as low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and eating disorders.
Another issue is the potential for social media to exacerbate feelings of loneliness and social
isolation. While social media can provide a means of connection and social support, it can also
create a false sense of connection that does not necessarily translate into meaningful social
relationships in real life. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, social isolation, and even
depression.
The constant barrage of information and notifications on social media can also lead to increased
levels of stress and anxiety. Social media can create a sense of urgency and pressure to
constantly check and respond to messages and notifications, leading to a feeling of being always
“on” and unable to disconnect.
Additionally, cyberbullying is a growing concern on social media platforms, with individuals
being subjected to harassment, hate speech, and other forms of online abuse. This can lead to
mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and even suicide.
Overall, while social media can have positive effects on mental health, it is important to
recognize and address the potential negative impacts it can have, and take steps to mitigate these
risks.

4. Reasons
Social media can have both positive and negative impacts on mental health. Here are some of the
reasons why social media can have a negative impact on mental health:
 Comparison and envy: Social media can foster an environment of comparison and envy,
where people often present a curated version of their lives that can make others feel
inadequate or insecure.
  Cyberbullying: Social media can provide a platform for cyberbullying, which can be
devastating for individuals who experience it.
 Addiction: Social media can be highly addictive, which can lead to increased stress and
anxiety, as well as a decrease in productivity and overall well-being.
 Reduced face-to-face interaction: Social media can lead to reduced face-to-face
interaction, which can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
 Sleep disruption: Using social media late at night can interfere with sleep, which can
have negative effects on mental health.
 Exposure to triggering content: Social media can expose individuals to triggering content,
such as violent or graphic images, which can exacerbate existing mental health issues or
trigger new ones.
It Is important to note that social media can also have positive impacts on mental health, such as
providing a sense of community and support, but it is important to use it in moderation and be
mindful of its potential negative effects.

5. Consequences
Social media can have both positive and negative impacts on mental health. While social media
has the potential to provide a sense of connection and support, it can also contribute to feelings
of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem.
One consequence of social media use is that it can lead to increased social comparison. Social
media often portrays edited and curated versions of people’s lives, which can lead individuals to
compare themselves unfavorably to others. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-
esteem, and negative body image.
Another consequence of social media use is that it can contribute to a fear of missing out
(FOMO). Social media platforms often depict others having fun and engaging in activities that
the individual may not be a part of. This can create feelings of anxiety and stress, as well as a
fear of being left out or excluded from social events.
Additionally, social media use has been associated with disrupted sleep patterns, increased stress,
and decreased overall well-being. This can be due to the constant stimulation and exposure to
social media, as well as the potential for cyberbullying and negative comments.
It Is important to note that the impact of social media on mental health can vary depending on the
individual and their social media use patterns. However, it is important for individuals to be
aware of the potential negative impacts and take steps to limit their social media use and
prioritize their mental health.

6. How to overcome it
Social media has become an integral part of our lives, and while it offers numerous benefits, it
can also have a significant impact on our mental health. Here are some tips on how to overcome
the negative effects of social media on mental health:
  Limit your social media use: Set a time limit for using social media and stick to it. This
can help you avoid spending too much time on social media, which can lead to feelings
of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
 Use social media mindfully: Before scrolling through your feed, ask yourself why you’re
using social media and whether it’s going to benefit you. This can help you avoid
mindlessly scrolling and consuming content that may trigger negative emotions.
 Unfollow accounts that trigger negative emotions: Be mindful of the types of accounts
you follow and unfollow those that trigger negative emotions such as envy, jealousy, or
inadequacy.

 Focus on real-life interactions: Make an effort to spend time with friends and family in
person rather than solely relying on social media for social interaction. This can help
improve your overall well-being and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
 Practice self-care: Engage in activities that bring you joy, such as exercising, reading, or
listening to music. This can help you focus on yourself and reduce feelings of stress and
anxiety.
 Seek support: If social media is having a significant negative impact on your mental
health, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. They can help you
develop coping strategies to manage the negative effects of social media on your mental
health

7. Conclusion
The impact of social media on mental health at the micro level is a complex and multifaceted
issue that has been extensively researched in sociology. Overall, there is evidence to suggest that
social media use can have both positive and negative effects on mental health.
On the positive side, social media can provide individuals with social support, a sense of
belonging, and opportunities for self-expression and connection with others. It can also facilitate
the sharing of information and resources related to mental health and wellness.
On the negative side, social media use can lead to feelings of social comparison, envy, and
anxiety, particularly when individuals compare their lives to the carefully curated and often
idealized representations of others on social media. Excessive social media use has also been
linked to decreased sleep quality, increased stress, and decreased well-being.
It is important to note that the impact of social media on mental health is not uniform across all
individuals and contexts. Factors such as age, gender, personality, social support, and the type of
social media use can all moderate the relationship between social media use and mental health
outcomes.
Overall, while social media can have both positive and negative impacts on mental health, it is
important to use social media mindfully and in moderation to maximize its benefits while
minimizing its potential harms. Additionally, interventions such as digital detoxes, social media
literacy programs, and mental health resources can be helpful in promoting healthy social media
use and improving mental health outcomes.