Social media has long been known to have negative effects on mental health, causing stress and anxiety. Despite our awareness of these dangers, we continue to consume it daily, assuming that the risks are overblown.
Meet Madison Holleran
Madison Holleran, a talented and successful freshman at the University of Pennsylvania, was known for her intelligence and happiness. However, her anxiety and depression were exacerbated by social media, ultimately leading to her tragic suicide.
That’s Just One Story
Madison’s story is just one example of the millions of college students who suffer from anxiety, now the number one mental health problem on campuses. Social media contributes to this by fostering cyberbullying, comparison, and the fear of missing out.
It’s Not Just College Students That Need to Worry
Research has shown that social media use is correlated with depression, and is incredibly addictive. It can also lead to feelings of unhappiness and dissatisfaction, affecting people of all ages, from 13 to 93-year-olds.
In the end, while social media has its benefits, we mustn’t ignore the very real dangers it poses to our mental well-being.
