Social Mechanisms Influencing Depression Through Social Media

Social comparison, defined as the tendency to evaluate our lives based on the accomplishments of others, is one way in which social media contributes to depression. (Bazargan and Alavi, 2019). On Facebook, Twitter, or any other platform, young people often present an exaggerated version of themselves, showcasing their best moments and achievements. De Choudhury et al. (2019) posit that constant exposure to these idealized representations can create a sense of worthlessness and trigger depressive symptoms. It is common for young people to compare their lives with those of others, especially those whom they think have made it in life. The frequent exposure to seemingly flawless lifestyles can potentially result in emotions of jealousy and discontentment, which subsequently intensify indications of depression.

Fear of missing out is another way in which social media use increases cases of depression among young people. According to Grealish et al. (2020), Social media platforms often create a sense of urgency and pressure to constantly be connected and engaged. This fear of missing out on social events or experiences leads to increased anxiety and a fear of being excluded. The younger generation is often inclined to frequently monitor their social media accounts, a behavior that interferes with their sleep patterns and has adverse effects on their general state of health. Frequent interaction, especially on online platforms, creates a sense of discontentment, loneliness, and inadequacy, which negatively impacts young people’s mental health and wellbeing. These feelings of loneliness and isolation are known risk factors for developing depressive symptoms.

Furthermore, social media usage exposes individuals to cyberbullying, increasing their risk of depression (Lee et al., 2020). Cyberbullying refers to the act of intentionally causing harm or discomfort through the use of digital technology. With the anonymity and accessibility provided by social media platforms, young people often engage in harmful behaviors without facing immediate consequences. Thus, Peacock and Smith (2019) argue that constant exposure to negative comments and online harassment erodes self-esteem and further exacerbates depressive symptoms.