Scrolling into darkness: How social media fuels mental health struggles

In this digital age, social media platforms have become central to the lives of many youths, influencing how they communicate, socialise, and perceive many aspects of life.

Social media provides numerous benefits to young people, enabling them to connect with others who share similar interests, passions, and experiences, build relationships, foster friendships, and develop a sense of belonging

It also offers opportunities for education and skill development. Young people can express themselves through creative content, such as art, music, or writing that provides access to educational resources, online courses, and tutorials, which can enhance their knowledge and technical skills.

However, there is an increasing concern about social media platforms having negative impacts on mental health among youths such as anxiety, depression, body image issues and suicide which are often linked to their experiences on social media. Social media plays a significant role in shaping the mental health landscape of youth today.

For Omowumi Adegboyega, a 22-year-old, social media has made her feel worse about herself. What used to be a normal life now feels lonely and empty because of the hours she spends on TikTok and Instagram. Instead of helping her feel connected, social media makes her feel left out.

“I feel left out and my life is boring. I feel anxious and even depressed as I experienced lack of sleep, and increased stress, which makes my mental health problems worse,” she said.

Omowumi explained that she’s addicted to these apps, but they only seem to make her feel sadder. She added that she sometimes has suicidal thoughts as she thinks she is left out of the social world when she sees her mate lavishing money on extravagant lifestyles.

James, a 20-year-old student, feels his self-confidence slipping away because of social media. He spends hours scrolling through Instagram, looking at people who seem to have perfect lives. Each photo or video makes him question if he is doing enough.

“I spend hours scrolling through Instagram and seeing everyone looking perfect or doing fun activities. I start questioning whether I am doing enough, and it sometimes feels like a pressure to live up to what I see online.”

These posts don’t just make him feel jealous; they make him doubt himself. He feels anxious about his body and his achievements.

“I often compare my life to highlight reels on social media,” he explained. The more he compares, the worse he feels and the more he feels stuck in insecurity.

For Tunde, a 21-year-old university student, social media went from being fun to damaging his life. He loved social media and wanted to become popular by posting content. But when his posts didn’t get many likes or followers, he felt his confidence fall apart.

“The lack of likes and followers chipped away my self-esteem. So I began exploring other ways to gain wealth and status.”

In his desperation, Tunde turned to cybercrime. He tricked people online to make quick money, hoping to feel better about himself.

“I became involved in online scams, tricking people out of their hard-earned money,” he admitted. But the small victories didn’t last long. He also started cyberbullying people, taking out his anger on strangers.

As things got worse, he started betting on sports online. He spent hours placing bets on games, hoping for a big win. But instead of winning, he only lost more money and ended up deeper in debt.

The stories of these three young people align with available research. Research has shown that 48 per cent of adolescents used social media and 43.7% had moderate to severe psychological distress, with a higher prevalence among females (54%) than males (31%).

Mental health problems among adolescents have increased worldwide, with one in seven (14%) young people aged 10–19 years experiencing mental health problems, within which anxiety and depression make up about 43% and are considered the leading causes of illness and disability for adolescents. 

Depression and anxiety are also considered risk factors for many adverse health outcomes, such as cardiovascular diseases, behavioural problems, and substance use disorders.

Reports from the World Health Organisation revealed that social media use among adolescents increased from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022. This, coupled with findings that 12% of adolescents are at risk of problematic gaming, raises urgent concerns about the impact of digital technology on the mental health and well-being of young people.

Experts offer solutions

Speaking to Mr Ore Afolayan, a social media expert, he explained that youth prioritise sensational content which is why controversial posts or unattainable standards trend more, fueling insecurities as algorithms often prey on emotional reactions, keeping them in cycles of anxiety or negativity.  

“For youth with curated Personas: they feel pressured to match unrealistic lifestyles portrayed online, which can be exhausting and harmful while Cyberbullying; Sometimes, people are trolled and bullied which can quickly erode confidence and mental health.

“Also, addiction, like infinite scrolling, is engineered to keep users engaged and it’s easy to see how this leads to dependency. For young people, this constant pull often comes at the expense of their studies, relationships or meaningful hobbies”.

While speaking on solutions to this technological menace, the CEO of TOA Marketing advised that young people should use social media as a tool and treat platforms as a resource for learning or networking rather than solely for entertainment.

He added that young people should filter content by following accounts that inspire growth – educational or career-oriented.

“Scheduling breaks like you schedule work hours, youths should plan time away from screens. It’s critical to prioritise offline experiences. Engage posts authentically and interact in ways that reflect one’s true self, not just what will get the most likes,” Afolayan said.

Kate Bisung, a mental health expert at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Enugu, highlighted the effects of social media use on mental health and suggested measures to curb the negative impacts.

“It’s not news that the social media space is like an ocean. There are the good, the bad and the ugly in every sense of the world. Social media has been linked to a sharp rise in mental health issues among youth”. 

“Social media is filled with posts showing only the best parts of people’s lives, making students think they may not have the best of their lives, hence, they compare themselves to these images. This often leads to the students feeling they don’t measure up with others they see online. 

“It leads to low self-esteem, leading to body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, like anorexia nervosa or depression and the belief that they are not good enough, it causes depression and anxiety, rise in suicide rates and sleep problem,” she explained.

Speaking on solutions and coping strategies, she advised that students should limit screen time, practice digital detox, seek professional help from counsellors, and build offline relationships by spending time with family and friends in person. 

One of the most effective ways to improve mental well-being in the digital age is by consciously limiting screen time. Prolonged use of digital devices can lead to increased anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances. Students can achieve balance by setting specific time limits for social media, gaming, or browsing activities.

Engaging in regular digital detoxes helps students disconnect and recharge mentally. A digital detox involves taking planned breaks from electronic devices to reduce dependency and regain a sense of control. During these breaks, students can focus on hobbies, nature walks, reading physical books, or engaging in mindfulness activities. These periods of disconnection can alleviate mental fatigue, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being by allowing the brain to rest from constant stimulation.

When digital use begins to impact mental health negatively, seeking support from professional counsellors or mental health practitioners is crucial. Counsellors can provide guidance, coping strategies, and therapeutic interventions tailored to the individual’s needs. These professionals help students address underlying issues related to screen addiction, anxiety, or social isolation. 

Lastly, strengthening offline relationships with family and friends offers emotional support and a sense of belonging. Students can foster deeper connections and improve their social skills by spending time with their loved ones physically. Activities such as engaging in group hobbies, having face-to-face conversations, or participating in community events can reduce feelings of isolation and promote a balanced lifestyle. 

This article was first published by the Centre for Storytelling and Development Initiative