Social Media's Influence on Anxiety
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Running Head: SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS INFLENCE ON ANXIETY 1
Social Media's Influence on Anxiety: The Burden of Generational Expectations
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SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS INFLENCE ON ANXIETY
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Introduction
In today's age of social media, our lives have become deeply intertwined with
virtual platforms that greatly influence our perceptions, interactions, and overall
mental well-being (Keles et al., 2020). It is apparent that social media is an integral
aspect especially among the youths and adolescents from the western culture. In the
past one decade, the occurrence of emotional issues and problems among the young
people has significantly increased (Lebrun-Harris et al, 2022). Most studies have
found out that the increase in use of social media is one of the causes for the rise of
anxiety and other mental health issues among youths and young adults (Keyes et al.,
2019). As some studies indicates that the use of social media has negative
consequences, there are a few that highlights the positive outcomes of social media to
youths (Fredrick et al., 2022). While social media brings forth many benefits, it is
apparent that it gives rise to a significant communication challenge such as the
amplification of anxiety (Baker, 2019). This essay aims to explore the communication
issue of social media-induced anxiety. It is evident that social media has become a powerful platform for everyone to
show their lives, achievements and dreams (Yang et al., 2022). However, the constant
exposure to meticulously crafted content on social media fosters a culture of
comparison and self-doubt. Users are inundated with posts that emphasize material
possessions, academic accomplishments, and societal achievements, leading to an
atmosphere of pressure and anxiety (Aziz & Makhsin, 2021). These trends highlight
the potential negative impact of social media on individuals' well-being and mental
SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS INFLENCE ON ANXIETY
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health.
One aspect that often goes unnoticed is the influence of older generations on
social media anxiety (Li et al., 2022). Countless individuals find themselves weighed
down by the expectations placed upon them by their parents, grandparents, and other
family members (Damodar et al., 2022). In traditional cultures, there exists a
pervasive emphasis on societal status, academic achievements, and financial
prosperity. These stresses are huge and may have a serious impact on one's self value
and personal accomplishment (Basha & Chavan, 2022). The social media platform
provides a stage for individuals to show their accomplishments and unconsciously
expands their expectations. In other words, the pressure to conform to societal norms
and fulfill the aspirations of previous generations can be overwhelming. Users may
encounter distress when they juxtapose their own achievements with those of their
peers, seemingly reaching lofty heights, or when they perceive themselves as falling
behind the benchmarks set by their own kin, thereby arousing a sense of
discontentment.
Moreover, social media platforms have become a breeding ground for
showcasing educational achievements (Deng, 2021). People often share their
academic accomplishments, including degrees, certifications, and prestigious
institutions they have attended. While celebrating educational milestones is
commendable, the pressure to measure up to these achievements can be encompassing
(Jabbar et al., 2022). Constant exposure to posts highlighting academic success may
create a sense of inadequacy among individuals who have not achieved similar
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milestones, leading to heightened anxiety and self-doubt. The addictive nature of
social media exacerbates the issue further. The constant need for validation through
likes, comments, and shares can turn into an obsession, making individuals feel
anxious when they are not actively engaged with their online presence (Imani et al.,
2022). The trepidation of missing out on crucial updates, consistent notifications, or
golden opportunities can instigate an obsessive compulsion to incessantly peruse
various social media platforms, further intensifying the weight of this situation.
Another significant contributor to social media-induced anxiety is the
phenomenon of "flexing" or flaunting material wealth (Luo & Jiang, 2021). Countless
posts flood our feeds, featuring expensive cars, designer clothing, and opulent homes.
These displays of material possessions can evoke feelings of envy and inadequacy
among users who may compare their own lives to these idealized images (Guo, 2021).
The constant exposure to such content can lead to a persistent fear of missing out
(FOMO) and a relentless pursuit of materialistic goals, causing individuals to
prioritize external validation over personal well-being.
