Written by Anisha, Senior Director
Social Media Fatigue is defined as “high levels of information overload experienced due to extensive usage of social media” (Sunil et al., 2022). The effects can be significant on youth health, impacting both their mental and social well-being.
Below are some causes and the impacts that Social Media Fatigue can have on youth health:
Causes:
Overuse of platforms
Information overload
Constant notifications
Pressure to maintain online persona
Comparison and competition
Impacts:
Overwhelmed + anxious
Reluctance to engage or post
Mental exhaustion
Reduced productivity
Stress + anxiety
Depression
Lower self-esteem
Burnout
Sleep disturbances
Eye strain
Sedentary lifestyle leading to physical health issues
Impact on Academic Performance:
Distraction from studies
Reduced attention span
Time management issues
Peer Pressure and Social Comparison:
Fear of missing out (FOMO)
Pressure to conform to trends
Competition for likes and followers
Cyberbullying and Online Harassment
Impact of viral challenges on youth behavior
Body Image and Self-Esteem:
Influence of filtered and edited images
Unrealistic beauty standards
Comparison with influencers and celebrities
Privacy & Security Concerns:
Awareness of data privacy
Risks of oversharing
Safe online practices
Recently, there have been more Youth-Led Initiatives that are looking to tackle Social Media Fatigue. The first I came across is campaigns for Digital Detox. Digital Detox aims to raise awareness about the importance of taking breaks from social media to reduce the effects mentioned above. In Canada, screen-free spaces are encouraged where there are wifi-less cafés and laptop-free hours as part of a movement encouraging individuals to unplug.
Post COVID, #IAMWHOLEUK created a worldwide campaign called “Switch Off for Mental Health” to raise awareness about the impact that social media has on our lives and to help individuals form healthier relationships with their devices. Their campaigns have reached over 647.3 million individuals worldwide and gained traction from celebrities as well.
Further Readings: