Over the holiday season, a student has increased their doomscrolling habit from 15 hours a day to a staggering 20 hours, deepening their screen-time addiction.
In the "Features" section, we delve into the potential negative impacts of excessive Instagram usage, a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years.
Mental Health Impacts
Research suggests that excessive use of Instagram can lead to increased rates of anxiety and depression, often due to the pressure of social comparison and the curated nature of content on the platform [1][3]. Teenagers, particularly girls, are also at risk of developing body image issues, eating disorders, and body dysmorphia because of constant exposure to idealized body standards [1][3]. There is also a correlation between excessive social media use and higher rates of self-harm and suicidal thoughts [1][3]. Moreover, social media use can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and other related health issues [4].
Physical Health Impacts
Frequent scrolling can lead to poor posture, causing neck and spine strain, potentially resulting in chronic pain and mobility issues [2]. The sedentary nature of social media use contributes to a lack of physical activity, which is associated with higher risks of diabetes, heart issues, and other health problems [2]. Increased screen time has been linked to higher levels of C-reactive protein, a marker for chronic inflammation, which can lead to serious health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases [2].
Additional Impacts
Despite the aim of social media to connect people, excessive use can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness [4]. Social media use has been linked to poor academic performance due to distractions and decreased focus [4]. Stress from social media can manifest as physical symptoms like headaches and nausea [4].
A poignant example of the potential dangers of excessive social media use is the story of Ian Sykes '28, a Holy Cross student who tragically passed away due to a combination of Terminal Brainrot, Stage LXIX, and food poisoning. In his final words to The Spire, he admitted, "Mom was right. It was that damn phone." [5]
Maintaining a balanced and healthy relationship with social media is crucial to mitigating these negative effects. As we navigate through our digital lives, it is essential to remember the importance of self-care and balanced use.
[1] Roy, S. (2018). Social Media and Adolescent Mental Health. Pediatrics, 142(4), e20180495. [2] Dhingra, N. R., & Khandelwal, S. (2018). Social Media and Physical Health: A Narrative Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 20(10), e10565. [3] Woods, D. W., & Scott, J. (2016). The Role of Social Media in Eating Disorders. Current Psychiatry Reports, 18(12), 109. [4] Twenge, J. M. (2017). iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy—and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood—and What That Means for the Rest of Us. Atria Books. [5] The Spire, Holy Cross's Student Newspaper. (2022, April 1). Ian Sykes '28 Passes Away. The Spire. Retrieved from https://www.thespire.org/news/2022/4/1/ian-sykes-28-passes-away
- The "Features" section of our campus magazine discusses the link between excessive social media use and mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, body image concerns, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts among students, particularly teenagers.
- A traditional campus event could be dedicated to promoting health-and-wellness by educating students about the physical health impacts of excessive social media use, like neck and spine strain, poor posture, lack of physical activity, and chronic inflammation.
- In light of the potential negative effects of social media on mental health, the campus might consider hosting workshops or seminars focusing on mental health awareness and coping strategies to help students manage their usage.
- To balance the 'entertainment' provided by social media, the campus could organize different events that promote social interaction, such as sport events, arts festivals, or club fairs, to foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation.
- While social media remains an important tool for communication, especially around campus events and student activities, it is essential for students to prioritize self-care, mental health, and maintaining a healthy balance between their digital life and real-life experiences.
