Are you constantly scrolling through your phone, falling down the spiral of post after post or video after video? Social media has taken the world by storm in the last couple of decades. Nowadays, people find it odd when someone is not on social media.
However, research continues to reveal the harmful effects of social media on our emotional and psychological well-being. Though social apps can be a helpful tool, we must consider if being on them harms or helps individuals in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) or another mental illness.
Another aspect of this issue is the rise of individuals exhibiting symptoms of internet and social media addiction and how that may factor into recovery. Despite these risks, there are potential benefits to utilizing social media in your recovery journey.
Due to the recent and rapid increase in social media usage, researchers have conducted studies to assess the potential risks. Unfortunately, there is still much to explore to ensure conclusive results.
For example, a study from the Cureus Journal of Medical Science claims social media is "responsible for aggravating mental health problems." They define humans as "social creatures that require the companionship of others to make progress in life." Individuals need companionship to reduce stress, anxiety, and sadness. Though we can connect to others through a screen, this connection does not compare to in-person interaction.
While some studies have found a positive correlation between social media and mental health, others link prolonged social media use to depressive symptoms. Sometimes, the potential for harm is on a case-by-case scenario. While some people are more susceptible to experiencing symptoms of mental illness, others may not be as phased by the media they consume. Many are, however, seeing the harmful effects on our youth today.
Young adults, adolescents, and younger children can be very impressionable. For that reason, exposure to social media at an early age can be dangerous. Before this age group has a fully developed brain, they are taking in an absurd amount of curated and doctored media that can impact how they view themselves. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Though it helps us connect with friends or entertains us, social media has a dark side. It can become a bad habit that affects our mental health when we compare ourselves to others.
Even those less impressionable can fall into negative thinking patterns because of what they see online. For example, seeing how peers or acquaintances from college are succeeding through what they post can cause us to question ourselves. Have we achieved our goals? Do we have a successful career? Are we reaching our full potential in life?
These questions are valid but can begin a detrimental spiral. We forget that much of what we see on social media is deception. People only post the best of what happens in their life. Like us, they struggle at times, but we don't see those times on our feeds.
In addition to social media alone, another factor to consider is the effect our screens have on us. Most research on screen time effects focuses on children and adolescents. However, some studies find evidence linking screen time to mental health concerns, including depressive symptoms, in adults.
There are also physical concerns to consider. Blue light—emitted by smartphones, laptop screens, and TVs—can cause dry eye, age-related macular deterioration, and sleeping problems because of its impact on melatonin secretion.
Social media can benefit mental health and addiction recovery despite these potential risks. Consider the past couple of years during the pandemic. Not only did social media connect us to friends and family when we could not be present together, but it also allowed some to find the motivation to stay in recovery or seek telemental health services for mental illness and addiction.
Any-time connection—with loved ones and with mental health and addiction recovery professionals—isn't always a bad thing. We can continue using social media to augment our realities, promote sobriety and mental health, and motivate others to seek treatment.
Other potential benefits of using social media in addiction recovery include the following:
Social media can keep us connected to peers and members of our social network. Addiction can be an isolating disease. Therefore, staying connected to others when trying to maintain sobriety is invaluable. When triggers and cravings seem everywhere, we can take comfort in knowing our support network is just a click away.
Being on social media can also keep us accountable. We can see motivational posts and reach out for help when needed. Sharing your story with others can motivate you to continue your progress and may inspire others to seek treatment.
Lastly, social media can help you broaden your support network beyond your peers. The more accounts or linked-minded people you follow, the more daily motivation you will have to maintain your sobriety. Remember not to compare yourself to others. Your journey is your own. If others can maintain sobriety, so can you.
Everyone's journey with addiction and mental health is different. For some, social media harms our mental health or addiction recovery. However, it can be beneficial to us in several ways. For example, social media connects us to people from treatment and support groups and continues broadening our support network. It can also keep us accountable for our sobriety if we post regularly and use social media to document our recovery journey. It is prudent to monitor your social media use and be mindful of how it may or may be impacting your overall mental health. To learn more about social media use or to seek help for someone struggling with addiction, call NorthStar Transitions at (303) 558-6400.
