The recent rise in technology has people all over America buzzing, tweeting, snapping, and chatting, especially with social media. In the past five years, social media has become one of the most frequently used piece of media by adolescents and young adults. An individual’s elementary, middle, and high school years are crucial in building a person that he or she will be one day and starts the premise on what he or she will value and carry forward. Unfortunately, social media has become an epidemic that is affecting children and young adults in a negative, deteriorative way. In the minds of parents, stated by Erin Walsh, “Parents everywhere are expressing similar concerns about how digital technologies impact the social and emotional lives of their children,”(Walsh). With social media addiction and reliance on the rise, people should be informed of the negative effects media is having on one’s mental health. Although there are many positive features that are coming out of the rise of technology, people are becoming reliant on social media which is overall affecting their mental health and well-being.

The obsession that young adults have developed through social media has a serious link to the problems that individuals develop as they grow older. Many may argue that social media has more positive effects than negative, however, it is proven that social media has a supposed link to depression. Millions of people post the glorified highlights of their lives all over social media every day, making people envious and infatuated with the lives of others. As everyone seems to do, people are showing their best selves online, and sometimes individuals tend to forget that small bit of information. This tends to target those with typically lower self-esteem in particular, as Psychotherapist Abrams says, “if you spend most of your time scrolling through your newsfeed checking out other people's lives and compare them to your own, you become more at risk of developing (or having worsening) symptoms of depression or anxiety. This is especially so in those with low self-esteem." Abrams statements seems to hold true, as comparison seems to always be the thief of one’s joy. It’s normal for individuals to compare themselves to others, social media is just the perfect way to do it at a more intense level (Dodsgon). Another phenomenon that results from excessive social media usage is the idea of FOMO, also known as the “Fear of Missing Out.” Scrolling through hundreds of photos or status updates throughout the day while one may be doing his daily activities, one may feel like he is missing out on all the fun or extravagant things his friends are doing. Studies show that the more individuals are using social media, the worse they feel (Walsh). This use of social media overall leads individuals feeling sad or discouraged which can ultimately result in depression and increased low self-esteem. The slow and silent killer of excessive social media usage has a serious link to one’s mental health and his overall well-being. 

In addition to depression, another health issue that is often affiliated with excessive social media use is anxiety. Anxiety disorders come with a lot of other issues many may not be so familiar with such as negatively comparing oneself to others, sleep deprivation, inability to concentrate when necessary, and the negative emotional experience of FOMO which is the fear of missing out (Dube). The common theme and recent phenomenon through anxiety is FOMO. Many people suffer from the fear of missing out as they are constantly being reminded about things they may not have been invited to or things they were unable to go to which results in lower and lower self-esteem. The internal sadness many teenagers face because of social media can affect them in many aspects of their lives which can make individuals think they are not good enough or less than. In a recent study, student Daryn Lundberg conducted a survey of fifty students and asked their personal opinions regarding social media. After evaluating that thirty-eight students out of fifty agree that social media has a negative effect on one’s mental health, 100% of these students agree that the student himself or someone these students know personally reports a connection between excessive social media use and low self-esteem. Additionally, of the thirty-eight students who admit to social media being linked to mental health issues, thirty-one students admit to knowing someone or having first-hand symptoms of anxiety as a result of extreme social media use. After interviewing college students, it is evident that there is indeed a link between social media and the mental health disorders of low self-esteem and anxiety. These two disorders tend to go hand-in-hand, as low self-esteem usually is followed by symptoms of anxiety. In addition to low self-esteem, stress is also a common side effect of anxiety. Stress is increased through social media as one is constantly and consistently switching his mind from one thing to another and to another and another. People are continually stuffing their minds with new information which is ultimately detrimental to one’s health. Unfortunately, this leads to lack of sleep and relaxation amongst people along with decrease in steady concentration (Perov). Through Perov’s claims regarding stress, it is proven that anxiety has a lot of negative effects on one’ s mental health in many aspects of one’s life. Anxiety disorders have a lot of backfire because of social media and should be actively prevented amongst people, especially younger individuals. 

While there are many negative effects related to social media and its obvious link to mental health disorders, there are inarguably positive things that also come out of social media. There may be positive things that are related to social media, but after evaluating the horrible effects of social media, could the good possibly outweigh the bad? Brunskill attempts to defend social media by stating its positive effects. The advancement in the technological field has been developed so quickly and vastly it is unbelievable. Sudden advancements and breakthroughs in technology is something that has become equally admirable and crucial in society today. Despite popular belief, the internet and social media forums can be used as a positive and beneficial way of learning or retaining information amongst individuals (Brunskill). To enhance this statement, Brunskill also addresses the negative effects of social media and their inevitable downfalls, which increases ethos in his claim since Brunskill recognizes the both perspectives. According to Brunskill, social media’s positive aspects outweigh the negatives due to social media’s amazing networking capabilities and the community that is built through sharing experiences and glorified highlights of individuals lives. The advancement in technology from Brunskill’s perspective solidifies that the positive aspects of social media outweigh the negative, detrimental effects social media has on one’s mental health. 

Despite Brunskill’s best efforts attempting to defend social media and the many benefits it supposedly possesses, the negative aspects of social media definitely outweigh the positive aspects especially in regard to its long term hurtful outcomes. One argument concerning social media’s detriment to mental health is the concern that social media is encouraging individuals to maintain superficial relationships and neglecting more personal, authentic ones (Rosen). Rosen elaborates by stating that many individuals are putting their virtual worlds first and refusing to engage in genuine friendships or relationships. This lack of face-to-face communication ultimately harms an individual and his well-being. Not only does this distract an individual from his present mind, but prohibits an individual’s being from developing depth or deeper understanding of real life experiences. In addition to Rosen, Walsh reiterates this in her article by summarizing the dangers of social media and its detrimental health effects by incorporating the importance of face-to-face communication. The lack of face-to-face communication in this society due to excessive media use is very real, as people seem to be so infatuated or obsessed with technology that these individuals are unable to maintain intelligent, intentional conversations. One of the most beautiful things an individual can achieve in life and appreciate is a genuine, authentic relationship that promotes vulnerability, which cannot be achieved through the virtual reality and shallowness of social media. Even though Brunskill presents a valid claim, the reality of social media and its harmful effects on one’s health is not something that can be readily avoided. 

While there may be positive things that come out of social media, it is evident that the negative effects of daily social media are incomparable to its potential benefits. Although there are many positive features that are coming out of the rise of technology, people are becoming reliant on social media which is overall affecting their mental health and well-being. It is crucial to use social media intentionally and in moderation to avoid any potential side effects of the situation. Social media is detrimental to one’s mental health as it increases signs of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, increased stress and fatigue, and lack of authentic face-to-face communication. If these are all of the consequences young people are already facing, imagine where the following generations could possibly end up if this issue is not taken seriously. 
