Reports estimate that approximately 5.24 billion people use social media platforms worldwide¹, which is nearly 64% of the global population. Its role in daily life is undeniable; however, when misused, social media can have detrimental effects on a person’s well-being. Social media impacts users’ mental health in both positive and negative ways, and understanding both sides helps us use it more mindfully.

Pros of Social Media

1. Easy connection with friends and family

Social media helps you stay close with people who matter most, no matter the distance. This can boost your mood and reduce feelings of loneliness.²

2. Access to uplifting content

Following positive accounts and communities can provide users with a form of encouragement and motivation that supports their mental health.²

3. Space for self-expression

Social media lets you share your thoughts, creativity, and personality, which can improve your self-confidence and help you feel understood.²

Cons of Social Media

1. Can lead to loneliness and isolationism

Increased social media usage can lead to users feeling alone as they are constantly comparing themselves to influencers and friends.²

2. Cyberbullying

The rise of social media has given online trolls and bullies a new platform to harass others. As a result, cyberbullying has become so widespread that 59% of U.S. teens report having experienced it.³

3. Misinformation

The influx of information on social media can serve as a double-edged sword, as for the most part, this information is unfiltered, leading to misinformation to be shared and ultimately believed by people who fail to check their sources.²

Finding Balance

It’s extremely important to find balance within social media usage. It’s not going away any time soon, so here are some methods I use to assure I am using social media mindfully:

1. Set screen time limits

I noticed I was spending way too much time on social media platforms, especially TikTok, so I had my mom set a screen time limit of 45 minutes daily on TikTok. This forced me to be more productive as I could no longer mindlessly doom scroll for hours on end.

2. Curate your feed

Avoid following influencers whom you compare yourself to. Follow accounts that uplift you and limit the stress in your life.

3. Time your breaks

After finishing some homework or completing a task, it’s okay to take a break, as long as these breaks don’t become excessive. I found that once I started timing my breaks, typically limiting them to at most 20 minutes, I almost doubled my productivity.

Social media can either be a tool to relieve stress or create it. However, if we are intentional about our online habits, it can become a valuable part of all of our lives.

Citations

Number of internet and social media users worldwide as of February 2025

The Pros and Cons of Social Media on Mental Health

A Majority of Teens Have Experienced Some Form of Cyberbullying