Overuse or dependence on technology may have adverse psychological effects, including:
Negative body image
One of the most well-studied effects of social media use is on body image, or how satisfied a person is with their appearance.
A 2022 review notes that image-based social media platforms have a stronger association with a negative body image than text-based platforms, as do several behaviors relating to social media use, such as:
- taking and editing selfies
- viewing “fitspiration” content or posts that promote thinness
- comments that promote an ideal body type
In contrast, body positive content, which promotes a positive view of all bodies regardless of shape or size, had an association with better body image.
Depression
A 2021 review of past research found a weak but significant association between time spent on social media and depression symptoms.
However, there was a stronger link between problematic social media use and depression. This suggests people using social media in less healthy ways could be more at risk for depression.
Again, though, this study does not establish a causal relationship between social media and depression. More research is necessary to understand the relationship.
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