If someone asked you to do a task continuously throughout the entirety of your waking hours, you’d probably be a bit put off. Folding clothes for 16 hours straight? Typing emails for 16 hours straight? No way.
But for so many, social media is exactly that. A continuous availability. Because your online access fits quite literally in your hand, it can be hard to switch off.
The 24/7 stream
So teenagers, if you think of your parent’s experience as teens, it was much different than it is today. For them, it was easy to put away the day-to-day stressors of developing and navigating friendships and relationships when the final bell rang for the day. The only way they could be reached was by a phone call – usually on a landline phone – by an email – on the family computer, of course, – or by seeing someone in person.
Today, things are vastly different. Teens struggle with burn out when it comes to socializing because, well, the socializing never really seems to end. The ping of a text message, the glaring notification symbol on an app on your phone’s home screen, the familiar jingle of Facetime. Sound familiar? The notifications and calls for interaction – and to always be available – never seem to end.
It takes a toll – and it’s not just time
Research has shown this constant barrage of social media has serious consequences beyond the feeling of burnout, linking aspects of social media use to depression, anxiety and even a higher risk of suicide.
It’s not just the constant availability, but also the content that can be detrimental. Studies indicate that emotionally intense videos and posts – especially those involving conflict, social issues, or environmental concerns – can deeply impact both teenagers and adults. Additionally, the increasing use of AI has further complicated web of social media, as videos can now be manipulated or entirely generated to present highly realistic but misleading and inaccurate stories. As a result, being able to assess digital content for accuracy is a necessary skill – but one that comes with added stress.
Unplugging and unwinding
So what can we do to combat all of this? Take a purposeful break from social media is the obvious first step. Allie Medina, clinic supervisor for Catholic Charities, stresses breaks don’t have to be all or nothing.
“Taking a social media break has lots of wiggle room. This can look like anything from taking a week or month off to simply decreasing your social media usage by an hour, or even capping your screen time to one hour per day,” Medina says. “The important thing is that you purposefully take time to disconnect. For increased benefits, you can incorporate self-care in that newly found time – things like taking a walk, reading a book, meditating or journaling. All of those things are going to have a far better positive impact on your mental health and your overall wellbeing.”
For parents navigating these swirling social media waters, Medina has some tips to keep things simple and effective:
- Limit your teens use of social media by making time limits on their devices and routinely reviewing their content.
- Keep an eye on your teen for any changes in behavior or routine, such as eating habits, a reduction of interest in their favorite activities, hygiene and sleep habits.
- Foster an environment of honesty and trust to allow your teen to come to you with anything, without the fear of repercussions. Because let’s face it: social media can be filled with content that is disturbing, confusing, or worrisome. Creating a safe space where your teen can talk candidly and ask questions is essential.
To connect with Catholic Charities Behavioral Health, please call 1-877-448-4466.
