The Miserable World of Social Media: How It Affects Your Mental Health

Facebook depression.

Twitter anxiety.

Instagram addiction.

But…is social media a “silent killer?”

The mental-health effects of social media have been a hot topic for years. But is there any scientific basis behind the common perception that our online lives are making us miserable? Studies show mental health has worsened with the rise of social media, but it’s not clear if this is just because it’s easier to compare yourself to others on these platforms.

Anxiety, depression, and mental distress are all on the rise. Research has indicated that social media may be one of the culprits for this worsening mental health epidemic. Some studies have found strong associations between increased use of Facebook or Twitter with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression among young adults.

Others suggest that it’s not the social media itself that is causing mental distress, but rather just an increase in awareness of other people’s mental distress. In a world where it seems as if everyone else has their life together while you’re drowning in anxiety and depression, looking at someone’s Facebook or Instagram feed can only make things worse.