Not-So-Social Network

A new report reveals that social media sites are fuelling a mental health crisis in young people – and Instagram is the worst.

- Nadim Nyker

IT USED to be the idea of their children experimenting with alcohol, booze or drugs that would give parents sleepless nights. But experts warn there’s something else that’s just as addictive and potentially destructive – and it’s an activity that many South African teens indulge in.

A selfie shared here, a comment posted there. Where’s the harm? Many parents regard social media as just a bit of innocent fun, a chance for kids to express themselves and connect with friends. Yet a new survey has revealed that instead of bringing young people closer together, platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat might be fuelling a mental health crisis.

The #StatusOfMind report published recently by the UK’s Royal Society For Public Health has shone a spotlight on just how much of an impact these social media sites are having on body image, sleep patterns and youngsters’ perceptions of how they match up to their peers.

More than 1 400 people aged between 14 and 24 took part in the survey, answering questions about the effect their online activities have on their physical and mental health.

And what came through loud and clear was that instead of creating a sense of connection, social media often leave users feeling anxious, lonely, isolated and depressed. Out of all the sites, YouTube received the most positive ratings while photo-sharing site Instagram received the worst.

Johannesburg educational psychologist Melanie Hartgill isn’t surprised. She says social media set unrealistic expectations, which create feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.