about the AUTHOR
Charlotte Petonic Robbins is the assistant director of student health promotion at The University of Alabama and is a Certified Health Education Specialist.
In recent years, the rise of social media platforms has transformed how we connect with others, share information, and express ourselves. While these digital spaces have enriched our lives and increased our connection to others, social media usage can also negatively affect our mental health and body image.
The Downsides of Social Media
Despite its positive attributes, the impact of social media on mental health and body image presents several challenges. The constant exposure to carefully curated, idealized representations of others’ lives can lead to social comparison and feelings of inadequacy. The addictive nature of these platforms, driven by algorithms designed to maximize user engagement, can contribute to social comparison and self-discrepancy – known contributors to mental health issues.
Social media use can foster social comparison, as users consciously and subconsciously compare themselves and their achievements to those of their peers. This can result in feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, further contributing to distorted self-perception and increased body dissatisfaction. Research shows increases in body dissatisfaction are linked to a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
According to that same research, social media use also promotes self-discrepancy, a theory that describes the gap between our perceived self and our ideal self. This difference significantly impacts individual psychological well-being.
What Can We Do?
Social media platforms are not going anywhere, but we can act — both as individuals and as a community — to help decrease the adverse effects of social media on body image and mental health.
As a community, we can encourage everyone to thoughtfully analyze the content they consume and promote a culture of media literacy, which
- raises awareness and critical thinking,
- helps identify unrealistic portrayals, and
- encourages healthier navigation of social media.
When we recognize this kind of critical examination to be a struggle, it may be a good idea to take a break from social media to reduce our exposure to unrealistic images and content that contributes to feelings of inadequacy and other negative mental health impacts. This also allows us more time to engage in life beyond social media and strengthen our relationships, building a community of support.
Resources and Support
If you or someone you know needs more one-on-one support regarding social media use and mental health, the University has a wide range of resources to help.
Student Resources
The Counseling Center helps UA students achieve academic success and personal growth through a comprehensive counseling center model focused on providing quality counseling and psychological services as well as consultation.
Students can access services through several avenues. Generally, students are able to get a screening appointment within 1-2 weeks. Same-day, 30-minute phone consult appointments are available every weekday and are only scheduled the day of. Call 205-348-3863 to schedule a screening or same-day consult appointment.
The Department of Health Promotion & Wellness collaborates with UA students, faculty and staff to promote a healthy campus environment, enhance student well-being and foster student empowerment to achieve optimal health and academic success through seven strategic areas. Students can participate in weekly workshops focusing on body representation, gentle nutrition, mental health and other topics to support students in all aspects of their lives.
Employee Resources
The UA Employee Assistance Program has transitioned to GuidanceResources by ComPsych. This new EAP service offers emotional support, work-life, legal, financial, online support, computerized cognitive behavioral therapy self-care and crisis support for free. For additional resources please review the EAP website on the HR benefits page.
This story is part of the Mental Well-being series, which features tips and insights on issues related to mental health from experts at The University of Alabama.