Social Media and College Student Mental Health

• Social media is as integral to college students' lives as textbooks.
• Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) enable instant connection, community, self-expression
• Social media presents mental health challenges for students in a high-pressure academic setting.
• Constant social media exposure can alter self-image and self-perception.

Impact of Comparison

• According to Lauren Enty, social media comparison can be challenging, even when we know people post the best versions of themselves.
• UC Davis Health (UCDH) research shows social media use is linked to self-esteem issues.
• Constant exposure to filtered images can lead to individuals disliking their appearance.
• It may cause or worsen skin issues as expressed by women's and gender studies senior Madison Totty

Mental Health Effects

• Excessive social media use correlates with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among young adults according to findings from UCDH.
• According to psychology senior Darielle Kontcho, social media has become the standard for life, rather than reality setting that standard.
• "FOMO" (Fear Of Missing Out) can drive continuous social media checking.
• Dependency on social media within college environments can heighten social anxiety and avoidance of in-person interactions.
• Social media can impair social skills, decrease confidence, and result in feelings of isolation.
• According to Enty, social media can promote well-being, the more consumption someone has, the more lonely people may become.

Sleep Disruption

• Continuous social media use, especially driven by FOMO, can disrupt sleep and negatively impact mental health.
• The Sleep Foundation notes that individuals with FOMO tend to check social media before bed and wake up at night to do so.
• Exposure to blue light from devices interferes with melatonin production.
• Difficulty falling and staying asleep leads to sleep deprivation, which is closely linked to increased anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges.

Managing Online Habits

• Mental health specialists suggest proactive steps to manage online habits.
• According to Totty, it is important to have the mindset that social media is fake.
• Approaching social media with caution and intention can lead to a healthier way to navigate the digital world.