Diagnosis Tiktok: How Social Media Impacts Mental Health

Social media engagement among youth has rapidly become more prevalent and pervasive, particularly with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which time it became the default method of socialization for many. Initiation of social media at an earlier age (10 years and younger) is significantly associated with problematic and risky digital behaviors, although parental restriction alleviates some of the negative effects. Higher levels of adolescent social media engagement results in increased “digital stress” which is associated with worsening of depressive symptoms over time. For example, young women who tend toward appearance comparison tend to suffer lowered confidence and increased body dissatisfaction upon increased engagement with social media which can result in symptoms of depression and anxiety. 

At the Natchaug Charity Luncheon, sponsored in part by Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU), Dr. Paul Weigle will discuss the impacts of screen habits on the physical and mental health or youth and what parents can do to turn the tide for their child.