Is Social Media Causing Depression In Millenials?
Is social media to blame for the increased rise in depressive symptoms in Millenials?
Many psychologists agree and singled out this increase in depression symptoms as a result of social media- but is that the full story?
Millennials were the first generation to grow up with a virtually unlimited stream of information from social media and the internet, and they are being bombarded with details regarding the private and professional lives of others whether they like it or not.
Many millennials can not help but compare accomplishments and their own situations to that of everybody else’s, which can leave them feeling unaccomplished and insecure.
Because of this, Millennials are feeling the pressure. This can lead to depression, anxiety, or lowered self-esteem.
Psychologists say this coincides with previous studies which have indicated social media use may increase depression and loneliness. However, is social media really to blame?
While true that social media bombards Millennials with the personal lives of others, tempting them to compare themselves with others, will taking away social media really solve the underlying problem? That being the fact that Millenials are comparing themselves to others in the first place?
A feeling of inaptitude and insecurity generated by comparing oneself to another is a potential cause of depression that has existed long before social media has; however, the way people used to solve this problem isn’t to put the person in an isolation tank- but rather to address the real issue in behaviour.
If Millenials were to learn to control their behaviour and stop comparing themselves with others, they would be able to reap the benefits of social media while negating serious potential mental health issues. The solution is not to remove social media, the solution is to remove a damaging way of thinking.