Mental Health And Influencer Culture: A Closer Look At Social Media Influence

Influencer culture has transformed the way we engage with social media, shaping trends, opinions, and, in some cases, even mental health. While some influencers may inspire and connect us, their curated content may also create pressures that can impact self-esteem, anxiety, and overall well-being. Here, we’ll explore the complex relationship between influencer culture and mental health, offering insights and strategies for navigating the digital world more mindfully.

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Defining influencer culture

Influencer culture refers to a social phenomenon where social media users with large followings— known as influencers—create personal brands and use social media platforms to shape trends, opinions, and consumer behavior. 

To understand influencer culture, it can help to examine the typical career trajectory of a social media influencer. They often begin by building their following using relatable or aspirational content. Once they have gained a large enough following, they might then partner with brands to promote products and services through sponsored posts or collaborations. Often, influencers will also go on to create their own brands, leveraging their image and audience to launch businesses that align with their niche.

Because their content is often perceived as authentic and personal and their lives may seem closer to the average person’s than a traditional celebrity, influencers can be effective as marketers and thought leaders. However, the curated and monetized nature of the content—as well as the frequent promotion of unattainable lifestyles—can contribute to distorted perceptions, which may be damaging to the mental and emotional health of followers.

Mental health and influencer culture: understanding the impact of social media influencers

Social media influencers (SMIs) can play a powerful role in shaping behaviors, trends, and health outcomes among their follower base. Research suggests that influencers may cause both positive and negative effects, depending on their content. 

For instance, influencers endorsing and promoting non-nutritious foods have been linked to increased caloric intake in children who are exposed to their content. Conversely, studies indicate that campaigns promoting hygiene during the height of COVID-19 successfully encouraged positive health behaviors in many. Similarly, a large number of influencers use their platform to promote mental health awareness and encourage followers to prioritize self-care and seek support.

However, significant concerns remain around body image dissatisfaction and mental health when it comes to social media. Constant exposure to idealized influencer imagery is consistently linked to negative self-perception, anxiety, and identity conflict. Adolescents may be particularly vulnerable to these effects.

Social media and mental health: what the research says

The relationship between social media and followers’ mental health is a growing area of research, revealing both potential benefits and challenges. In general, research indicates that while social media can sometimes foster connection and provide valuable resources, it can also be linked to negative outcomes related to sleep, mental illness, and low self-esteem. Here are some takeaways from recent research.

Social media use is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness

Research suggests that excessive or problematic social media use may be tied to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Socially anxious or lonely individuals may turn to social media to compensate for lacking in-person connections, but they may not find the support they seek, potentially worsening their mental health. 

Social media can be both a stressor and a source of support

Social media can increase stress through negative content or comparison, but it can also be a source of emotional support in some cases. Whether it helps or harms typically depends on how, when, and why it’s used. For example, many people turn to it for support, as a distraction from stress, or to vent emotions. It may also help a person solve stress-related problems by providing resources or advice or by encouraging them to contact a mental health professional.

Social media can affect self-esteem in some people

Social media’s impact on self-esteem isn’t the same for everyone. Using social media may make some people feel worse due to comparing themselves to others, while others may feel more connected or inspired. Studies indicate that the effects may depend on how people use social media as well as their personal traits or tendencies. 

Sleep disturbances are a common consequence of social media use

Studies suggest that high social media use is linked to a higher likelihood of sleep disturbances. Those who use social media frequently each day or week may be significantly more likely to experience sleep problems. In most cases, the more time spent on social media, the greater the potential impact on sleep quality.

Positive engagement can improve well-being

Social media can have positive effects too. These platforms also allow users to build friendships, receive helpful information, and express creativity. Plus, positive online interactions in an understanding online community may act as a buffer to stress, promote mental health, and encourage help-seeking behaviors. 

For example, adolescents—particularly those from marginalized communities—often report feeling supported and accepted through online communities. Studies also suggest that a majority of adolescents say they feel more connected to friends and supported during tough times due to social media. 

Instagram vs reality: digital hygiene tips for protecting your mental health

Social media users—particularly influencers—often show curated “highlight reels” of their lives, which can skew the viewer’s perception of what may be realistic. Practicing good digital hygiene may help you maintain a healthier relationship with these platforms and protect your well-being. Here are some practical tips.

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness may help give you more control over your emotional responses to social media content. You can practice mindful scrolling simply by remaining aware of your emotional responses while using social media. If you notice negative perceptions or feelings like inadequacy or stress, take a moment to consider what you can do to manage the situation, such as by logging off, unfollowing an account, or deleting an app.

Set limits and boundaries

Control your social media usage by setting time limits and scheduling screen-free periods, such as during meals or before bed. You might use app timers to monitor your activity, for example, and turn off app notifications to help prevent distractions. Try to balance online and offline activities by also engaging in real-life pastimes that nourish your mental health, like exercising or engaging in hobbies.

Curate your feed

You might make an effort to follow accounts that inspire, educate, and promote positivity, such as those run by inclusive wellness advocates or licensed mental health professionals who serve as mental health influencers. If you notice negative and unproductive feelings when viewing certain types of content, it may be a good idea to unfollow or mute those accounts. Diversifying your feed with content that supports hobbies, self-care, or mental health may help you create a more balanced online experience.

Avoid overuse of filters and editing tools

While it can be tempting to use filters or editing tools to enhance your appearance, these alterations can distort one’s sense of self, potentially leading to dissatisfaction with one’s actual appearance. Consider keeping photo editing to a minimum or avoiding it altogether and embracing your natural self. You might also support creators who choose to do the same.

Seek support if needed

If social media negatively affects your well-being, consider talking to a friend, family member, and/or mental health professional about it. Personal relationships can be a source of meaningful conversation and deep connection, which may help mitigate any loneliness or isolation you might be experiencing as a result of social media. If you are experiencing mental health challenges, connect with a therapist or counselor for support and, if applicable, treatment.

Anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues: when to seek help

While occasional stress or self-doubt may not be cause for concern, it’s usually important to seek help if you experience mental health symptoms that interfere with your daily life. Here are some signs that it may be worth reaching out to a licensed mental health professional:

• Persistent feelings of anxiety, low mood, or low self-esteem
• Developing a negative body image or unhealthy habits
• Feeling distressed, anxious, or irritable when engaging with social media content
• Difficulty limiting social media use, even when it disrupts daily responsibilities
• Experiencing cyberbullying or harassment that impacts your mental well-being

Is social media affecting your well-being?

Get support in therapy

Online mental health support is available

If social media use is negatively impacting your mental and emotional health, therapy may help. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in particular is a type of mental health treatment that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought and behavior patterns, and it’s practiced by many therapists. CBT is well-supported by a wide body of research for treating a variety of common mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and insomnia.

Research suggests that talk therapy in general can often be just as effective whether it’s delivered virtually or in-person, and many prefer the convenience and flexibility of online therapy. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can attend weekly virtual sessions by phone, video call, or live chat. You can also benefit from a suite of tools designed to help you get more out of therapy, like guided journaling, digital CBT worksheets, and educational webinars. Answer a brief questionnaire to match with a therapist to get started.

Takeaway

Influencer culture has shaped the online experience of many social media users. While influencers can sometimes inspire, educate, and foster connection, their curated content often sets unrealistic standards that may contribute to mental health challenges for some. However, with mindful social media use, followers may be able to mitigate harmful effects and focus on the positive aspects of online engagement. If you’re experiencing mental health challenges related to social media use, therapy can be helpful.