Project Analysis Mental Health and the Impact of Social Media on Youth Well Being (1)

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Southern New Hampshire University *

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215

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Arts Humanities

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Jan 9, 2024

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Kristopher Davis IDS-402 Allyson Bellemore Southern New Hampshire University Project Analysis: Mental Health and the Impact of Social Media on Youth Well-Being The relationship between mental health and social media, particularly among the youth, has raised significant concerns. This analysis, framed within the lens of social sciences, explores the escalating issue of mental health among youth aged 12 to 24, focusing on the impact of excessive social media usage. The lens of social sciences is chosen for its ability to delve into the dynamics of social media, its role in shaping youth culture, and its implications for mental health. Impact on Institutions The humanities lens allows us to consider the cultural and societal aspects influencing political discourse. The impact on mental health, driven by social media comparisons and cyberbullying, may influence political engagement and social movements among the youth (Samra et al., 2022). We can also see how examining the topic through the humanities lens reveals how social media affects community dynamics. The constant comparison and fear of missing out can alter social interactions and contribute to a sense of disconnection within communities. The influence of social media on family dynamics is seen through the humanities lens in the context of cultural values and expectations. Unrealistic standards portrayed online may contribute to conflicts within families, impacting communication and relationships (Karim
et al., 2020). The humanities lens also allows us to consider the cultural and societal influences on economic aspects. Mental health challenges among youth may affect their productivity and ability to contribute to the economy, with potential long-term economic implications. Lastly, looking at the impact through the lens of the humanities reveals cultural influences on education. Social media-induced mental health issues may influence educational experience, with potential consequences for academic performance and the learning environment (Karim et al., 2020). Benefit From Change One specific element that could benefit from change is the cultural norms we see on social media. Shifting societal expectations and promoting realistic portrayals of life online could lessen the negative impact on mental health (Moreton & Greenfield, 2022). A couple of different constructive approaches could be promoting media literacy programs in schools to teach critical consumption of online content. Collaborating with influencers and content creators to encourage authentic representations on social media platforms could also be a very effective strategy to drive home the point that too much social media consumption is bad for our mental health. Benefits and Challenges I believe a good benefit from critically analyzing wellness through the humanities lens can foster cultural shifts, reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues and promoting a more supportive environment. A challenge to doing this may be that addressing wellness in a cultural context requires time and effort to reshape societal norms. Overcoming deep-rooted cultural expectations may pose resistance to change. Social Practices
The humanities lens reveals how social media influences cultural expression. Promoting diverse cultural narratives and celebrating individuality can counter how idealized online representations are creating a uniform image of what society should like. When we examine governance through the humanities lens, we must consider the cultural values that shape policies. Policies addressing cyberbullying and online safety must align with societal expectations to be effective. References Karim, F., Oyewande, A., Abdalla, L. F., Chaudhry Ehsanullah, R., & Khan, S. (2020). Social media use and its connection to Mental Health: A Systematic Review. Cureus . https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.8627 Moreton, L., & Greenfield, S. (2022). University students’ views on the impact of Instagram on mental wellbeing: A qualitative study. BMC Psychology , 10 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-022-00743-6 Samra, A., Warburton, W. A., & Collins, A. M. (2022). Social Comparisons: A potential mechanism linking problematic social media use with depression. Journal of Behavioral Addictions , 11 (2), 607–614. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2022.00023
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