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“Forty-five percent of teens say they use the internet “almost constantly” (Pew Research Study). Depending on who you ask, social media is a great way to stay in touch with friends or is the single source of all society’s problems today. So how do we make sense of social media when considering our mental health and the mental health of our families?
Simply put, there are no amount of characters that can adequately capture our human lives and experiences. While we can try to present ourselves honestly on social media, the needed reminder for adults and teens alike is that we are seeing a mere fragment of who people are. Social media often presents a highlight reel of a character that we create. While highlights are fun and awesome, Christ came not just for our highlights. He came for us, brokenness and all. He came for the boring parts, the ups, the downs, the ugly moments too. He longs to transform the entirety of our lives, but often social media only presents an image of life that leaves us feeling inadequate or incomplete.
Left unchecked, the highlight reels of social media can leave us comparing ourselves to others on a daily basis. Online we see the best selfies, clothes, and experiences, which can leave us thinking: I’m not good enough, I’ll never look like them, I’ll never have friends like them, I don’t have a purpose. But, social media doesn’t just entertain; it educates. It can educate us on incomplete and unfulfilling expectations and standards about life, love, relationships, and identity.
These messages through social media have the power to break through cultures, beliefs, and values. Many studies show that teens who grow up in families with strong values will still find themselves inundated by the truths and ideologies social media supplies. Studies also show that more screen time can lead to unhealthy sleep cycles, anxiety, depression, and more. Young people are left with unhelpful conclusions about who they are or who they are called to be based on what is popular and shared online. They often are distracted or never truly discover their primary identity as beloved sons and daughters of an all-loving Father.
So do we recede to the Amish countryside, or what? Like most things, we are called to moderation and balance. There’s no quick fix or miracle tool for the dilemmas social media creates, but the small things do make a difference. Here are some reminders when considering mental health and social media for teens and adults alike:
Social media has real implications in the lives of teens and families. It can affect how we relate to and love one another and view ourselves. Christ calls us to examine who we are in the light of His love for us and apply this as we navigate the messages and standards that social media presents.
Original Article at https://lifeteen.com/blog/social-media-mental-health/
To schedule an appointment with Adam Cross LMFT #116623 please call (805) 428-3755, email amc.cross7@gmail.com, or visit the contact page.
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