It is evident social media's influence on anxiety is a significant concern in today's
society. The constant exposure to curated content and the pressure to meet societal
expectations have heightened feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. The addictive
nature of social media exacerbates the issue, with individuals seeking validation and
fearing missing out (So & Nabi, 2013). To address this, a balanced and mindful
approach to social media usage is crucial. Promoting self-acceptance, open
conversations, and critical awareness can help alleviate the burden of anxiety and
SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS INFLENCE ON ANXIETY
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foster a healthier digital environment.
Literature Review
This brief examines literature in three main domains: the influence of
generational factors on unseen pressures in the age of social media, the impact of
social media on educational achievements and mental well-being, and the effects of
materialistic "flexing" on social media-induced anxiety. Besides, this scholarly
analysis incorporates data from additional sources for a comprehensive examination.
The availability of these data enhances the precision and depth of my thematic
analysis, enabling a more comprehensive examination of the subject matter at hand in
an academically rigorous manner.
Generational Influence: Unseen Pressures in the Age of Social Media
Li et al. (2022) found that the influence of older generations on social media
anxiety is a nuanced phenomenon that often goes unnoticed in contemporary
discourse. Many individuals experience the heavy burden of expectations from their
parents, grandparents, and other family members. As per the insightful survey
conducted by Smith and Anderson in 2018, it is worth noting that an overwhelming
majority of young adults, a remarkable 78%, actively interact with the vast realm of
the internet on a daily basis. Furthermore, they also finds that an astonishing 48% of
these individuals candidly acknowledge experiencing feelings of anxiety during their
online engagements. This is especially prevalent in traditional cultures, where societal
status, academic achievements, and financial success are highly valued. These
SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS INFLENCE ON ANXIETY
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pressures can have a profound impact on an individual's self-esteem and personal
accomplishments. Keles et al. (2019) discovered that the prevalence of social media
platforms creates a virtual platform for individuals to showcase their achievements,
which inadvertently intensifies the expectations placed upon them. According to
Baker (2019), the pressure to conform to societal norms and meet the aspirations of
previous generations can become overwhelming, leading users to experience distress
when comparing their own achievements with those of their peers, who seem to have
achieved remarkable success. Additionally, perceiving oneself as falling short of the
standards set by their own kin can evoke a sense of discontentment.
Damodar et al. (2022) conducted a study examining the impact of older
generations on social media-induced anxiety, revealing that the expectations set by
parents, grandparents, and family members, especially in more traditional cultural
contexts, have a substantial influence on individuals. These expectations play a crucial
role in shaping their sense of self-worth and overall fulfillment. The study found that
78% of participants reported feeling pressured to meet the standards set by their older
generations, resulting in increased levels of anxiety and reduced well-being. Use of social media and anxiety Some social media features create opportunities even though they may seem
disadvantageous to some people. For individuals with social anxiety, interactions via
online social platforms might distress them less compared to interaction done off
social media platforms (Erliksson et al., 2020). A research by Prizant-Passal et al.
