Social Media and Depression

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Social media and depression is a growing topic of research which is focused on studying how social media usage causes or encourages anxiety and depression. The primary motivator of this research is related to the correlation of increased suicide rates in youth as phone usage has increased [1]. Whether or not social media is the direct cause of increased rates of depression and suicide is still being actively researched [2].

History

A research article released in 1998 by Kraut et al was one of the first studies to show how the internet affects depression[x]. Some of the findings from the research was that internet users of the early-internet had a noticeable decline in communication with friends and family, as well as a general decrease in social life which may cause increased isolation. Following this research, more work was done suggesting a negative impact on a child's development socially[x].

The creation and rise of Facebook in 2004[x] has led to an increased interest in academic research regarding how social media affects mental health of it's users. In 2012, research was released implying that social media may break stigma against mental health issues surrounding college students[x]. However, other research at the time indicated increased rates of depression and lower grades for young users of social media[x]. Additionally, another study pointed to social media and search engines and the increased risks associated with the ease of discovering suicide methods online[x].

Present Day Research

Today, increased rates of depression, suicide, and anxiety are cause for concern. Up to 66% more of highly-active social media users report being depressed compared to less-active social media users[x]. Additionally, suicide rates of teens ages 15 -19 has increased by 76% from 2007-2017[1]. The increase in suicide rates line up with the rise of smart phone and social media usage and is a significant reason for the amount of research being dedicated to social media and mental health.

Additional research indicates that social media causes decreases self-esteem, positive body image, social interaction, physical activity[x], as well as may cause addiction[x] and decrease sleep[x]. All of these factors are important for supporting mental health and thus indicates that social media may be exacerbating current mental health problems present in both men and women. It is commonly believed the ways in which social media may cause or contribute to the degradation of healthy mental health factors are rooted in comparison[x]. Users of social media network sites are frequently exposed to idealized versions of other people's lives which can lead to feelings of inadequacy[x]. Further theories relate to the need to stay connected and "catch up" on a users social circle[x], as well as the frequency exposure to negative news[x].

Ethical Concerns

Cyberbullying

One major area of concern is related to aggressive or abusive online interactions between complete strangers. These interactions, referred to as "cyber bullying," is when one user is harassed, shamed, belittled, or abused by another user online. These interactions can take place anywhere on the internet, but may be extraordinarily harmful on social media[x]. On social media platforms, the majority of users may know or be acquainted with their "friends" on the social media platforms in real life. This connection to their real-life identity can cause extra stress when they are bullied, whether done publicly or privately[x].

Algorithms

Algorithms employed by social media companies has recently been criticized for their ethical practices[x]. The algorithms used by social media platforms recommend content based on interests which may cause to increased exposure of pro-depression and pro-suicide content[x]. Additionally, the financial goals of social media companies may bud into mental health interests[x], as social media companies try to optimize engagement with the platform. This engagement has led to arguments that social media can be addicting. The ethical criticism of social media companies is that they are knowingly employing algorithms which are designed to encourage constant interaction and engagement that may cause addiction and depression[x].

Privacy

Users of social media sites typically lose all forms of digital privacy[x]. Social media companies collect information users share, post, and message, as well as collect and store their photos, usage data, and more[x]. This constant collection of data allows social media network algorithms to optimize the experience of using the site to sell more ads and increase engagement[x]. Additionally, the open-nature of social media platforms has implications on privacy regarding friends and family. Constant exposure of what a user does online can lead to increased rates of social comparison[x] and pressure[x].

References

  1. [Miller,Caroline. "Does Social Media Cause Depression?" Retrieved on 12 March 2021.
  2. [Miller,Caroline. "A systematic review: the influence of social media on depression, anxiety and psychological distress in adolescents" Retrieved on 12 March 2021.