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Our Conclusions:
Social Media...
- Hurts the Physical and Mental Health of Teens
- Hinders Formation of Face-To-Face Connections
- Can be an Avenue for Self-Expression, Identity Exploration, and Socialization
Lack of real life connections
We conclude that social media hinders the formation of face-to-face connections, and is inadequate when compared to offline relationships. Human beings require regular interaction in order to maintain a healthy psychological state [5]. The interconnectedness that social media offers is expected to alleviate the issues that arise from loneliness [6]. However, we find that loneliness remains pervasive in societies where social media is used the most [6]. Furthermore, social media sites are structured in a way that promotes the asynchronous posting and consumption of information about others, which creates an environment that encourages social comparison [7]. Researchers conducted a study that found when lonely people turn to social media, they end up feeling more lonely and isolated due to social comparisons [7]. The study also concluded that usage of multiple social media sites – specifically Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – were predictors of negative feelings [7]. In contrast, direct interactions, defined as occurring face-to-face or vocally, were predictors of increased positive feelings and decreased negative feelings. Although one might argue that social media can facilitate the formation of offline relationships, social media platforms rather promote the asynchronous posting of data [7].
In the movie, we find that Kayla’s relationships with her friends and father are hindered by social media distractions, resulting in inadequate relationships. For example, Kayla ignores her father at the dinner table and prefers to devote her attention to her phone. Furthermore, when Kayla attempts to speak with Kennedy, Kennedy ignores Kayla and focuses on her phone instead. Towards the end of the movie, when Kayla is conversing with Olivia and her friends, Kayla is no longer distracted by her phone, and enjoys the conversations and new relationships she is making. At the end of the movie, Kayla sits with her father by the fire, without any distractions, where she is able to finally and authentically connect with her father.
Negative physical/physiological affects of social media
We concluded that social media has a strong negative affect on both physical and psychological health. social media is addictive, it activates a rewards system in the brain. It releases quickly fading feelings of happy chemicals such as dopamine when someone receives positive comments or likes on social media [8]. Social media is unpredictive therefore it pulls users back repeatedly until it makes them sick. It's like a slot machine in which players continue to play because there is a slight chance they could make money. Engagement on social media is like that possible desired outcome [8].
Social media's ability to cause isolation and loneliness can cause people to miss out on the benefits of In person interactions. Having an active social life with face to face interactions can also produce healthier responses in the nervous system. It releases a the happy chemicals of dopamine and oxytocin while also regulating stress and anxiety [9]. It helps to lower cortisol which is the main stress hormone [9]. It has been also researched that having an active social life can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes as well. A study conducted in Maastricht University found participants who didn’t join in with club activities or associate with any social groups were 60% more likely to have prediabetes [9]. These findings support the idea that resolving social isolation may prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. It is extremely important to be able to use social media in moderation in order to avoid any of these health risks.
Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Studies have shown that using social media for over three hours per day leads to doubled risk of experiencing mental health issues. These issues derive in part from the comparative nature of social media, that being the environment in which the normality and imperfections of one’s own life are constantly being contrasted with the performative nature of public social media appearances. When the only aspects of another’s life that are seen are those that are carefully curated and selected, the expectation is placed on the user that their everyday life should be that perfect.
Social Media and Self-Expression
Also explored in the film Eighth Grade is the benefits of social media use for self-expression. This is seen most obviously in the form of Kayla’s YouTube videos, which act as a narrative device for the film, and a coping mechanism for Kayla herself. By giving advice on things that she currently struggles with, she vents and helps deal with her own personal experiences with anxiety, building her confidence in self-expression.
Studies looking at queer youth have found benefits of self-expression in this way, with the ability of being able to disclose and explore one’s identity online resulting in mental health benefits [1]. This particular use of social media was fully or partially associated with lower levels of paranoia, anxiety, and hostility in queer youth [2]. However, these benefits of exploring one’s identity were not found the same way in heterosexual youth, suggesting that these effects are more exclusive to those whose identities are marginalized or who do not have the ability to express themselves freely outside of an online space [2].
Another example of the benefits of online self-expression is the discussion and de-stigmatization of mental health issues. One study analyzed the comments under YouTube vlogs of people discussing their personal experiences with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), finding that there were dominant positive themes such as offering advice, support, solidarity, education, and connection [3]. The video served as a communal space for those that sought out that connection, common ground, or education, surrounding BPD.
Teens themselves also report the benefits of self-expression online, with 71% saying that what they see on social media makes them feel “like they have a place where they can show their creative side” [4]. 67% say that social media can help make them feel “like they have people who can support them through tough times,” and 57% say that it helps them feel more accepted [4].
References:
[1] Yao, X., Zhao, Y. C., Song, S., & Wang, X. (2022). Beyond disclosure: The role of self-identity and context collapse in privacy management on identified social media for LGBTQ+ people. Journal of Documentation, 79(3), 718–742. https://doi.org/10.1108/jd-04-2022-0080
[2] Ceglarek, Peter J.D., and L. Monique Ward. “A tool for help or harm? how associations between social networking use, social support, and mental health differ for sexual minority and heterosexual youth.” Computers in Human Behavior, vol. 65, 2016, pp. 201–209, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.07.051.
[3] King, Clare M., and Darragh McCashin. “Commenting and connecting: A thematic analysis of responses to YouTube vlogs about borderline personality disorder.” Internet Interventions, vol. 28, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2022.100540.
[4] Anderson, Monica. “Connection, Creativity and Drama: Teen Life on Social Media in 2022.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 16 Nov. 2022, www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/11/16/connection-creativity-and-drama-teen-life-on-social-media-in-2022/. Accessed 10 October, 2023.
[5] Halston, Abby, et al. "Social media and loneliness." International journal of psychological studies 11.3 (2019): 27-38.
[6] Matthew Pittman, Brandon Reich, Social media and loneliness: Why an Instagram picture may be worth more than a thousand Twitter words, Computers in Human Behavior, Volume 62, 2016, Pages 155-167, ISSN 0747-5632, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.03.084.
[7] Wirtz, D., Tucker, A., Briggs, C. et al. How and Why Social Media Affect Subjective Well-Being: Multi-Site Use and Social Comparison as Predictors of Change Across Time. J Happiness Stud 22, 1673–1691 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-020-00291-z
[8] “The Social Dilemma: Social Media and Your Mental Health.” Here’s How Social Media Affects Your Mental Health | McLean Hospital, McLean Hospital, 18 Jan. 2023, www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/it-or-not-social-medias-affecting-your-mental health#:~:text=Social%20media%20use%20can%20affect,%2C%20muscle%20tension%2C%20and%20tremors.
[9] “Is Social Media Causing Social Isolation?” Social Media and Social Isolation | Relationships Australia QLD, Relationships Australia, 20 Apr. 2022, www.raq.org.au/blog/social-media-causing-social-isolation.
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