Effects of Social Media on Millennials Mental Health

Abstract This paper will focus on the effects that social media platforms and networks have on the overall millennial generational cohort. Social Media usage is on the rise as new networks are constantly emerging and common/popular sites are experiencing an increase in users. According to the dictionary definition, social media is websites and/or applications that enable users to create and share content or allow users to participate in social networking. Social media affects millennials in more ways than one. Users can typically associate the effects with either a positive and/or a negative effect on mental health. Millennials, aged now between 16-30 years old, are currently the main age group affected by social media. They are the most prevalent age cohort active on sites such as Facebook and Instagram. Many millennial consumers are easily influenced by the followers and content found on social media platforms. The increase seen in the use of social media networks such as Instagram and Facebook among the millennial generation is more prevalent today as compared to those in the past. This increase in the use of social media seems to tie back and be related to the rising numbers of millennials experiencing higher levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. While often associated with mental illnesses, social media does aid in promoting mental health benefits as well, such as connections, awareness, and reliability. Social media sites are constantly evolving and paving way for potential opportunities and/or threats