Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Aug 25, 2024

Mindmap

Social Media and Its Impact on Mental Health

Introduction

  • Speaker: Katun Bevy
  • Topics: Importance of social media, its effects on mental health, unintended consequences

Social Media Usage Statistics

  • Over 60% of Kenyan youth are active social media users.
  • Many spend 2+ hours daily on social media.
  • Prolonged usage can have lasting effects, often unnoticed.

Issues with Social Media Usage

  • Future Implications: Today’s youth are tomorrow’s future; misuse of social media detracts from building a better future.

Stressors Caused by Excessive Social Media Use

  1. Insecurity

    • Defined by lack of self-confidence.
    • Social media as a highlight reel, showing only the best moments.
    • Causes insecurity through constant comparison of real life to others' curated images.
    • Example: Comparing personal struggles to others' seemingly perfect lives.

  2. Social Currency

    • Likes, comments, and shares act as social currency.
    • These become metrics of self-worth.
    • Problematic when self-worth is tied to public opinion and quantified for all to see.
    • Common experience: Removing posts that don’t receive expected engagement.

  3. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

    • Common term jokingly used but indicative of deeper social anxiety.
    • Lack of access to social media can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Action Plan for a Positive Social Media Experience

  1. Build a Strong Value System

    • Values influence actions, decisions, and behavior.
    • Making decisions based on values leads to deliberate choices reflecting personal importance.
    • Helps in deciding how to use social media purposefully.

  2. Collaborative Creativity

    • Collaboration involves working together for a common goal.
    • Example individuals: Greta Thunberg, Lupita Nyong’o, Wangari Maathai.
    • Using social media to collaborate on movements or spread awareness is valuable.

  3. Be Yourself

    • Importance of self-worth not being dependent on social media interactions.
    • "Be yourself" philosophy: Personal worth isn't tied to likes, shares, or comments.
    • Anecdote: Grandmother's t-shirt gift emphasizing uniqueness and self-worth.

Conclusion

  • Social media can be dangerous but also transformative when used for the right purposes.
  • Encouragement to use social media as a tool for positive change.

Note: Always remember that your worth is inherent and not determined by social media metrics.