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Topic Selection Destiny Luke Rasmussen University PSY3738: The Psychology of Social Media Megan Norwalk November 17, 2023

1) Social Media and its impact on Mental Health a) I want to learn the pros and cons of social media on mental health. b) I want to learn the effects of social media on mental health. c) So far, I only know that social media has negative effects on mental health. 2) Social media has become an integral part of our lives, connecting us with friends and family, providing news and information, and serving as a platform for self-expression. Social media has both positive and negative effects on mental health. a) Who: Social media impacts everyone who uses it, which includes individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. However, young people, who tend to be heavy users of social media, are particularly susceptible to its effects on mental health. b) What: The effects of social media on mental health can be both positive and negative. On the positive side, social media can provide a sense of connection and community and serve as a platform for self-expression and learning. On the negative side, excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and lower self- esteem. It can also contribute to sleep problems and addictive behaviors. c) Where: These effects occur globally, wherever people have access to social media. This includes both urban and rural areas, in developed and developing countries. d) When: The impact of social media on mental health can occur at any time, but it’s often more pronounced during periods of heavy use or during times of stress or vulnerability. e) Why: The reasons behind these effects are complex and multifaceted. They can be attributed to various factors such as the nature of the content viewed, the amount of time spent on social media, the individual’s personality and mental health history, and their real-life social support.

3) Cultivation Theory a) Cultivation theory suggests that long-term, heavy exposure to media can shape people’s perceptions of reality. In the context of social media, this could mean that what people see on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter might influence their views on various aspects of life, including body image, lifestyle, relationships, and more. The audience can learn how social media filters can affect our mental health through cultivation theory by exploring the following questions:  How do social media filters shape our perceptions of ourselves and others? Do they create a distorted or idealized image of reality?  How do social media filters influence our self-esteem, body satisfaction, and mood? Do they boost our confidence or lower our self-worth?  How do social media filters affect our social comparisons, expectations, and behaviors? Do they increase our social pressure or social support? These questions can help the audience understand how social media filters can cultivate our beliefs and attitudes about our physical appearance and well-being, and how they can have positive or negative consequences for our mental health. 4) Relate it to class a) Throughout the course, we’ve explored various aspects of how social media can impact mental health. Here are some key points that relate to what we’ve learned:  Cultivation Theory: This theory suggests that long-term exposure to media can shape our perceptions of reality. In the context of social media, if users are frequently exposed to posts depicting ‘perfect’ bodies or luxurious lifestyles, they

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might start to view these as the norm, which could lead to feelings of inadequacy or dissatisfaction.  Social Comparison Theory: Social media platforms are often filled with highlight reels of people’s lives, which can lead users to compare themselves with others. This can result in decreased self-esteem and increased feelings of depression and anxiety.  Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Social media can often make users feel like they’re missing out on experiences that others are having, leading to feelings of anxiety and dissatisfaction.  Cyberbullying: Social media platforms can also be a space for negative interactions like bullying and harassment, which can lead to stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.  Addiction: The instant gratification from likes and comments can lead to addictive behaviors, with individuals feeling compelled to constantly check their feeds. i. Social media can affect attitude and behavior on mental health in various ways, depending on how much you use it and what you use it for.  Positive effects : Social media can enhance connection, increase self-esteem, and improve a sense of belonging. It can also help you find support, express yourself, and learn new things. (Robinson & Smith, 2023)  Negative effects : Social media can also make you feel bad about yourself, mess with your sleep, increase your stress, and expose you to cyberbullying and misinformation. It can also lead to addiction, isolation, and depression.

 Using it more effectively : To reduce the negative effects and increase the positive effects of social media, you can modify your habits and improve your mood by: reducing time online, changing your focus, spending more time with offline friends, expressing gratitude, and seeking professional help if needed. ii. Social media has significantly impacted the way we communicate in several ways: speed and reach, expression and engagement, information overload, changes in nonverbal communication, impact on in-person interactions. (LeBlanc, 2023) 5) Sources a) LeBlanc, T. (2023) How Has Social Media Affected Communication: Facts that Surprise! https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/how-social-media-affected- communication/ b) Robinson, L. Smith, M. (2023). Social Media and Mental Health. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental- health.htm

References: LeBlanc, T. (2023) How Has Social Media Affected Communication: Facts that Surprise! https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/how-social-media-affected-communication/ Robinson, L. Smith, M. (2023). Social Media and Mental Health. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-health.htm

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