Social Media Impacts on Mental Health

Social media has revolutionized how we connect, communicate, and share ideas. While it offers immense value in marketing, networking, and staying in touch, it’s equally important to look at how these platforms affect our mental health. Google will gladly give you thousands of articles on how to maximize your reach online and honestly, so will we. (Because we’re here to help!) But in that effort to grow and engage, we also need to pause and ask: what is the emotional and psychological cost of all this connection?

The landscape of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok isn’t always a peaceful one. Constant notifications, political debates, social comparison, and online conflict can have lasting effects on users’ mental well-being. If you’re managing social media for your brand, it’s worth looking at how your followers are engaging, not just in terms of metrics, but emotionally. Are your posts creating connection, or contributing to stress? Is your strategy encouraging well-being, or comparison and burnout?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both the positive and negative impacts of social media on mental health, what the research says, how people are affected, and what you can do to build a healthier relationship with the digital world.

Can Social Media Impact Mental Health?

Let’s take a look at some quick facts from research out of MIT related the social media impacts on mental health:

• College-wide access to Facebook led to a rise in severe depression by 7% and a whopping 20% rise in anxiety disorder. 
• An even larger swath of the most susceptible students also treated symptoms with either psychotherapy or antidepressants.
• The negative effect of Facebook on mental health appeared to be about 20% of what is experienced by those who experience job loss. If you’ve ever lost your job, you know the resulting stress and anxiety can be quite powerful!
• Researchers speculate that social comparison with peers is the cause of these issues.
• That effect appears to grow more pronounced as people are exposed to Facebook for greater periods of time.

Here’s a takeaway: It’s important to know if your social media marketing is causing your followers to compare themselves to their peers.

Think it through.

Does your strategy play an unwitting role in their anxiety? (We use the word “unwitting” because, obviously, your intentions are good. You only want to grow your audience and find new customers to engage with.)

But meaning well isn’t enough.

Do Social Media Platforms Push Divisive Content?

Now, being mindful of how you may cause people to compare themselves to their peers is only the beginning. Politics plays a big role, too. 

Politics connects strongly to current trends in company branding AND anxiety. There’s a lot to unpack here. So, let’s talk about it.

According to research shared by NPR, social media companies intentionally stir the pot when it comes to politics and other divisive issues. It appears as if these companies push content that evokes anger and outrage from its users.

Why? To maximize engagement.

Think of your own social media use: You likely spend longer interacting with posts where there’s a hot-button topic being discussed as opposed to something innocuous.

Anxiety is likely an emotion you feel when debating someone else on a point of view where you intensely disagree. And as the other person pushes back, things heat up.

The executives from the social media platform you’re using love that type of interaction, because it increases engagement, the amount of time spent on the platform and ad exposure. All at your emotional expense.

Many of us have been there. You’re not alone.

Does Politics on Social Media Cause Mental Health Issues?

Let’s talk about more the social media impacts on mental health. The American Psychological Association released data revealing that 54% of men and women who engage outlets like Facebook or Twitter report significant stress versus 45% of adults who do not use social media.

Healthy Minds NYC shared the following: “Likely the added stress for social media users is due to information overload and constant exposure to the onslaught of potentially vitriolic exchanges that can take place through digital communication.”

Research out of Harvard University’s Kennedy School shows that nearly half of 18-to-29-year-olds believe politics and/or the news media have had a negative effect on their mental health.

Social media anxiety is real. Politics plays a role. Think of anything you’re posting on your brand’s social media accounts that could cause anger and outrage from a certain portion of users. If you do this, you wouldn’t be alone. Not by a long shot.

Do Brands Make Political Posts on Social Media?

The truth is that many businesses are injecting divisive topics, like politics, into their social media. Why? Because they believe it will help them attract customers. And to a degree, it works.

Let’s look at a few examples shared by ABC News:

• Black Rifle Coffee works to appeal to conservatives. They brand themselves as “anti-hipster.”
• Blue State Coffee appeals to liberals.
• A dating app coming from former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany’s sister is called “The Right Stuff.” (Get it?)
• OKCupid wants to attract “every single tree hugger.”

You may be tempted to follow suit if you’ve seen a study from Sprout Social that reveals an astounding 70% of consumers believe it’s important for brands to take a public stand on social and political issues. Seventy percent!

According to a 2018 survey from public relations firm Edelman, almost two-thirds of consumers around the globe will buy or boycott a brand solely due to its position on a social or political issue.

If you know your customer base tends to lean a certain way, we’re sure you’re at least tempted to take public stands on political and social issues — if you haven’t already.

As we become increasingly divided online, businesses are tempted to pick a side — with social media companies rewarding them for it. They want that engagement, as we discussed. They want people sticking around.

But while it may help those social media companies, it may be hurting your brand. The social media impacts on mental health are being noted. 

Pos­i­tive Effects of Social Media on Men­tal Health

While much of the conversation around social media and mental health tends to focus on the risks, it’s important not to overlook the positive psychological impacts that digital connection can offer,  especially when used intentionally and mindfully.

1. Connection and Community

 Social media allows users to stay connected with friends and family across geographic boundaries. It also offers the chance to find like-minded communities, support groups, and safe spaces where people can share experiences and feel less alone, especially those struggling with anxiety, depression, or chronic illnesses.