(2016) confirms that people who have social anxiety usually prefer online
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communication over offline one. However, offline communication is much prevalent
in adults as compared to youths. Both generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social
anxiety are related to difficulties in the interaction done on social platforms (Pickard
et al., 2017). It is evident that social media provides an alternative platform where
people who have social anxiety can interact. This in return helps in enhancing their
online social skills and experience the benefits of having social interactions such as
self-confirmation and encouraging feedback from other social media users. A study by Ross et al. (2021) states that social anxiety that is self-reported is
connected to frequently starting an interaction on social media platforms and
providing other users with support and encouraging feedback. It is apparent that such
habits end up increasing the interaction done via social media platforms. As a result,
the confidence of online among thee users is enhanced. Consequently, the use of
social media might also heighten future signs and symptoms of anxiety especially
among youths. It is clear that youths usually turn to social media platforms to get
emotional support. However, in the long run, the use of social media can cause co-
rumination in youths. As a result, it forecasts more symptoms of anxiety (Ohannessian
et al., 2021). This is a clear indication that social media is one of the risk factors for
anxiety among youths. The Impact of Social Media on Educational Achievements and Mental Well-
being
Jabbar et al. (2022) conducted a comprehensive study on the impact of social
media platforms as stages for displaying educational accomplishments. Their research
SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS INFLENCE ON ANXIETY
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revealed that this phenomenon inadvertently places a substantial burden on
individuals who have not achieved similar milestones. The study found that 65% of
participants reported experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, persistent self-doubt,
and an unrelenting pursuit of external validation due to the pressure exerted by social
media. Furthermore, the research highlighted that individuals who felt inadequate in
comparison to their peers' educational achievements were more prone to mental health
issues, with 42% reporting symptoms of depression and increased stress levels. Furthermore, social media platforms have evolved into breeding grounds for
showcasing educational achievements. Novel research has revealed an intriguing
correlation, indicating that 62% of socially anxious individuals perceive social media
as a primary source of anxiety in their lives. Individuals who experience higher levels
of social anxiety seem to utilize social media more frequently and with a heightened
level of intensity compared to their less socially anxious counterparts (Casale &
Fioravanti, 2015). People often share their academic triumphs, which include degrees,
certifications, and the prestigious institutions they have attended. Aziz and Makhsin
(2021) conducted a study examining the impact of continuous exposure to posts
celebrating educational milestones on individuals. Their research revealed that while
celebrating such accomplishments is commendable, the pressure to measure up to
these achievements can be overwhelming. The study found that individuals who have
not achieved similar feats often experience a sense of inadequacy when repeatedly
exposed to posts highlighting academic success on social media platforms. This sense
of inadequacy contributes to heightened levels of anxiety and self-doubt. Additionally,
SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS INFLENCE ON ANXIETY
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the addictive nature of social media platforms exacerbates the issue, as individuals
may find themselves constantly comparing their own achievements to those
showcased online, leading to increased distress and negative psychological effects.
The Impact of Materialistic "Flexing" on Social Media-Induced Anxiety
Luo and Jiang (2021) conducted a study investigating the impact of the trend of
"flexing" or flaunting material wealth on social media platforms. Their research
revealed that this trend significantly contributes to a prevailing sense of envy and
inadequacy among users. The study found that countless posts inundate users' feeds,
showcasing extravagant cars, designer clothing, and lavish homes, creating a stark
juxtaposition to the realities of everyday life. This stark contrast between the
displayed wealth and the users' own circumstances fosters feelings of envy and
inadequacy. Users who are constantly exposed to such posts are more likely to
experience a decrease in self-esteem and an increased desire for material possessions,
leading to a cycle of comparison and dissatisfaction. This constant exposure to
ostentatious displays of affluence can fuel the fear of missing out (FOMO) and foster
an insatiable thirst for external validation, often at the expense of personal well-being.
Besides, according to the enlightening research results put forth by Guo in 2021,
individuals may encounter the inclination to implicitly juxtapose the intricacies of
their own lives with the alluring imagery exemplified in social media platforms. Such
comparisons, often characterized by a heightened portrayal of idealized perspectives,
have the potential to gradually erode one's self-esteem and give rise to sentiments of
inadequacy and unworthiness.
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Conclusion
It is apparent that there is a significant impact of social media on anxiety rates. A
lot of studies have revealed that social media contributes to high levels of anxiety
experienced by youths. Social media brings a lot of unseen pressure among the youth.
The showcasing that is evident on social media makes most young people to be
anxious about making achievements that are above their capability so they might also
flex on social media. The impact of social media on anxiety is a notable issue in contemporary society.
The continuous exposure to carefully selected content and the pressure to conform to
societal norms have intensified feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. The addictive
nature of social media further amplifies these concerns, as individuals seek validation
and fear missing out. To tackle this problem, it is essential to adopt a balanced and
mindful approach to using social media. Encouraging self-acceptance, open dialogue,
and critical awareness can alleviate the weight of anxiety and cultivate a healthier
digital landscape.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS INFLENCE ON ANXIETY
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References
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