TikTok And Mental Health: Exploring The Connection

TikTok and other social media platforms have risen in popularity over the last decade and are a part of many people’s daily lives. These platforms and social media apps can spread information and connect individuals from around the world. In some cases, individuals can use social media as a source for information on topics of interest and as a platform for self-expression. 

While social media can be useful for communicating and self-expression, it may also have positive and negative impacts on mental health. Positive impacts can include building community and mental health awareness, while negative aspects may include social isolation and links to a number of mental health challenges. Below, explore the positives and negatives of social media as it relates to mental health and examine strategies for managing social media use.  

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Mental health content on TikTok

Users on TikTok often have access to mental health information, which may be shown on their feed using complex algorithms. Users may also search popular hashtags related to topics such as mental health, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), trauma, or therapy. Positively, the rise of mental health information may empower individuals to seek support for mental health concerns, which may improve public health. Creators may share personal stories of mental illness or daily challenges, which can reduce the stigma that surrounds some mental health conditions. 

With the increase in information about mental health disorders available online through social media, there may also be misinformation more readily available than in the past. For individuals seeking mental health information online, it may be helpful to verify information with a certified mental health professional. Doing so can help you avoid poor information and seek mental healthcare with proper evaluation and diagnostic tools. 

Depression, anxiety, and the negative impacts of social media platforms

Although there may be benefits to mental health associated with using social media, there also may be drawbacks. Excessive use of social media and screen time may be connected to several mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression. These impacts can affect people of all ages, but may be more prevalent in teens and young adults who use social media more frequently.  

Anxiety, depression, and TikTok

Social media platforms, including TikTok, may be linked to negative impacts on youth mental health and adult mental health. The platform’s fast pace, constant notifications, and emotionally intense content can lead to overstimulation and emotional fatigue, which may cause anxiety. Anxiety may be caused by factors related to social media, including disruptions in sleep and concentration from overusing screens, as well as social comparisons that may lower self-esteem. 

In addition to anxiety, social media platforms may also contribute to depression. Depression is a mental disorder that may be characterized by feelings of hopelessness and persistent sadness. Social media may cause individuals to become increasingly socially isolated, which may increase depression symptoms. 

Other negative mental health impacts of social media platforms

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 10% of young people may have a problematic relationship with social media, which includes an addiction-like relationship with social media platforms and gaming. For these individuals, social media may impede building social connections and become all-consuming. Increased use of social media has also been associated with an increased risk of self-harm in some individuals. 

Positive mental health impacts of social media

In some cases, there are positive mental health impacts of social media, especially when used responsibly. Social media can help some individuals find connections and groups of like-minded people, which may not be possible with in-person connections. Individuals may be able to build supportive communities on platforms like TikTok where they can feel free to ask questions or share personal experiences with other people. 

Social media may also provide access to information or reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health support. People from a variety of backgrounds may share strategies or techniques for managing challenges such as anxiety or depression. Some licensed therapists and mental health experts have begun to share information via social media, which can add to the overall quality of information available on these platforms. 

Social impacts of social media

Social media can have both positive and negative impacts on a person’s social life. Positively, social media has helped to connect people from around the world, which means that friends and family members can share information and stay close, even from great distances. Platforms have also helped connect people with similar interests to build communities that may not exist without them. 

While there are social benefits to using social media platforms, there may also be downsides to using these apps. For example, some individuals may increase time spent online and decrease in-person interactions. Increased screen time may cause a person to withdraw socially, which can cause anxiety and depression. 

Screen time, social media, and youth mental health

Younger generations may be highly impacted by screen time and social media use. Many young people have grown up in an environment with the internet and smartphones, and they may not know life without these pieces of technology. For some young people, social media can have an impact on their mental health and how they see the world.  

Social media impacts on mental health in youth

Adolescence may already be a time of heightened sensitivity to social cues and self-image. On social media, these natural insecurities can be amplified. Constant exposure to curated, idealized versions of other people’s lives may cause a fear of missing out and comparison culture. This exposure can leave young people with low self-confidence or self-esteem, which may contribute to thoughts of inadequacy. 

In some cases, social media can expose young people to bullying or pressure to conform to trends that may not align with their values or developmental readiness. Online bullying or harmful trends can erode confidence and contribute to long-term emotional distress. In addition, access to social media without parameters or education can leave young people vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness. 

Strategies to limit screen time for youth

Various strategies can help young people manage screen time and social media use responsibly. One such strategy is to set a time limit for screen time each day while making an effort to increase in-person social interactions. Additionally, young people may consider developing mindful screentime habits in which they consider if they, as the user, are in control of their time or not. 

Mindfulness techniques to manage social media use

Mindfulness may be considered the practice of paying full attention to the present moment with curiosity and without judgment. Applying mindfulness to social media use can help a person become more intentional and aware of their social media usage. Practices that may improve mindfulness related to social media use include: 

• Pausing before scrolling: Before opening an app, pause and think about why you are getting online. Doing so may help you avoid compulsive scrolling or using social media as a time-filler. 
• Set a timer or limits on apps: Some apps allow a person to set controls over usage, which can serve as a reminder to log off. 
• Be intentional with the feed: A user’s feed may be curated based on past likes or interactions with content. It may be helpful for users to users to unfollow or mute pages that are harmful or incite low self-esteem. 

In addition to mindful social media usage, individuals may also benefit from engaging in mindfulness practices to reduce anxiety. Strategies like deep breathing techniques or meditation can reduce feelings of anxiety in the moment. Other techniques, such as journaling, can help a person identify long-term trends in emotions and social media use. 

Is social media impacting your mental health?

Connect with a therapist for support

Connecting with a mental health professional

For individuals who find their mental health is being impacted by social media use, it may be helpful to connect with a therapist or mental health professional. However, for busy individuals, finding time for in-person therapy sessions at a brick-and-mortar office can be difficult. Online therapy sessions through a platform like BetterHelp can occur from anywhere with a personal device and an internet connection. In this way, you can get support from a place where you are most comfortable. In addition, you may find more accessible session timeslots. 

A therapist can consider a person’s history and personal needs when making recommendations. Online therapy can be an effective way to reduce the anxiety and stress of social media use, and an online therapist may implement techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that can help a person identify and reframe negative thought patterns.