2. Mental Health Advocacy and Education

Social media has become a powerful platform for mental health awareness. Therapists, psychologists, and wellness advocates regularly share tips, coping strategies, and educational resources. These posts can demystify mental illness and encourage people to seek help by reducing stigma.

3. Emotional Expression and Creativity

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter allow users to express themselves through art, writing, humor, or storytelling. For many, creative expression can be therapeutic and validating, fostering a sense of identity and self-worth.

4. Peer Support and Real-Time Encouragement

Users experiencing personal struggles often receive supportive comments, advice, or encouragement from others who have been through similar experiences. This kind of peer support, even in digital form, can help individuals feel seen, understood, and motivated to keep going.

5. Access to Professional Help

From therapy apps to virtual support groups and live Q&As with mental health professionals, social media has expanded access to mental health resources. For people in remote areas or those who fear stigma, this accessibility can be a game-changer.

Negative Impacts of Social Media on Mental Health

On the flip side, the overuse or misuse of social media can contribute to a number of mental health issues — many of which are backed by scientific research and real-world experiences.

1. Anxiety and Depression

Numerous studies including the MIT research referenced earlier link increased time on platforms like Facebook and Instagram with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. Constant comparison, exposure to negative news, and the pressure to maintain a curated image can take a toll on emotional well-being.

2. Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

The anonymity of the internet can encourage toxic behaviors. Many users, especially teens and young adults, report experiencing cyberbullying, hate comments, or harassment,  all of which can lead to lowered self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm.

3. Sleep Disruption and Mental Fatigue

The addictive design of most platforms leads to excessive screen time, particularly late at night. This not only disrupts sleep patterns but also contributes to mental fatigue, irritability, and impaired decision-making — all of which impact mental health.

4. FOMO and Social Comparison

Social media often shows the highlight reels of people’s lives, which can lead to unrealistic comparisons. Fear of missing out (FOMO), envy, or feelings of inadequacy are common, especially when users constantly measure themselves against influencers or peers.

5. Information Overload and Stress

Endless scrolling exposes users to a nonstop barrage of news, opinions, and distressing content. For many, this leads to emotional exhaustion and heightened stress particularly when consuming politically charged or divisive material.

6. Dopamine Dependence
The pursuit of likes, shares, and validation can create a dopamine-driven feedback loop. Over time, some users may become psychologically dependent on social media for self-worth or distraction, making it harder to focus, engage offline, or manage difficult emotions.

Are Social Media Companies Held Accountable?

One newsworthy event you should know about is a new California law that has ignited heated discussion. Here’s the lowdown:

•       Gavin Newsom put his signature to a bill that will require tech companies to publicly share their content moderation policies in relation to things like hate speech, disinformation and more.
•       Republicans believe social media companies moderate too much.
•       Democrats don’t think these organizations are doing enough.
•       What falls under the banner of disinformation? There’s a lot to be debated.

If you don’t live in the Golden State, you may think this is irrelevant to you. But no so fast.

The Washington Post shared a study revealing more than 100 bills in state legislatures across the country focus on moderating social media content. More than 100. Across the country. 

Now, we’ve just shared a lot of information with you to consider. And we can’t make any decisions for you. It’s your company. It’s your brand. But we can advise you.

Where Can I Find Help for My Business’s Social Media?

Like we stated in the beginning of this post, we’re here to help.  

Jennings Social Media & Martech (JSMM) has been on the cutting edge of social media marketing since 2005. We have helped dozens of brands grow their businesses using multi-channel strategy, editorial planning, copywriting, channel publishing and reporting.

At JSMM, our social media marketing experts develop and execute custom programs for large and small clients alike. These strategies are created to hit tangible revenue goals, increase new contacts and generate leads. And we are happy to discuss the social media impacts on mental health as it relates to your company. 

Our secret to success is combining the right tactics with the proper budget and growing the program over time. In most cases, clients see rapid results within 60 days, increasing website leads. Take a look at our portfolio to see how we have driven business growth and results through digital and social media marketing. Read more about our social strategy, view our package options or contact us directly to see how JSMM can take your business to the next level through digital and social media marketing!

If you follow us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, share this article and let us know your thoughts. Do you take public stands on controversial issues? What are your thoughts on the potential anxiety it could cause for your followers?

By posting this, others will likely join in the discussion, and you can learn what their perspectives are.

And perhaps this can give you some insight you never realized before.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use social media in a healthier way?

Setting time limits, curating your feed to include uplifting or educational content, avoiding toxic interactions, and taking regular breaks can help maintain a balanced relationship with social media. It’s also helpful to unfollow accounts that trigger negative feelings.

Should businesses or brands worry about how their social media affects others’ mental health?

Yes. Brands have a responsibility to consider how their content influences their audience. Messaging that encourages unrealistic standards or provokes controversy may drive engagement—but it can also harm mental health. Thoughtful, positive, and inclusive content is more sustainable in the long run.

How does social media affect teenagers’ mental health specifically?

Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to the effects of social media due to their developing sense of identity and self-worth. Exposure to cyberbullying, unrealistic beauty standards, and social comparison can lead to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. However, social media can also provide teens with peer support and access to mental health resources when used mindfully.