Report–
Social media is now a part of almost everyone’s life, but none more so than our young population
of digital natives. Its rise to popularity during the mid-2000s has revolutionised the way in which
we communicate and share information, both as individuals and as a society. Whilst social media
has permeated nearly every aspect of the mainstream, we are only just beginning to take stock
of the extent to which it impacts our lives. With growing consideration given to the importance
of mental health and wellbeing within the health debate, there has never been a more pertinent
time to talk about the relationship between social media and mental health.
Social media has become a space in which we form and build relationships, shape self-identity,
express ourselves, and learn about the world around us; it is intrinsically linked to mental health.
We must therefore strive to understand its impact on mental health, and especially the mental
health of the younger population. The highest incidence of social media use is seen amongst
those aged 16 – 24. That these years are a crucial period for emotional and psychosocial
development only enforces the need for greater understanding of social media’s impact.
- : https://www.rsph.org.uk/uploads/assets/uploaded/62be270a-a55f-4719-ad668c2ec7a74c2a.pdf
- : Royal Society for Public Health
- : Royal Society for Public Health